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How to Use the CMD Virus Scan Command & Remove Malware
To run a full scan, type MpCmdRun.exe -Scan -ScanType 2
3 min. read
Updated onSeptember 5, 2024
updated onSeptember 5, 2024
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Windows Defender is Windows’ primary security tool, and while it has a graphical interface, you can also perform a CMD (Command Prompt) virus scan by using the methods from this guide.
How can I run a virus scan from CMD?
Use the MpCmdRun.exe -Scan command
You can also perform a scan of a custom path with the following command:
MpCmdRun.exe -Scan -ScanType 3 -File C:\Users\YOURNAME\Desktop
Just be sure to enter the desired path after -File in the command.
How do I run a Boot Sector scan
Running this command from the command prompt will scan your PC’s boot sector and remove any suspicious files found in the system. Here is a detailed guide onhow to fix a corrupt boot sector.
How do I restore quarantined files using Command Prompt?
Can CMD remove a virus?
CMD can help you remove viruses. By using the command MpCmdRun.exe -Scan -ScanType 2, Microsoft Defender will perform a full scan of your system, quarantining any detected threats.
You can also delete them manually:
How do I scan my PC for malware with Windows Security?
Alternatively, you can use the command line to start the scan more quickly.
Do keep in mind that issues with Defender can occur, and we wrote about what to do ifWindows Defender real-time protection won’t turn on.
Many also reported thatWindows Defender is not workingat all, but that can be easily fixed.
With the steps outlined above, you can run any virus scan directly from CMD. For any other questions or potential solutions, let us know in the comments section below.
More about the topics:command prompt,Microsoft Windows Defender
Vlad Turiceanu
Windows Editor
Passionate about technology,Windows, and everything that has a power button, he spent most of his time developing new skills and learning more about the tech world.
Coming from a solid background in PC building and software development, with a complete expertise in touch-based devices, he is constantly keeping an eye out for the latest and greatest!
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Vlad Turiceanu
Windows Editor
Coming from a solid background in PC building and software development, he’s a Windows 11 Privacy & Security expert.
