Microsoft makes a free download that will scan your PC for malware, viruses and other baddies. It’s a one-and-done operation and it won’t conflict with your full-time antivirus. You can download the Microsoft Safety Scanner here.
If you’re already protecting your computer with Microsoft Defender Antivirus, this scan tool probably won’t do much for you. I imagine it runs on the same Microsoft-developed virus definitions. But if you’re running any other antivirus, this tool may be handy, for getting a “second opinion” on whether or not your system has any bugs.
For those running Microsoft Defender Antivirus, you can use other tools to get that second opinion scan of your PC: ADWCleaner, Norton Power Eraser, Stinger. Each of these is similar to the Microsoft Safety Scanner: it’s free, scans your system one time only, and will offer to remove whatever it judges to be harmful.
