3 Best Ways to Detect and Remove Malware in Windows 11

Quick Tips

Be on the lookout for signs of malware, which include your Windows 11 PC running slow, crashing, or certain programs or apps not running properly.
Use your built-in Windows Security services to detect and eliminate threats.
You can also utilize third-party software and uninstall suspicious apps.

Malware, or malicious software, is a category that includes viruses, adware, and snippets of code that can steal your personal information. Statistics show that there are 190,000 malware attacks each second, so knowing how to detect malware in Windows 11 is an essential skill. Here are three simple Windows 11 malware detection methods you can start using straight away.

Method #1: Windows 11 Malware Detection Using Windows Security

Step 1: All Windows 11 machines come with Windows Security built in. To access the Security center, search for “security” using the bar at the bottom of your screen.

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Step 2: Click on “Virus & threat protection.”

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Step 3: Look for the “Current threats” section and click on “Scan options.” Choose the option for Microsoft Defender Antivirus offline scan. Be aware that this can take up to 15 minutes and will restart your PC. You’ll be shown any malware or other threats, and the antivirus software will automatically eliminate these.

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Method #2: How to Detect Malware in Windows 11 Using Third-Party Software

Step 1: You can purchase and download many different types of antivirus and anti-malware software. Some promise more in-depth protection than Windows Security and Microsoft Defender. Check features and reviews carefully before making any purchase. For this example, the user has installed Norton Security Ultra. Start by finding and opening the security app.

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Step 2: Ignore the “Run Smart Scan” button and click on “Scans” so you can choose your own scan options.

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Step 3: Choose the option for “Full Scan” and press “Start.” Again, you can expect to wait a while for this to finish, and whatever security provider you use, you’ll be given a comprehensive list of any detected threats. Your antivirus software will eliminate these threats and may make further protection recommendations.

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Method #3: Uninstall Suspicious Software and Apps

Step 1: If you notice that your Windows 11 PC is running slow or crashing after installing a certain app, you can remove that app, although it’s also recommended to run one of the above scans as well. Some malware can move from location to location once on your PC, which is why regular malware scans are important. To start uninstalling any application, open Settings. You can search for this using the search bar or use the quick function on your keyboard: “I” plus the Windows key.

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Step 2: Click “Apps” followed by “Installed apps.”

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Step 3: Browse the list of apps to find the one that’s causing you problems. By default, these apps are in alphabetical order. You can adjust this using the “Sort” function in the top right. There’s also a search function at the top of the page.

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Step 4: Once you’ve found the relevant app, click the three dots icon and choose “Uninstall.” Note: The app in the example isn’t infected with malware. The user is just utilizing it as an example for the uninstall method. Follow all the onscreen prompts and always restart your machine once the uninstallation process is complete. When combined with effective malware scans, you should find that your Windows 11 machine runs faster and with fewer problems.