Running a virus scan is essential to ensure that your device remains safe and free from malware. AVG Antivirus provides a simple way to scan your computer for potential threats. Whether you want to do a quick check or a thorough scan, AVG makes it easy to detect and remove malicious software. Here’s a step-by-step guide to running a full virus scan with AVG:
Open AVG Antivirus
First, ensure that AVG Antivirus is installed and running on your system. If you haven’t installed it yet, download and install the latest version from the official AVG website.
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Windows: Click on the AVG icon in your system tray or desktop shortcut to open the software.
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Mac: Open the “Applications” folder and double-click on the AVG app to launch it.
Navigate to the “Scan” Section
Once AVG is open, look for the “Scan” option in the main dashboard. Depending on your version of AVG, you might find it under different tabs, such as:
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Windows: On the left-hand side, you will see a menu with options like “Protection,” “Scan,” and “Performance.” Click on the “Scan” tab.
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Mac: You’ll find the “Scan” section under the “Protection” tab in the AVG interface.
Select the “Full Scan” Option
AVG offers different types of scans, but for a comprehensive check, you need to choose the Full Scan option. A Full Scan thoroughly examines all files, folders, and programs on your device, looking for malware, viruses, spyware, and other security threats.
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On Windows, click on “Full Computer Scan” or “Full Scan”.
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On Mac, look for the option labeled “Full Scan” or “Deep Scan”.
Start the Scan
Once you’ve selected the Full Scan option, click Start or Start Scan. AVG will begin scanning your entire system, including hidden files and system processes, to detect any threats.
Wait for the Scan to Complete
The duration of the Full Scan can vary based on the size of your system and the number of files on it. Larger systems with more files may take longer to scan. Be patient and let the scan run to completion.
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While the scan is running, avoid using other programs that may interfere with the process. It’s best to leave your computer idle during this time.
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During the scan, AVG will display the progress and show you which areas are being scanned.
Review Scan Results
Once the scan is complete, AVG will provide a detailed report of the results. If any threats are detected, AVG will list them, and you will be given options to:
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Quarantine: Isolate the threat to prevent further damage.
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Delete: Remove the infected file completely.
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Ignore: In some cases, if you recognize the file as safe, you can choose to ignore it.
You can also review specific details about the detected threats, such as their type, location, and severity level.
Take Action on Detected Threats
If AVG has detected any malware or viruses, take immediate action to protect your device:
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Delete or quarantine the detected files to prevent further harm.
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Run another scan if necessary to ensure the threats have been completely removed.
Additionally, AVG will recommend any updates or patches to improve your system’s security, ensuring that you stay protected from future threats.
Schedule Regular Scans
To keep your system secure, it’s important to run regular virus scans. AVG allows you to schedule automatic scans to ensure your device is consistently checked for threats without manual intervention.
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On Windows, go to Settings > Advanced Settings > Scheduled Scans, and set up your preferred scan time.
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On Mac, you can enable scheduled scans under Preferences > Scheduled Scan.
Keep AVG Updated
For AVG to effectively detect new and emerging threats, ensure that your software is regularly updated. AVG updates its virus definitions frequently to keep up with new viruses and malware. You can set AVG to automatically update or check for updates manually through the software’s Update section.
Conclusion
Running a Full Virus Scan with AVG is a simple yet effective way to ensure your device stays safe from malware and viruses. By performing regular scans, reviewing results, and taking appropriate action against detected threats, you can maintain the security and integrity of your system. AVG’s comprehensive scanning capabilities, combined with its user-friendly interface, make it an excellent choice for protecting your computer from online threats.
