There are some free antivirus applications available online, but we recommend investing in trusted software that can protect you from a variety of threats. Mac computers don’t have a built-in antivirus program, so you will have to download security software to do a virus scan. To learn how to run a virus scan using your particular antivirus software, search the software’s help menu or look online for instructions. Of course, many people have invested in more robust antivirus software that has a high accuracy rate and causes less drain on their system resources, such as McAfee Total Protection. From there you can locate a “Scan Now” button. If you use Windows 10, go into “Settings” and look for the “Updates & Security” tab. Check out these tips to help you scan your computers, phones and tablets. The process of checking for viruses depends on the device type and its operating system.

In some cases, a dangerous program can be replaced with a clean one from the manufacturer. If the software comes across a dangerous program or piece of code, it removes it. Some antivirus software even checks for suspicious behavior. It may also look for variants of these known threats that have a similar code base. What Does a Virus Scan Do?Įach antivirus program works a little differently, but in general the software will look for known malware that meets a specific set of characteristics. These are all examples of signs that you may have a virus, but don’t get too worried yet, because many of these issues can be resolved with a virus scan. Is your computer or device acting sluggish or having a hard time booting up? Have you noticed missing files or a lack of storage space? Have you noticed emails or messages sent from your account that you did not write? Perhaps you’ve noticed changes to your browser homepage or settings? Or maybe, you’re seeing unexpected pop-up windows, or experiencing crashes and other program errors.

Do You Need a Virus Scan?įirst, let’s cover a few of the telltale signs your device might have a virus. How to check for viruses depends on the software and device you have, so we’ll go through everything you need to know to run a scan effectively and keep your computers, phones and tablets in tip-top shape. Whether you think you might have a virus on your computer or devices, or just want to keep them running smoothly, it’s easy to do a virus scan.

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