Easily Run Webroot Scan on This Computer for Malware ProtectionUpdated 5 hours ago
If you’re looking for a reliable way to run Webroot scan on this computer, you’ve landed on the right guide. Whether you’re using a PC or Mac, staying protected from viruses, ransomware, spyware, and other threats is essential in today’s digital age. Thankfully, Webroot makes it easy to run Webroot scan on this computer with just a few clicks, helping ensure your device stays secure around the clock.
Many users install antivirus software but forget to schedule scans or don’t know how to manually initiate one. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How do I run Webroot scan on this computer to check for malware?” or “Is my computer safe right now?”—this article is tailored for you. We’ll walk you through the step-by-step process, highlight what to expect during a scan, explain how to interpret results, and provide troubleshooting tips in case you encounter any problems along the way.
By the end of this post, you’ll be completely confident in your ability to run Webroot scan on this computer anytime you want, whether it’s part of your daily routine or a one-time check after a suspicious incident. Let’s dive into why scanning is important and how Webroot simplifies it for all users.
Why It’s Crucial to Run Regular Webroot Scans
Antivirus software isn’t just about passive protection. While real-time threat detection does a great job at blocking known threats as they happen, scheduled and on-demand scans act as your safety net. Here are a few reasons why you should regularly run Webroot scan on this computer:
Detect hidden malware that might have slipped past initial defenses
Find dormant threats like spyware or trojans waiting to activate
Remove potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) that slow down your system
Reassure yourself that your computer is clean and performing well
A quick manual scan can bring peace of mind, especially after downloading files, visiting unfamiliar websites, or noticing unusual system behavior.
Types of Webroot Scans You Can Run
Webroot offers different scan options depending on how deeply you want your system analyzed:
Quick Scan – Ideal for a fast overview of active threats
Full System Scan – A more comprehensive inspection of your device
Custom Scan – You choose specific folders or drives to scan
Scheduled Scan – Set it and forget it with recurring automated checks
Each type serves a different purpose, and knowing how to initiate the right one will help you keep your system secure and efficient.
Getting Started: How to Open Webroot
Before you can run Webroot scan on this computer, you need to ensure that Webroot is installed and active.
To open the Webroot application:
On Windows:
Click the Start Menu or use the search bar
Type “Webroot SecureAnywhere”
Click to open the app from the results
On macOS:
Open the Applications folder
Find and launch “Webroot SecureAnywhere”
Once the application is open, you’ll see the main dashboard with various security options.
Step-by-Step: How to Run a Webroot Scan on This Computer
Now let’s walk through how to manually run Webroot scan on this computer using the desktop interface.
1. Launch the Webroot Interface
Open the software to access your dashboard. From here, you can see your protection status, last scan date, and options for manual scans.
2. Click “Scan My Computer”
Right on the main screen, you’ll find a green button labeled “Scan My Computer.” Clicking this will immediately begin a quick scan of your entire system. If this is your first time running it, or if you haven’t scanned in a while, Webroot may automatically switch to a deeper scan.
3. Watch the Scan in Real-Time
Once initiated, the scan will progress through files, folders, and registry entries. You can see how many items have been scanned, and any threats found will be listed as the scan proceeds.
4. Review the Results
When the scan is complete, Webroot will notify you of the results:
No threats found – Great! Your computer is safe.
Threats detected – Webroot will list them and either quarantine or delete them automatically.
PUPs or minor issues – You may be asked whether to remove or ignore these.
If threats are detected, Webroot provides recommendations for next steps, which often include re-scanning after cleanup or restarting your system.
How to Run a Full or Custom Webroot Scan
If you want to do more than a quick check, here’s how to access deeper scan options:
Open Webroot
Click on the gear icon next to the “PC Security” or “Mac Security” tab
Go to the “Scan” tab
Choose:
Full Scan – Checks every part of your system
Custom Scan – Select specific folders or drives to inspect
Click “Start Scan” to begin
These options are perfect if you’re experiencing performance issues or suspect specific files may be compromised.
How to Schedule a Webroot Scan for Ongoing Protection
Manual scans are important, but scheduled scans add consistency. Here’s how to set it up:
Open Webroot
Click the gear icon for settings
Choose the “Scheduler” tab
Enable scheduling and set the desired scan frequency (daily, weekly, etc.)
Choose a time when your device is typically powered on but idle
Scheduled scans ensure you never forget to run Webroot scan on this computer, and Webroot is lightweight enough not to interrupt your workflow while scanning in the background.
Understanding What Webroot Does During a Scan
When you run Webroot scan on this computer, the software performs a series of behind-the-scenes actions to detect and neutralize threats:
Checks known malware signatures and behaviors
Analyzes unknown files with cloud-based threat intelligence
Scans browser extensions and cookies
Looks for hidden rootkits and system-level threats
Monitors active processes and startup programs
Webroot’s scans are generally fast—often completing in just a few minutes due to its cloud-based architecture—and don’t consume much system memory.
Best Practices to Follow When Running a Webroot Scan
To maximize the effectiveness of your scans:
Close unnecessary programs – Reduces potential interference during scanning
Keep Webroot updated – Ensure the virus definitions and engine are current
Use full scans periodically – Especially after suspicious downloads or activity
Allow Webroot to remove threats automatically – Follow on-screen prompts
If Webroot flags any critical threat, it’s best to restart your system after removal to finalize the cleanup.
How to Run a Webroot Scan Using the System Tray Icon (Windows Only)
If you prefer not to open the full app, you can use the system tray shortcut:
Look for the Webroot green icon (W shield) in your taskbar near the clock
Right-click the icon
Select “Scan Now” from the menu
This is a fast way to run Webroot scan on this computer when you just want to do a quick check without navigating through settings.
Running Webroot Scans on Mac Computers
The process is very similar for Mac users:
Open “Webroot SecureAnywhere” from the Applications folder
Click “Scan Now” on the dashboard
You can view scan progress and threat reports in real-time
Note: Webroot on Mac also supports scheduled scans and custom scan locations, although the UI may look slightly different.
Using Webroot Mobile App to Scan Your Smartphone
If you also use Webroot on Android, you can:
Open the app
Tap the menu button
Select “Scan Now”
Webroot mobile scanning includes checks for malicious apps, system vulnerabilities, and network threats.
Troubleshooting Webroot Scan Issues
Sometimes, things may not go as smoothly. If Webroot is not scanning or not detecting threats:
Reboot your system and try again
Check for updates by clicking the settings gear > "About" > "Check for software updates"
Disable other antivirus software temporarily if conflicts occur
Uninstall and reinstall Webroot as a last resort
Contact Webroot support if problems persist
Webroot has a strong support team ready to help users regain full functionality quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does a Webroot scan take?
Quick scans usually take 2–5 minutes. Full scans may take 10–20 minutes depending on your system.
2. Will Webroot scans slow down my computer?
No, Webroot is designed to run quietly in the background. Most users don’t notice any performance hit during scans.
3. Can I use my computer during a scan?
Yes, but it’s better to limit activity for faster results and fewer interruptions.
4. How often should I scan my computer with Webroot?
A full scan once a week is recommended, with quick scans more frequently if desired.
5. What happens if Webroot finds a threat?
Webroot will either quarantine or remove it. You’ll be notified of any action taken and advised on further steps if needed.
Conclusion
Whether you're a tech-savvy user or just someone who wants to stay protected, learning how to run Webroot scan on this computer is one of the most effective steps you can take toward digital safety. With its fast, efficient scanning engine, user-friendly interface, and cloud-based protection, Webroot makes it easy to check your system for threats anytime you need.
Now that you know how to open the program, choose scan types, interpret results, and even schedule future scans, you’re in complete control of your computer’s security. Don’t wait for something to go wrong—take charge of your digital health by running regular scans and ensuring that your antivirus is always up to date.
Next time you’re in doubt about your system’s security, just remember—you can always run Webroot scan on this computer to feel confident your data, files, and privacy are safe.