Microsoft Security Scanner

Jon B 0 Reputation points
2026-08-13T19:00:35.6066667+00:00

During my scan, the security scanner shows 19 infected files, but when the program concludes running it says I had no infected files. Do I have a problem? As on my other computer, I do the same scan, show no infected files, but I get a scan log to review that I do not get on the computer mentioned first.

MSS2.jpg

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Security and privacy
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  1. AI answer

    2026-08-13T19:00:45.54+00:00

    This is usually normal behavior with Microsoft Safety Scanner.

    During the scan, it can show files that are potentially suspicious or infected. When the scan finishes, those files are checked against the malware database, and if the final result says no viruses, spyware, or other potentially unwanted software were detected, then no confirmed malware was found.

    For the missing log on the first computer, the documented way to check the scan log is:

    1. Select Start.
    2. Type or paste %systemroot%\debug and press Enter.
    3. Open the file named msert.
    4. Scroll to any entries that usually begin with 0x if an error was recorded.

    If the first computer is not showing a usable result or log details, the documented fallback is to download Microsoft Safety Scanner again.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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  2. Kai-H 26,135 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-08-18T10:40:38.0933333+00:00

    Hi, Jon B

    The screenshot confirms that the scan completed successfully and did not verify any threats. The “19 infected files” shown during scanning was therefore not the final detection result, but it is reasonable to perform a second check for reassurance.

    Here are some suggestions you can try:

    Open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Protection history. Look for any item marked Action needed, Quarantined, or Remediation incomplete. Protection History records actions taken by Microsoft Defender and keeps them for two weeks.

    In Virus & threat protection, select Protection updates > Check for updates, then return to Scan options and run a Full scan using Microsoft Defender Antivirus.

    If you still suspect an infection, run Microsoft Defender Offline scan from Scan options. Save your work first because the computer will restart. This scan runs outside the normal Windows environment and is useful for checking malware that may hide while Windows is running.

    If both Defender scans are clean and Protection History shows nothing requiring action, there is no current evidence that the computer is infected.

    Thank you for your patience in reading, I hope this information has been helpful to you. 

    If the answer is helpful, please click "Yes" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment."    

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