How to Run a Full Windows Security Checkup

Learn how to perform a comprehensive security checkup on your Windows 11 system using built-in Windows Security tools to detect and remove threats.

1. Open the Windows Security dashboard. Click the Start button and type Windows Security. Press Enter to launch the primary security management console.
2. Assess current protection status. Select Virus & threat protection from the dashboard menu. Ensure the status displays a green checkmark under Current threats.
3. Install the latest security definitions. Under Virus & threat protection updates, select Protection updates. Click the Check for updates button to ensure your definitions are current.
4. Execute a full security scan. Click Scan options below the Quick scan button. Select Full scan, then click Scan now to perform a comprehensive analysis of all files and running programs on your hard drive.
5. Review scan results and history. Once the scan completes, view the results under the Scan options area. If threats are found, Windows will prompt you to take action, such as Quarantining or Removing the detected items.
6. Enable advanced security features. Return to the main dashboard and select App & browser control. Ensure Reputation-based protection is turned on to block potentially unwanted applications.