How to Scan Your Computer for Malware on Windows PC & Mac | Tech Tips

When’s the last time you did a manual scan of your computer for malware? Do you know what might be lurking around your computer? Luckily, for both Windows and Mac users, it’s easy to scan your computer for malware to make sure your files and information is secure. Watch this Impact Tech Tips video to get the step-by-step process. 

How to Scan Computers for Malware

Regularly scanning for malware is essential to protect your data, maintain your computer’s performance, and to prevent security breaches.  

Malware can do a lot of damage very quickly—like stealing information, damaging files, and disrupting your work. For businesses, a single infection can compromise entire networks, including customer data, while individuals risk personal information theft.

Frequent scans help detect threats earlier, ensuring devices remain secure, efficient, and protected against evolving cyberattacks that are harder than ever to find.

How to Scan for Malware on Windows PCs

Windows 10 and 11 come with built-in security features that continuously scan for malware, viruses, and other threats. Windows 11 can also automatically update its security to protect against evolving dangers.  

But, if you suspect an issue, you can manually scan your device for malware, too, and do this anytime you want, as frequently as you want, but in a few different ways:

Scanning a Specific File:

1. Right-click in File Explorer
2. Select “Scan for Threats” or “Scan with Microsoft Defender”

Performing a Quick Scan:

1. Click “Start”
2. Go to Settings
3. Select “Privacy & Security”
4. Navigate to “Windows Security”
5. Then, select “Virus & Threat Protection” and use that window to find information about potential malware in your computer

If more concerns persist, opt for an Advanced Scan (using the same steps as a quick scan). This offers three options: a full scan of all files and programs, a custom scan for specific items, or a Microsoft Defender Offline scan that runs before Windows loads, targeting hard-to-detect malware.

How to Scan for Malware on a Mac

Scanning for malware on a Mac involves a multi-layered defense system. Macs use three key tools to prevent and address malware.  

1. The App Store: Apple’s App Store has strict guidelines to keep malware out of available apps.  
2. Apple’s Notarization Process: This process scans developer apps for malware before they’re approved for launch. This approval can be revoked if malware is detected later.  
3. XProtect: This is Apple’s built-in antivirus. It uses YARA signatures for signature-based detection and automatic updates to identify and remove malware. XProtect can also detect unknown malware through behavioral analysis.  

To manually scan for malware, users can download a notarized app like CleanMyMacX from the App Store.

Paid & Free Options to Scan for Malware

Both Windows 11 PCs and Macs come with built-in antivirus software, but additional paid security options are available and, in most cases, they provide additional features. But the key question is: are they worth it?  

Paid antivirus software offers several advantages:  

• It includes extra layers of protection, such as stronger firewalls and advanced AI-driven features
• It’s more proactive in detecting and preventing threats
• It’s often backed by companies dedicated to cybersecurity, providing frequent updates and reliable support

However, the downside is the cost, which may not fit everyone’s budget. Free built-in software saves money but offers limited protection and tends to be reactive rather than proactive, potentially exposing users to greater risk.

About Impact’s Tech Tips

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