How to clear a single file or folder using Windows Security
While we have many premium security suites for Windows these days, the question is, do we need them? Windows 10 and Windows 11 come with a Windows defender security suite that protects your PC/laptop from known and unknown security threats.
Many users believe that Windows security is not as reliable as third-party security software, but a myth. The Microsoft Windows Security app is powerful and reliable as a third-party option. It can protect your computer from malware and viruses and provide your computer with a strong defense against growing ransomware attacks.
Otherwise, Windows security offers additional features like periodic scanning, controlled access to folders, tamper protection, isolated browsing, and more. One of the Windows security features that often goes unnoticed is the ability to erase a single file or folder stored on the HDD / SSD.
If you suspect that a single file or folder has a virus or malware, instead of scanning the entire system, you can force Windows Security to scan only the selected file / folder. Thus, if you are looking for ways to scan a single file or folder with Windows Security, you have come to the right page.
Steps to scan a single file or folder using Windows Security
This article will share a step-by-step guide on scanning a single file or folder with Windows Security in Windows 11. The steps will be short; follow them as stated.
1) Run a custom scan from the Windows security app
We'll use the Windows security app to scan a single file or folder in this way. Here are some simple steps that you should follow.
1. First, click the Windows 11 search and type Windows Security . Next, open the Windows Security app from the list.
Windows Security
2. In the Windows Security app, click on the virus and threat protection option below.
Virus and threat protection
3. In the left pane, click the Scan Options link located under the Current Threats section.
Scan Choices
4. On the Scan Options page, scroll down and select the Custom Scan option. Next, click on the Scan now button.
Check Now
5. You will be asked to select the file or folder you want to scan. Select the folder you want to scan.
Select the folder
Note: You cannot select files. If you want to scan a specific file, you need to move the file to a folder and then select that folder in the Windows security app.
6. Now click on the Select Folder button, and the Windows Security app will run the scan.
Is that him! It's done. This is how you can scan a single file or folder in Windows 11 via the Windows Security app.
2) Scan a single file or folder via context menu
If you use Windows Security as the default security app on Windows 11, you can run a custom scan via the context menu. Here's how to scan a single file or folder via context menu in Windows 11.
1. First, locate the file or folder you want to scan.
2. Right click the file or folder and select Show More Options.
Show more
3. Click the Scan with Microsoft Defender option in the Classic context menu.
Scan with Microsoft Defender
4. The Windows security app will scan the selected file or folder immediately.
Scan the selected file or folder
Is that him! It's done. This is how you can run a custom scan on Windows 11 via the Windows Security app.
Windows Security is a very powerful security tool that every user should use. Therefore, these are the two best ways to erase a single file or folder in Windows 11. Compared to full scans, quick scans in Windows 11 take less time to complete.