How to scan a file manually with Microsoft Defender Antivirus on Windows 10
Do you have a suspicious file? If so, you can scan it for malware manually using Microsoft Defender Antivirus on Windows 10 – here are three ways to complete the task.
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Microsoft Defender Antivirus is the anti-malware application that comes integrated with every installation of Windows 10. Out of the box, it provides robust real-time protection against viruses, ransomware, spyware, and many other types of malware and hackers.
Although the antivirus is always monitoring and periodically scanning your files to detect and remove unwanted malware automatically, sometimes, you may still want to check a specific file or folder manually to make sure they do not contain any kind of viruses or malicious code that may harm your computer and files.
If you must scan a file or folder manually, Microsoft Defender includes at least three different scan methods using the File Explorer, Command Prompt, and even PowerShell.
In this Windows 10 guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to scan a file or folder with Microsoft Defender Antivirus without the need for a full scan.
How to scan a file or folder manually with Microsoft Defender using File Explorer
To perform a manual scan for a specific file or folder with Microsoft Defender, use these steps:
As you complete the steps, the Windows Security app will open in the “Virus & threat protection” page, where you’ll be able to see the scan progress, result, and require action if malware is detected.
You can also use the “Custom scan” option from the “Virus & threat protection” section to perform custom scans. However, you can only use it to scan folders, not a specific file, which is why we’re not listing this option.
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How to scan a file or folder manually with Defender using Command Prompt
To scan a specific folder or file manually using Command Prompt, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, Microsoft Defender will scan the files, and if they’re clean, you’ll receive the “found no threats” message. Also,you can use this guideto manage many other aspects of the antivirus.
How to scan a file or folder manually with Defender using PowerShell
To scan a file or folder manually using PowerShell, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, Microsoft Defender Antivirus will only scan the file you specified for viruses in the location you selected.
In addition to scanning a specific file or folder, the Microsoft Defender Antivirus modules in PowerShell allow you to manage many other functionalities. You cancheck this comprehensive guidefor more information.
Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.
