No. Computer viruses are software code designed to spread to computer files and other computers, delete files, and cause other problems with the data on the computer.
So if you're experiencing an issue with a hardware device such as your printer, video card, sound card, etc. it is not due to a virus.
Microsoft Defender Antivirus (also known as Windows Defender) on a Windows device, follow these steps:
Quick Scan:
- Open the Windows Security app:
- You can search for “Windows Security” in the Start menu.
- Click on Virus & threat protection.
- Under the Current threats section, click on Scan options.
- Select Quick scan to check for common threats quickly.
Full Scan:
- If you want a more thorough scan, choose Full scan instead of Quick scan in step 3.
- A full scan checks the entire system for viruses and other types of malware.
Review the Results:
After the scan completes, Windows Defender will inform you if it found any threats.
If any issues are detected, follow the recommended actions to clean or quarantine the malware.
Remember that regular scans help keep your device secure. If you suspect malware or experience symptoms like slow performance, unexpected ads, or unusual redirects, running a scan is essential.