Windows Antivirus
Built-in protection that works.
1. Windows Defender
Free, built into Windows 10 and 11. Equal to most paid antivirus tools.
2. Open Security
Open Start, type Windows Security. The shield icon shows your status.
3. Quick Scan
Click Virus & threat protection, Quick scan. Takes 5-10 minutes.
4. Full Scan once a month
Choose Scan options, Full scan. Best done overnight when you don't need the PC.
5. Skip pop-ups about extra antivirus
Pop-ups urging you to buy McAfee or Norton are usually scams. Defender is enough.
6. Real protection
Don't open email attachments from unknown senders. Most viruses arrive that way.
If a website warns your PC is infected, close the page. Real antivirus warnings come from Windows, not websites.