When it comes to online security, Microsoft Safety Scanner and Windows Defender are two of the most popular tools available. Both programs are designed to protect your computer from malicious software and online threats, but they have some distinct differences. In this article, we’ll compare Microsoft Safety Scanner with Windows Defender to help you decide which one is right for you.
| Microsoft Safety Scanner | Windows Defender |
|---|---|
| Runs specific targeted scans on demand | Runs real-time scans to protect against threats |
| Designed to be used as an on-demand scanner | Designed to be used as a real-time protection tool |
| Detects and removes spyware, viruses, Trojans, and other malicious software | Detects and removes spyware, viruses, Trojans, and other malicious software |
| Can be used to scan external storage devices | Can be used to scan external storage devices |
| Offers limited real-time protection | Offers comprehensive real-time protection |
Microsoft Safety Scanner Vs Windows Defender: Comparison Chart
| Microsoft Safety Scanner | Windows Defender | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | A one-time scan to detect malware and other malicious software on your computer. | Real-time protection to detect and remove malware, spyware, and other malicious software. |
| Supported OS | Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista | Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP |
| Scan Options | Quick, Full, Custom | Full, Custom |
| Scan Period | One-time only | Real-time protection |
| Supported File Types | EXE, SCR, DLL, SYS, CAB, DRV, INI, ZIP | EXE, DLL, SYS, CAB, DRV, INI, ZIP, COM, PIF |
| Schedule Scans | No | Yes |
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Microsoft Safety Scanner vs Windows Defender
What is Microsoft Safety Scanner?
Microsoft Safety Scanner is a free, downloadable security tool that provides on-demand scanning and helps remove viruses, spyware, and other malicious software. It works with your existing antivirus software. Safety Scanner only scans when manually triggered and is available for use 10 days after being downloaded. After 10 days, it will automatically deactivate and must be downloaded again to use.
Microsoft Safety Scanner helps remove malicious software from computers running Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP. It works with your existing antivirus software.
Pros and Cons of Microsoft Safety Scanner
Pros:
– Easy to use and fast
– Can be used for 10 days after download
– Can be used to remove malicious software from computers running Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, and XP
Cons:
– Must be manually triggered
– Must be downloaded again to use after 10 days
What is Windows Defender?
Windows Defender is an antivirus program built into Windows 10, 8.1, 8, and 7 that helps protect your computer from malicious software. It uses real-time protection to monitor your computer for suspicious activity, block known threats, and helps you remove viruses, spyware, and other malicious software.
Windows Defender also helps protect your PC from phishing and other malicious websites by scanning inbound web traffic and blocking malicious websites.
Pros and Cons of Windows Defender
Pros:
– Built into Windows 10, 8.1, 8, and 7
– Uses real-time protection to monitor your computer for suspicious activity
– Blocks known threats and helps you remove viruses, spyware, and other malicious software
– Helps protect your PC from phishing and other malicious websites
Cons:
– Not as comprehensive as some third-party antivirus programs
– Can be slow to update definitions and can slow down computer performance in some cases
Microsoft Safety Scanner vs Windows Defender
Pros
- Microsoft Safety Scanner is a powerful tool that can detect and remove malware from your system.
- It is a lightweight and easy to use application with a user-friendly interface.
- It is a free and easily downloadable security tool.
- It can detect viruses, spyware, and other malicious software.
- It runs a quick scan in only a few minutes.
Cons
- It is only a one-time scan and does not provide real-time protection.
- It is not as comprehensive as Windows Defender, which offers real-time protection, regular virus definitions updates, and more.
- It requires the user to manually download the latest version.
Microsoft Safety Scanner Vs Windows Defender: Which Is Better?
When it comes to Microsoft Safety Scanner vs Windows Defender, it really depends on the needs of the user. Microsoft Safety Scanner is a great tool for those who want additional protection, as it provides a deep scan that can detect more threats than Windows Defender. However, Windows Defender is great for those who want a more comprehensive security solution, as it offers real-time protection and a range of features. Ultimately, both of these options are great and it is up to the user to decide which one best meets their security needs.
Microsoft Safety Scanner Vs Windows Defender Few Frequently Asked Questions
What is Microsoft Safety Scanner?
Microsoft Safety Scanner is a free, downloadable security tool from Microsoft that is designed to find and remove malicious software from Windows computers. It performs a quick scan of the most-used areas of your computer and can detect and remove viruses, trojans, rootkits, and other malicious software. It can also be used to help determine if a computer is infected with a virus, and can be used to help clean up an infected computer. Microsoft Safety Scanner is not a real-time protection solution, so it should be used in conjunction with other security solutions.
What is Windows Defender?
Windows Defender is an antivirus program developed by Microsoft for Windows operating systems. It is designed to protect computers from viruses, spyware, rootkits, and other malicious software. It works by scanning the system for any malicious files and quarantining them if found. Windows Defender is a real-time protection solution that runs in the background and monitors your system for any malicious activity. It can also detect and block malicious websites, as well as scan emails and instant messages for malicious content.
What are the differences between Microsoft Safety Scanner and Windows Defender?
The main difference between Microsoft Safety Scanner and Windows Defender is that Microsoft Safety Scanner is a one-time scan, while Windows Defender is a real-time protection solution. Microsoft Safety Scanner is designed to scan the system and detect malicious software, while Windows Defender is designed to detect and block malicious software in real time. Microsoft Safety Scanner is a good choice to use when you need to scan a system quickly and detect any malicious software, while Windows Defender is a better choice for ongoing protection against malicious software.
When should I use Microsoft Safety Scanner?
Microsoft Safety Scanner should be used when you need to quickly scan a system for malicious software. It is a good choice for when you are troubleshooting a system that may be infected with a virus or other malicious software, or if you suspect that a system may be infected but don’t know how to confirm it. It can also be used if you want to quickly check a system for any malicious software that may be installed.
When should I use Windows Defender?
Windows Defender is a real-time protection solution that should be used when you need ongoing protection against malicious software. It is a good choice for when you want to ensure that your system is continuously protected from any malicious software that may be trying to infect it. It is also a good choice for when you want to ensure that any malicious websites, emails, or instant messages are blocked from entering your system.
Are Microsoft Safety Scanner and Windows Defender compatible?
Yes, Microsoft Safety Scanner and Windows Defender are compatible. Microsoft Safety Scanner can be used to detect and remove malicious software that has already been installed on a system, while Windows Defender can be used to prevent malicious software from being installed in the first place. The two programs are designed to work together to provide comprehensive protection against malicious software.
How to Remove malware, Viruses and Spyware Using the Microsoft Safety Scanner in Windows 10
The verdict is clear: Microsoft Safety Scanner and Windows Defender are both great tools for keeping your computer system safe. Each tool has its own advantages and disadvantages, but in the end both are effective in providing protection against viruses, malware, and other malicious threats. Although both tools offer reliable protection, it is important to determine which one meets your individual needs and preferences best. With the right tool, you can be sure that your computer is safe and secure.