How to Scan for Potentially Unwanted Applications with Windows Defender

Does Windows Defender scan for viruses?
How do I get rid of potentially unwanted apps on Windows 10?
How do I scan faster with Windows Defender?
How do I get rid of potentially unwanted apps?
Does Windows Defender scan all drives?
Do I need additional antivirus if I have Windows Defender?
Should I turn on potentially unwanted app blocking?
What are the unwanted apps in Windows 10?
How do I find unwanted programs?
How do I scan with Windows 10 defender?
How can I tell if Windows Defender is on?
How do I scan with Windows Defender?

Does Windows Defender scan for viruses?

Windows 10 (and the older 8.1) includes an antivirus tool called Windows Defender. This protects you against viruses and scans for malware on your PC.

How do I get rid of potentially unwanted apps on Windows 10?

To turn on potentially unwanted app blocking go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > App & browser control > Reputation-based protection settings.

How do I scan faster with Windows Defender?

First, open the Start menu and type “Windows Security.” Click on the “Windows Security” app icon that pops up. In the sidebar, click “Virus & Threat Protection.” It's possible to do a quick scan from here by clicking the “Quick Scan” button.

How do I get rid of potentially unwanted apps?

STEP 1: Uninstall the malicious programs from Windows. ...
STEP 2: Use Malwarebytes to remove Potentially Unwanted Programs. ...
STEP 3: Use HitmanPro to scan for malware and unwanted programs. ...
STEP 4: Double-check for malicious programs with Zemana AntiMalware Free. ...
STEP 5: Reset the browser settings to their original defaults.

Does Windows Defender scan all drives?

Windows Defender Antivirus doesn't scan removable drives during full scans by default, but there are ways to enable the functionality. ... However, if you thought a "full scan" meant that the antivirus would check every storage device connected to your computer, think again.

Do I need additional antivirus if I have Windows Defender?

The short answer is that the bundled security solution from Microsoft is pretty good at most things. But the longer answer is that it could do better—and you can still do better with a third-party antivirus app.

Should I turn on potentially unwanted app blocking?

We recommend that you turn it on, and that you enable both block apps and block downloads. Block apps will detect PUA that you've already downloaded or installed, so if you're using a different browser, or if you got the PUA before turning this on, Windows Security can still help protect you.

What are the unwanted apps in Windows 10?

Here are several unnecessary Windows 10 apps, programs, and bloatware you should remove.
...
12 Unnecessary Windows Programs and Apps You Should Uninstall

QuickTime.
CCleaner. ...
Crappy PC Cleaners. ...
uTorrent. ...
Adobe Flash Player and Shockwave Player. ...
Java. ...
Microsoft Silverlight. ...
All Toolbars and Junk Browser Extensions.

How do I find unwanted programs?

Go to your Control Panel in Windows, click on Programs and then on Programs and Features. You'll see a list of everything that's installed on your machine. Go through that list, and ask yourself: do I *really* need this program? If the answer is no, hit the Uninstall/Change button and get rid of it.

How do I scan with Windows 10 defender?

Scan an item with Windows Security in Windows 10

To scan specific files or folders, right-click the ones you want then select Scan with Microsoft Defender. ...
To turn on Microsoft Defender Antivirus in Windows Security, go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection.

How can I tell if Windows Defender is on?

Option 1: In your System tray click on the ^ to expand the running programs. If you see the shield your Windows Defender is running and active.

How do I scan with Windows Defender?

How to Scan a Computer with Windows Defender

Select the Start menu button.
In the Search programs and files text box, type "Windows Defender".
Select Windows Defender .
You may be prompted to check for updates. ...
To scan your computer, click Scan .
Windows Defender will scan your computer and alert you if any malicious activity is discovered.