Published Knowledge

How to Run a Windows Security Quick Scan

Published Security Beginner 5 to 10 minutes
Back to Published Articles

Reviewed knowledge

This article has been approved for use in Gnojo.

Overview

This article supports the Run a Windows Security Quick Scan step in the Computer Running Slowly workflow. It explains how to perform a Microsoft Defender Quick Scan to identify common malware that may be affecting system performance before continuing with additional troubleshooting.

Troubleshooting Checklist

  1. Save any open work before beginning.
  2. Open Windows Security.
  3. Select Virus & threat protection.
  4. Select Quick scan and allow the scan to complete without interruption.
  5. Review any detected threats or recommended actions.
  6. If threats are found, follow your organization's malware remediation procedures before continuing.
  7. Record the scan results and return to the troubleshooting workflow.

Common Indicators

  • No threats were detected.
  • Potential threats were identified.
  • Microsoft Defender recommends additional actions.
  • The Quick Scan completed successfully.
  • Windows Security reports that virus definitions require updating.

Commands 

start windowsdefender

Opens Windows Security.

Related Topics

Computer Running Slowly Update Microsoft Defender Run a Full Scan Microsoft Defender Offline Scan Malware Remediation

Knowledge Check

What should you verify after completing a Windows Security Quick Scan?

  • Review the scan results and record any detected threats.
  • Close Windows Security without reviewing the results.
  • Disable Microsoft Defender.

Official Sources and References

Stay protected with the Windows Security app

External technical reference

Open Source

Article Details

Article ID
windows-slow-run-security-scan
Schema version
1.0
Review status
approved
Reviewed by
Codex Runtime Verification
Reviewed at
2026-08-08T22:46:51.426040+00:00