Windows 10: Microsoft Safety Scanner finds 19 infections but reports clean

I'm running Windows 11 Home and downloaded Microsoft Safety Scanner MSS 1.379.184.0 today. I ran MSS twice using the full scan option. Each run took over an hour. The first time, it indexed the "Files Infected" counter up to 19 before completing scanning >2,400,000 files. Then it showed a final screen with zero infections. I ran it again and had exactly the same result: the "Full scan in progress" screen showed a counter that incremented up to 19 files infected, but the final screen shows zero. Here's the message on the final screen:"The scan completed successfully and no viruses, spyw

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Microsoft safety scanner finds no virus?

Hello Anxious,

I am Jaspreet Singh.

Microsoft Scanner works in steps.

So at first stage it will detect what may be an infected file and it will add that to a list. This is the number you see when you see the scanner progressing. These are not actual infections, just suspicious files.

Once the scan is done the safety scanner will match the suspected files with the most recent database of threats and then tell you the actual infections on your system. If the last number is 0 it means no actual infection was found.

 

microsoft safety scanner found infected file, but give no virus at report

Hi Mrpatate76.

I'm David, and I'm happy to help you.

Microsoft Safety Scanner may report that it found threats before the end of the scan and show no detection at the end. What happens is that it finds possible infections, but at the end of the scan, it does a full check on these items, and it may find that there is no infection.

This is normal behavior for Microsoft Safety Scanner.

Therefore, if at the end of the scan, no threats were reported, nothing was found by the Microsoft Safety Scanner.

If you think your computer is infected with a virus, I suggest you do a full scan using Malwarebytes as a second opinion.

Download through this link: Malwarebytes Cybersecurity for Home and Business | Anti-Malware & Antivirus

IMPORTANT: When installing, a 14-day trial will be activated. I suggest disabling this trial to avoid conflict with your current antivirus. Access the Malwarebytes settings (gear icon at the top of the window), tab "Account" and click "Disable".

After scanning, you can uninstall it.

Malwarebytes alone may not be able to detect if it is Adware, so use AdwCleaner as well. It is very effective in removing this type of infection.

Download through this link: AdwCleaner - Free Adware Cleaner & Removal Tool | Malwarebytes

IMPORTANT: AdwCleaner detects pre-installed software and allows you to remove all of its features to improve Windows performance. It might be some software you need. So ignore this option or uncheck the software in the list provided after scanning.

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions.

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Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

 

Unable to Load Microsoft Safety Scanner Web Page


Hi, Which specific URL are you having problems with?

Does this help?
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/2916641
"If a malware infection is preventing you from downloading the Microsoft Safety Scanner to your computer, use one of the following methods to download and run the tool.Method 1: Run the Microsoft Safety Scanner from removable media

Save the Microsoft Safety Scanner to removable media on an uninfected computer, and then run the tool on the infected computer. To do this, follow these steps:........................................"

You can also get the scanner here e.g.
Microsoft Safety Scanner Download