How to Perform a Full System Scan with Bitdefender

Edited 3 days ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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In the modern digital age, ensuring the security and integrity of your computer system is of the utmost importance. With the constant evolution of malicious software, viruses, and cyber threats, using a reliable antivirus solution like BitDefender can help protect your data, personal information, and system performance. An important feature of BitDefender is the ability to perform a comprehensive full system scan. This detailed guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to perform a full system scan using BitDefender, ensuring that your system is thoroughly checked and protected.

Understanding BitDefender

Before going into the details of performing a full system scan, it is essential to understand what BitDefender is and how it works. BitDefender is a reputable cybersecurity and antivirus software firm that offers a range of security products designed to protect your system from various cyber threats. BitDefender's products are renowned for their robust security features, including real-time threat detection, malware removal, firewall protection, and system performance optimization.

Getting started with BitDefender

To start using BitDefender to scan your system, you need to install the BitDefender software product on your computer. Follow these initial steps:

1. Buy BitDefender: Visit the official BitDefender website and choose the product that best suits your needs. Products range from basic antivirus solutions to comprehensive security suites.
2. Create account: Create a BitDefender Central account, which will allow you to manage your subscription and devices from a centralized dashboard.
3. Download and install: After purchasing, download the BitDefender installation file. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the software on your computer.

Why perform a full system scan?

Performing a full system scan with BitDefender is an in-depth process that examines your entire computer system to detect any signs of harmful entities such as viruses, spyware, ransomware, rootkits, and other types of malware. Here are the main reasons to run a full system scan regularly:

• Deep Inspection: A full system scan thoroughly inspects every file, folder, and program, ensuring that potential threats are detected and eliminated.
• Data protection: It protects sensitive information stored on your system, including financial data and personal documents.
• System performance: Scans help identify and clean malware that might be slowing down your system performance.
• Peace of mind: Regular scans provide peace of mind, knowing your system is protected from emerging threats.

Performing a full system scan

Follow the detailed steps below to perform a full system scan with BitDefender:

1. Open the BitDefender application: Find the BitDefender icon on your desktop or system tray. Double-click the icon to open the BitDefender application interface.
2. Go to Security Features: Once the application opens, you will see several tiles depicting different security features. Select the Security tab from the dashboard to access various security tools.
3. Select the Antivirus panel: In the Protection tab, find the Antivirus option and click on it. This area contains settings and options related to scanning for viruses and malware.
4. Select Full system scan : Under the Antivirus panel, you will see several scan options available. Select Full system scan . This will prompt BitDefender to begin scanning your entire system.
5. Monitor the scanning process: The scan may take a considerable amount of time, depending on the number of files and the overall size of your system. During the scan, you can monitor the progress in terms of the percentage of completion and the number of threats detected.
6. Review scan results: When the scan is complete, BitDefender will present you with a report detailing any threats detected, the locations of these threats, and any actions taken or recommended.
7. Perform recommended actions: BitDefender will give you options to deal with any threats, such as deleting, quarantining, or ignoring them. Follow the recommended actions to ensure complete protection.

Scheduling regular full system scans

To maintain continuous protection against emerging threats, it is recommended to schedule regular full system scans. Here is how you can set it up:

1. Go to Settings: Within the BitDefender application, locate the Settings or Scheduler section, depending on your product version.
2. Schedule: Look for the option to schedule a full system scan. Set the frequency based on your usage and needs such as daily, weekly or monthly.
3. Save preferences: Save your scheduling configuration. The BitDefender software will now automatically scan at set intervals without requiring manual intervention.

Optimizing scan performance

To ensure that the full system scan is as efficient and effective as possible, consider the following suggestions:

• Close unnecessary applications: Before starting the scan, close all unnecessary programs. This helps allocate more system resources to the scanning process, potentially speeding up the process.
• Update BitDefender: Make sure your BitDefender software and virus definitions are up to date. This ensures the software can detect the latest threats.
• Check disk space: Free up disk space if necessary. A cluttered hard drive can slow down scan times.

Understanding the scan log

When the scan is complete, BitDefender provides a detailed log that includes information about the files scanned, threats detected, actions taken, and files skipped. Understanding this log can be important to appreciate the effectiveness of the scan and make informed decisions on further actions.

Main components of the scan log

• Scan Summary: This provides a brief overview of the scan, including the start and end time, total items scanned, and the number of threats detected.
• Details of detected threats: Information about each detected threat, including name, type (virus, Trojan, etc.) and file path.
• Recommended actions: Recommendations for appropriate measures such as disinfection, quarantine or elimination.

Taking precautionary measures

After performing a full system scan, it is essential to follow best practices to maintain a secure system:

• Regular updates: Keep your operating system and software applications up to date to address security flaws.
• Practice safe browsing practices: Avoid downloading files or clicking on links from untrusted sources.
• Use strong passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts and update them regularly.
• Use a firewall: Enable your system's firewall for an added layer of security.

Troubleshooting common problems

When using BitDefender to perform a full system scan, you may encounter some common problems. Here is a brief guide to troubleshoot them:

• Slow scanning speed: Make sure your system meets the necessary requirements and no heavy processes are running simultaneously.
• Scan interruptions: If the scan interrupts, check for any conflicting software or system alerts that may be causing the interruption.
• False positives: If legitimate files are flagged as threats, consider submitting them to BitDefender for analysis or whitelisting them after confirming they're safe.

Customizing BitDefender settings for advanced protection

Fixing BitDefender's settings can increase your system's security. Here's how:

1. Advanced Threat Defense: Turn on Advanced Threat Defense to monitor suspicious activity.
2. Use Secure Files option: Enable the Secure Files feature to protect sensitive directories from unauthorized modification.
3. Configure custom scans: In addition to full scans, configure custom scans for specific directories or file types.

Conclusion

Performing a full system scan with BitDefender is an important step in keeping your computer safe from various cyber threats. By following this guide, you will be able to effectively use BitDefender's scanning capabilities, which will contribute to the overall security of your digital space. Regularly updating your knowledge about the software and joining the community forum will further improve your understanding and use of BitDefender.

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