How to Scan Your Windows PC for Viruses & Malware
Microsoft Safety Scanner is a free, on-demand virus and malware scanning tool provided by Microsoft.
Microsoft Safety Scanner is a free, on-demand virus and malware scanning tool provided by Microsoft. It detects and removes malware, spyware, and other security threats without requiring installation. Unlike real-time antivirus software, Microsoft Safety Scanner only works when manually executed and expires after 10 days, requiring a fresh download for future scans.
Why Use Microsoft Safety Scanner?
Microsoft Safety Scanner is useful for:
- Quick Malware Detection: Identifies and removes active viruses and threats.
- On-Demand Scanning: Works without installation and can be used alongside your existing antivirus.
- Standalone Security Check: Useful if your PC is acting suspiciously, even with antivirus installed.
About the author
Vijayalaxmi D, Senior Cyber Security News Writer
Vijayalaxmi D is Senior Cyber Security News Writer at Demysti5. She covers the consumer side of cybercrime: scam patterns as they emerge, the social-engineering tactics behind today's biggest losses, and the practical, plain-language defences that actually change behaviour. Her writing focuses on Australian readers and the regulatory, banking, and cultural specifics that generic global security content misses.
More from VijayalaxmiRelated reading
More in Devices & browsers
Your turn
Know your Cyber Health score in 60 seconds.
You've read the theory. See your own number, then fix the one 5-minute thing that moves it most this week.