Tutorial: Virus Scans and System Cleanup (PC)

 

Tutorial: Virus Scans & System Cleanup (PC)

1. Running a Virus Scan with Windows Defender (Microsoft Defender Antivirus)

Windows 10/11:

1. Click the Start Menu and type Windows Security. Open it.

2. In the Windows Security window, click Virus & threat protection.

3. Under Current threats, click Quick Scan to immediately scan important areas of your computer.

4. For a deeper scan:

   • Click Scan options under the Current threats section.

   • Choose Full Scan and click Scan Now. (This may take 1-2 hours.)

Notes:

• Ensure that Windows is fully updated by checking Windows Update.

• Threats found will be quarantined automatically or prompt you for action.

2. Running a Scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

If Malwarebytes is already installed:

1. Open Malwarebytes.

2. On the main Dashboard, click the Scan button.

3. Malwarebytes will begin a Threat Scan which checks memory, startup items, registry, and file system.

4. If anything is found, Malwarebytes will automatically quarantine it. You may need to click Quarantine Selected.

5. After the scan, restart the computer if prompted.

If Malwarebytes is not installed:

• Download from Malwarebytes Official Site.

• Install and select Use Malwarebytes Free if you don't want the Premium trial.

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3. Running a Scan with Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT)

Manual Usage:

1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog.

2. Type mrt and press Enter.

3. The Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool will open.

4. Click Next.

5. Choose the type of scan:

   • Quick scan (recommended)

   • Full scan (for deep scanning of all files)

   • Customized scan (scan specific folders)

6. Click Next to start the scan.

Note:

• MSRT is automatically updated monthly via Windows Update.

• It's a supplemental tool, not a full antivirus program.

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4. Cleaning Cache and Temp Files with BleachBit

If BleachBit is installed:

1. Open BleachBit (you may need to run as Administrator for deeper cleaning: Right-click > Run as Administrator).

2. The list of cleaning options appears on the left.

3. Check the boxes next to areas you want to clean:

   • Recommended: System > Temporary Files, System > Recycle Bin, Internet Cache (Browser-specific options like Chrome, Edge, Firefox).

4. Optionally, click Preview to see how much space will be freed.

5. Click Clean to start the cleaning process.

If BleachBit is not installed:

• Download from BleachBit Official Site.

Notes:

• Be careful with the options like "Deep Scan" or "Free disk space," as these take longer and aren't usually necessary for basic cleaning.

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Summary Cheat-Sheet

• Windows Defender – Good for a full system antivirus scan.

• Malwarebytes – Great for finding adware, malware, and PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs).

• MSRT – Additional Microsoft tool for cleaning major malware infections.

• BleachBit – Cleans junk files, cache, logs, and frees up space.

Created & Maintained by Pacific Northwest Computers

Pacific NW Computers

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www.pacificnwcomputers.com