A full system scan on Windows 10 can be initiated from the Security Center or Command Prompt. This guide explains how to run a full system scan on windows 10 using built-in tools. You don’t need third-party software to keep your PC safe. Windows Defender is free and effective.
Malware can slow down your computer. It can steal personal data. A full scan checks every file and program. It takes longer than a quick scan but finds more threats. Let’s walk through the process step by step.
How To Run A Full System Scan On Windows 10
Windows Security is your main control center. It includes antivirus protection. You can access it from the Start menu. Here’s how to start a full scan from there.
Open Windows Security
Click the Start button. Type “Windows Security” in the search bar. Press Enter. The app opens with a shield icon. You’ll see several protection areas.
- Virus & threat protection
- Account protection
- Firewall & network protection
- App & browser control
- Device security
- Device performance & health
- Family options
Click on “Virus & threat protection.” This is where scan options live.
Select Scan Options
Under the “Current threats” section, click “Scan options.” You’ll see four choices:
- Quick scan
- Full scan
- Custom scan
- Windows Defender Offline scan
Select “Full scan.” Then click the “Scan now” button. The scan begins immediately. It checks all files, programs, and running processes.
A full scan can take an hour or more. It depends on your hard drive size and speed. You can keep using your computer during the scan. But performance might slow down.
Monitor Scan Progress
Windows Security shows real-time progress. You’ll see a percentage complete. The number of files scanned updates as it runs. If threats are found, they appear in the results.
After the scan finishes, you’ll see a summary. It lists detected items and actions taken. Most threats are removed automatically. You might need to restart your PC for some removals.
Running A Full Scan From Command Prompt
Some users prefer command-line tools. Command Prompt offers another way to start a full scan. This method is faster for advanced users.
Open Command Prompt As Administrator
Click Start. Type “cmd” or “Command Prompt.” Right-click the result. Choose “Run as administrator.” Click Yes if prompted by User Account Control.
The black window appears. You’ll see a blinking cursor. Now you can type commands.
Use The MsMpEng Command
Windows Defender uses a command-line tool called “MpCmdRun.exe.” Type this command and press Enter:
"%ProgramFiles%\Windows Defender\MpCmdRun.exe" -Scan -ScanType 2
The number 2 means a full scan. Number 1 is a quick scan. Number 3 is a file and folder scan. The scan starts right away.
You’ll see progress updates in the Command Prompt window. It shows the percentage complete. The scan runs in the background. You can close the window if you want. The scan continues.
Check Scan Results
After the scan finishes, Command Prompt shows results. It says “Scan completed” or “Threats found.” If threats are detected, they’re listed. You can review them in Windows Security history.
Open Windows Security. Go to “Virus & threat protection.” Click “Protection history.” You’ll see all scan results and actions taken.
Using Windows PowerShell For A Full Scan
PowerShell is another command-line option. It’s more powerful than Command Prompt. You can also run a full scan here.
Open PowerShell As Administrator
Right-click the Start button. Choose “Windows PowerShell (Admin).” Click Yes if prompted. The blue window appears.
Type this command and press Enter:
Start-MpScan -ScanType FullScan
The scan starts immediately. PowerShell shows progress updates. It takes the same time as other methods.
Review Scan Results In PowerShell
After the scan, PowerShell shows a summary. It lists any threats found. You can also check results later in Windows Security.
To see detailed results, use this command:
Get-MpThreatDetection
This shows all recent detections. It includes threat names, severity, and action taken.
What A Full Scan Actually Checks
A full scan is thorough. It examines every area of your system. Here’s what it covers:
- All files on your hard drive
- Running programs and processes
- Startup locations and registry
- System memory and browser cache
- Network shares and mapped drives
- Compressed files like ZIP and RAR
- Email attachments and downloaded files
It’s the most comprehensive scan option. It catches threats that quick scans might miss. But it’s resource-intensive. Your computer may run slower during the scan.
When To Run A Full Scan
You don’t need to run a full scan every day. Quick scans are fine for regular use. Run a full scan in these situations:
- After downloading suspicious files
- When your PC acts strangely
- After visiting untrusted websites
- When you suspect malware infection
- Before connecting to a network
- After installing new software
- When Windows Security recommends it
Running a full scan monthly is good practice. It keeps your system clean without overusing resources.
Scheduling Automatic Full Scans
You can set Windows Security to run full scans automatically. This ensures regular protection without manual effort.
Use Task Scheduler
Task Scheduler lets you automate scans. Open Start and type “Task Scheduler.” Press Enter. The app opens with a list of tasks.
In the right panel, click “Create Basic Task.” Give it a name like “Full System Scan.” Click Next.
Choose a trigger. You can set it to run daily, weekly, or monthly. Pick a time when your PC is on but not in use. Click Next.
Select “Start a program” as the action. Click Next. In the “Program/script” box, enter:
"%ProgramFiles%\Windows Defender\MpCmdRun.exe"
In the “Add arguments” box, enter:
-Scan -ScanType 2
Click Next and then Finish. The task is created. Your PC will now run a full scan automatically.
Use Group Policy (For Pro Users)
Windows 10 Pro users can use Group Policy. Press Win+R, type “gpedit.msc,” and press Enter. Navigate to:
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Defender Antivirus > Scan
Find “Specify the scan type to use for scheduled scan.” Double-click it. Select Enabled. Choose “Full scan” from the dropdown. Click OK.
This forces Windows Defender to use full scans for scheduled tasks.
What To Do If Threats Are Found
Finding threats during a scan is serious. Windows Security handles most threats automatically. But sometimes you need to take action.
Review Detected Items
After the scan, click “Protection history.” You’ll see a list of threats. Each item shows the threat name, severity, and status.
Common actions include:
- Quarantine – Isolates the threat
- Remove – Deletes the file
- Allow – Lets the file stay (not recommended for unknown threats)
Windows usually applies the best action automatically. You can change it if needed.
Run A Full Scan Again
After removing threats, run another full scan. This ensures no remnants remain. Some malware hides in system areas. A second scan catches leftovers.
If threats keep appearing, consider a Windows Defender Offline scan. This runs before Windows starts. It can remove stubborn malware.
Use Windows Defender Offline Scan
Open Windows Security. Go to “Virus & threat protection.” Click “Scan options.” Select “Windows Defender Offline scan.” Click “Scan now.”
Your PC restarts. The scan runs before Windows loads. It takes about 15 minutes. After it finishes, Windows starts normally. Check results in Protection history.
Common Issues With Full Scans
Sometimes scans don’t work as expected. Here are common problems and fixes.
Scan Stops Or Freezes
A full scan can freeze if your hard drive has errors. Run a disk check first. Open Command Prompt as administrator. Type chkdsk C: /f and press Enter. Restart your PC to let it run.
After the disk check, try the scan again. It should complete without issues.
Scan Takes Too Long
Full scans on large drives can take hours. If it’s too slow, exclude certain folders. Open Windows Security. Go to “Virus & threat protection.” Click “Manage settings” under “Virus & threat protection settings.”
Scroll to “Exclusions.” Click “Add or remove exclusions.” Add folders you trust, like game installations or video files. The scan will skip these and finish faster.
Be careful with exclusions. Only exclude folders you’re sure are safe.
Windows Security Not Working
Sometimes Windows Security won’t open. Try resetting it. Open Settings > Apps > Apps & features. Find “Windows Security.” Click “Advanced options.” Click “Reset.”
After reset, restart your PC. Windows Security should work again. Then run the full scan.
Alternative Methods For Full Scans
Windows Defender isn’t the only option. Third-party tools also work. But they may cost money or show ads.
Using Microsoft Safety Scanner
Microsoft offers a free standalone scanner. Download it from Microsoft’s website. It’s a portable tool. No installation needed.
Run the downloaded file. Accept the license terms. Choose “Full scan.” It works like Windows Defender but is separate.
This tool is good for second opinions. It doesn’t conflict with Windows Defender.
Using Malwarebytes (Free Version)
Malwarebytes is a popular third-party scanner. The free version does manual scans. Download and install it. Open the app. Click “Scan.” Choose “Full scan.”
It finds threats Windows might miss. But the free version doesn’t offer real-time protection. Use it alongside Windows Defender.
Note that Malwarebytes may slow down your system during scans. It’s thorough but resource-heavy.
Best Practices For System Security
Running full scans is part of good security. Combine it with other habits for best protection.
Keep Windows Updated
Windows updates include security patches. Install them promptly. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. Click “Check for updates.”
Updates fix vulnerabilities that malware exploits. They also improve Windows Defender’s detection abilities.
Use Safe Browsing Habits
Avoid clicking suspicious links. Don’t download files from untrusted sources. Use a modern browser with built-in protection.
Microsoft Edge has SmartScreen. It blocks malicious sites and downloads. Enable it in browser settings.
Enable Real-Time Protection
Windows Defender’s real-time protection should always be on. It scans files as you access them. This prevents infections before they start.
Check it in Windows Security. Go to “Virus & threat protection.” Click “Manage settings.” Ensure “Real-time protection” is on.
Back Up Your Data
Regular backups protect against ransomware. Use File History or a cloud service. Store backups on an external drive or online.
If malware encrypts your files, you can restore from backup. This saves you from paying ransoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I run a full system scan on Windows 10?
Monthly full scans are recommended. Quick scans can be done weekly. Adjust based on your usage. If you download files often, scan more frequently.
Can I run a full scan while using my computer?
Yes, you can. The scan runs in the background. But your PC may slow down. For best performance, run it when you’re not working.
Does a full scan delete my files?
No, it only removes threats. Legitimate files are left alone. In rare cases, false positives occur. You can restore quarantined items if needed.
What’s the difference between quick scan and full scan?
A quick scan checks common infection areas. It takes a few minutes. A full scan checks everything. It takes much longer but is more thorough.
Can I schedule a full scan to run automatically?
Yes, using Task Scheduler or Group Policy. Set it to run weekly or monthly. Choose a time when your PC is on but idle.
Final Thoughts On Full System Scans
Running a full scan is simple but important. It protects your data and keeps your PC healthy. Use Windows Security for easy access. Try Command Prompt for faster control.
Don’t forget to update Windows regularly. Combine scans with safe habits. This keeps your system secure without extra cost.
If you encounter issues, refer to the troubleshooting section. Most problems have simple fixes. A clean system runs smoother and lasts longer.
Now you know how to run a full system scan on windows 10. Take a few minutes to run one today. Your computer will thank you.