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Applicable for: Windows
Run Norton scans to check for threats on your PC
Your Norton device security product provides a range of scans to protect your PC from various threats. If you have been offline or suspect that you have a virus, you can manually run a Norton scan.
Types of Norton scans
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Smart Scan: A comprehensive scan that detects malware, out-of-date software, browser add-ons with poor reputations, network threats, performance issues, and privacy issues to help keep your digital life secured.
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Quick Scan: A predefined scan to analyze the whole system drive of your computer for threats.
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Full Scan: A complete scan to analyze your entire computer, including less vulnerable applications, files, storage drives, and running processes.
Full Scan performs a deep scan of your computer to remove viruses and other security threats. It checks all boot records, files, and running processes to which the user has access. Full Scan scans your computer thoroughly and takes a longer time.
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Targeted Scan: Scans the folders you select when you initiate the scan. You can scan individual files, folders, or drives if you suspect they are at risk.
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Startup Scan: Scans your PC during the next system startup before any malware is launched. Running a scan during startup improves the chances of detecting and removing malware. By launching ahead of the malware, Startup Scan doesn't allow the malware to hide and hence has a better chance to remove it. For more information, see Run a Startup Scan.
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Custom scans: Create custom scans as per your requirements. For more information, see Create your own custom Norton scans.
After installing your Norton product, the first scan may take more time to analyze your entire system.
Run a Norton scan to check for threats
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Open your Norton device security product.
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On the left pane, click Security.
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In the Security dashboard, in the Scans tile, click Open.
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In the Scans window, under the Preset Scans tab, select one of the following:
The Startup scan runs at boot time. If you don't want the scan to run now, click Restart Later.
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Smart Scan > Start.
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Quick Scan > Start.
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Full Scan > Start.
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Targeted Scan > Start.
Navigate and select the file, folder, or drive you want to scan and click OK.
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Startup Scan > Set Up.
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Wait for the scan to complete, and then click Finish.
After the scan is complete, you can use the View Results option to view the scan results.
A Quick Scan takes less time to complete, while a Full Scan may take several hours. At any point, you can stop the current scan activity.
If there are items that require attention, review the risks and act on them.
You can configure scan settings for each Norton scan that you run. For more information, see Configure scan settings for Norton scans.
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Last modified: 04/24/2025
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