How to use Chrome's built-in malware scanner

Chrome's built-in malware scanner is not a standalone antivirus tool, but a security feature integrated into the browser. To enable this feature, click the three dots in the upper right corner → select Settings → Click Security under Privacy and Security → Make sure "Enhanced Protection" is on and click "Run Security" to detect abnormal extensions and unsafe settings. This feature can identify potential threats in downloaded files, website content, extensions and certificates, and provides preventive protection, but it cannot replace system-level antivirus software. If you suspect that the computer has been poisoned, you need to use professional security software to investigate further.

Chrome's built-in malware scanner is actually not an independent antivirus tool, but a security feature integrated by Google in Chrome browser, mainly used to detect potential threats in browser extensions, download files, and web content. If you are worried that your computer or browser will be infected by malware, you can use this function to conduct a preliminary investigation.

How to turn on Chrome's security checking feature

Chrome's malware scanning is hidden in the "Secure" section of Settings. The opening method is as follows:

• Click the three dots in the upper right corner → select "Settings"
• Click "Security" under "Privacy and Security" on the left menu
• Make sure Enhanced Protection is selected in Safe Browsing Protection Level

When enabled, Chrome will automatically communicate with Google's servers to check whether the websites you visit and the files you download are in a known malicious list.

In addition, there is also an option to "Run Security Check" under the "Security" page. Clicking it allows Chrome to check whether the currently installed extension has exceptions, whether there are unsafe settings, and provide repair suggestions.

What types of malicious content can Chrome detect

Chrome's security mechanism is mainly focused on the following aspects:

• Download protection : When you download a file, Chrome will compare to Google's malicious file database. If you find risks, you will prompt you to cancel the download.
• Website Security Warning : If you are visiting a known phishing website or a page containing malicious scripts, a red warning page will pop up in Chrome.
• Extension Check : Some extensions may secretly collect user data or inject ad scripts. Chrome's security checks can identify such behaviors and prompt users to uninstall.
• Certificate Error Detection : When accessing an HTTPS website, if there is a problem with the certificate (such as expired, forged), Chrome will block access and prompt risks.

It should be noted that these functions are more of "preventive" measures than thorough system-level anti-virus. If you suspect that your computer has been poisoned, you still need to use special security software to further troubleshoot.

Frequently Asked Questions and Notes

• Why are there no prompts sometimes?

  Chrome's malware scans rely on Google's real-time database updates. If you visit a website that has just been hacked, the alarm may not be triggered immediately.

• How to confirm whether you are infected?

  If the following behavior occurs in the browser, it may be affected by malicious extensions or scripts:

  • Home page has been changed
  • A strange advertising pop-up appears
  • Jump to an unfamiliar page when opening certain websites

  At this time, you can view all installed extensions through "chrome://extensions/" and disable suspicious items.

• Don't ignore system-level protection

  Chrome's security features can only protect you from browsing and cannot replace antivirus software at the operating system level. It is recommended to use with Windows Defender or other trusted security software.

Basically that's it. Although Chrome's malware scanning feature is not omnipotent, as a daily browser, its protection mechanism is enough to deal with most common threats.

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