How to run a full virus scan
A quick scan is not enough when you are worried. Here is how to run a thorough full scan.
A video walkthrough for this guide is coming soon.
- Update your antivirus. Make sure virus definitions are current before you scan.
- Choose Full Scan. Open your antivirus and pick Full Scan, not Quick Scan — it checks every file.
- Let it finish. A full scan can take an hour or more; leave it running.
- Act on the results. Quarantine or remove anything flagged, then restart your PC.
Which antivirus should you use? See our best antivirus of 2026.