quick security scan

Tim Joos 0 Reputation points
2026-10-06T23:54:00.2233333+00:00

I know you can press the Windows key and a letter to run a quick security scan on a laptop. I just can't remember what letter to press.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Security and privacy
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  1. AI answer

    2026-10-06T23:54:12.1233333+00:00

    There is no documented single Windows key + letter shortcut in the provided material to start a Microsoft Defender quick scan.

    Supported ways to start a quick scan are:

    1. Press the Windows key, type Windows Security, and open it.
    2. Select Virus & threat protection.
    3. Select Quick scan.

    Another supported method is to right-click a specific file or folder in File Explorer and select Scan with Microsoft Defender.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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  2. Jeronimo Fuerte 46,745 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-10-07T00:32:51.84+00:00

    The shortcut you are probably remembering is Windows key + R. That opens the Run dialog. Type mrt and press Enter to open the Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool, where you can choose Quick scan. Microsoft documents Windows + R followed by %windir%\system32\mrt.exe as a way to launch this tool

    https://support.microsoft.com/servicing/os/windows/2021/01/deploy-windows-malicious-software-removal-tool-in-an-enterprise-environment-kb891716

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