How to Create Windows Security Scan Shortcuts in Windows 11

Windows 11 comes with a built-in antivirus called Windows Security, which protects your computer from viruses, malware, adware, and ransomware. The latest update has also introduced exploit protection to enhance security.

While Windows Security automatically performs periodic scans, there are times when you might want to run a scan manually. Although initiating a manual scan is straightforward, having quick access to all available scan options can be more convenient.

Here are some effective methods to set up Windows Security scan shortcuts in Windows 11.

1. Create a Quick Scan Desktop Shortcut
This method allows you to create a desktop shortcut for a Quick Scan in Windows Security. Follow these simple steps:

1. Right-click on an empty area of your desktop and select New > Shortcut.
2. In the “Type the location of the item” field, enter the following path and click Next:

“%ProgramFiles%\Windows Defender\MpCmdRun.exe” -Scan -ScanType 1

3. In the shortcut name window, type a name for the shortcut, such as Security Scan or Antivirus Scan, and click Finish.
4. You’ll see the new shortcut on your desktop. Double-click it to run the scan.
5. To customize the shortcut, right-click on it and select Properties.
6. In the shortcut properties, click the Change icon button.
7. In the “Look for icons in this file” field, paste the following path:

%ProgramFiles%\Windows Defender\EppManifest.dll

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8. Choose your desired icon and click Apply.

2. Create a Windows Security Scan Options Shortcut
You can also create a desktop shortcut that opens the Virus and Threat Protection page in Windows Security, allowing you to select the scan type directly. Here’s how:

1. Right-click on an empty area of your desktop and select New > Shortcut.
2. In the “Type the location of the item” field, enter the following path and click Next:

%windir%\explorer.exe windowsdefender://threat

3. In the “Name the shortcut” window, name the shortcut whatever you like, such as Scan Options or Virus and Threat Protection.
4. Double-click the shortcut to access the scan options.

3. Add Windows Security to the Context Menu
For even easier access to Windows Security, you can add a shortcut to the context menu. Follow these steps:

1. Download the Winaero Tweaker ZIP file from the provided link.
2. After downloading, extract the ZIP file and run the WinaeroTweaker executable. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
3. Once installed, open Winaero Tweaker and double-click on Context menu in the left sidebar.
4. Select Windows Security on the left, then check the option to Add Windows Security submenu to Desktop context menu on the right.
5. This will add the Windows Security submenu to your context menu. Right-click on your desktop, select Show more options, and then choose Windows Security.

These methods will help you create convenient shortcuts for Windows Security scans in Windows 11.

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