Malware can be a significant threat to the security and health of your computer. It can cause serious damage to your files and even steal sensitive information from your system. This is why it’s essential to have a reliable malware scanner to keep your system safe. One such tool is the Microsoft Safety Scanner. This article will guide you on how to use the Microsoft Safety Scanner to scan for malware.

Step 1: Download and Install Microsoft Safety Scanner

The very first step in using the Microsoft Safety Scanner is to download it from Microsoft’s website. It’s a free tool; you don’t have to pay a single penny to use it. Once you’ve downloaded the tool, install it on your computer.

Step 2: Open Microsoft Safety Scanner

After the installation process is complete, locate the Microsoft Safety Scanner on your computer and open it. You can also search for the tool using the Start menu’s search box.

Step 3: Choose a Scan Type

Once you’ve opened the Microsoft Safety Scanner, you’ll see a few options. You can choose to do a quick, full, or customized scan. A quick scan is the fastest option, and it scans the most critical areas of your computer. A full scan takes a more extended period than a quick scan and scans your entire computer thoroughly. A customized scan allows you to choose the areas you want to scan.

Step 4: Start the Scan

After selecting the scan type, click on the “Scan Now” button to start the scanning process. You may be prompted to choose the type of file you want to scan (such as compressed files) before starting the scan.

Step 5: Wait for the Scan to Complete

The time taken to complete a scan depends on the size of your computer’s files and folders. During the scanning process, Microsoft Safety Scanner will look for any signs of malware on your system. You’ll see a progress bar that indicates the scan’s progress.

Step 6: Review the Scan Results

Once the scan is complete, Microsoft Safety Scanner will show you the results of the scan. If it finds malware, it will ask you whether you want to remove it. Click on the remove button to clean your computer of malware.

Step 7: Restart your Computer

After removing malware, you need to restart your computer. This will ensure that any remaining malware is removed from your system’s memory completely.

In conclusion, using Microsoft Safety Scanner to scan for malware is an effective way of protecting your computer from malware. It’s free and easy to use, and it can quickly scan your computer for any malware. However, it’s essential to have updated anti-malware software to ensure your computer is always protected from the latest malware threats.