Windows 10: Can Windows Defender do scans for virus and malware?

I had a fake malware warning show up on my computer, called the "2V7HGTVB" scam. I didn't fall for it and didn't call the phone number given, but I thought it would be a good idea to scan my computer, which has Windows 10 in S mode.I asked Copilot, and was given several instructions on how to do it with Windows Defender, and all of it was wrong. I can find no option to do a scan. Does anyone know if there is any way to do it?FYI, here is a screen shot of the scam message. If you ever see this, DON'T call the number!

:)

 

Windows defender crash during scan

might be malware! i had similar issue with defender and other Av..its bad ass malware..
use anykind of av rescue disk and scan with that!!!

 

Windows defender crash during scan

mentioned MalwareBytes above

RE: Nope, didn't work. I had a nasty virus hidden and the best thing I did was buy Kaspersky PURE 3.0.
Kaspersky picked it up and cleaned it out.
And I also bought Malwarebytes which works seamless with Kaspersky.

One shouldn't be home without it.

 

virus and malware

Hi Zac,

Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft Community.

I understand the inconvenience you are facing currently. Let me help you in resolving the issue.

I would appreciate if you can provide us the following information to help us understand the issue better.

• Since when are you facing this issue?
• Did you make any changes in prior to this issue?
• What is the exact message you get on the screen?
• Have you installed or running any anti-virus software?
• Are you connect to a network?

As of now, I would recommend that you perform full system scan check if there is any virus or malware infections using Windows Defender.

Windows Defender is included with Windows and helps protect your PC against
malware (malicious software). Malware consists of viruses, spyware, and other potentially unwanted software. Malware can infect your PC without your knowledge: it might install itself from an email message, when you connect to the Internet, or when you
install certain apps using a USB flash drive, CD, DVD, or other removable media. Some malware can also be programmed to run at unexpected times, not only when it's installed.

Windows Defender helps keep malware from infecting your PC in two ways:

• 
  Providing real-time protection. Windows Defender notifies you and blocks malware that tries to install itself or run on your PC. It also notifies you when apps try to change important settings.
  
• 
  Providing anytime scanning options. Windows Defender automatically scans your PC for installed malware on a regular basis, but you can also start a scan whenever you want. Windows Defender automatically quarantines or removes anything that's
  detected during a scan. For more info about how to scan your PC using Windows Defender, see
  
  How do I find and remove a virus?
  

When you use Windows Defender, it's important to have up-to-date definitions. Definitions are files that act like an ever-growing encyclopedia of potential software threats. Windows Defender uses definitions to detect any malware and to notify you of potential
risks.

Hope the information helps. Keep us posted on Windows related queries and we will be happy to assist you further.