Microsoft is known for providing reliable, secure software that is essential for modern computing. With the release of Windows 10, Microsoft also released two new security software tools, the Microsoft Safety Scanner and Windows Defender. Both of these tools are designed to help protect your computer from malicious threats, but they each have their own unique features and capabilities. In this article, we will explore the differences between the Microsoft Safety Scanner and Windows Defender, and help you decide which one is best for your needs.
| Microsoft Safety Scanner | Windows Defender |
|---|---|
| On-demand scanning to find and remove malicious software | In-built real-time protection against malware and other threats |
| Runs a scan to check for security and performance issues | Continuously monitors system activity to detect and respond to potential threats |
| Provides free scanning for all versions of Windows | Available for Windows 8/8.1/10 |
| Requires manual downloading and installation | Integrated into the Windows operating system |
Microsoft Safety Scanner Vs Windows Defender: Comparison Chart
| Microsoft Safety Scanner | Windows Defender |
|---|---|
| It is a free diagnostic tool that scans for and removes viruses, spyware, and other malicious software. | It is a free security tool that helps protect your computer against viruses and other malware. |
| It is a standalone utility that can be installed and run from a USB drive. | It is built into Windows, and runs in the background to help protect your computer. |
| It provides an on-demand scan of your computer to identify and remove viruses, spyware, and other malicious software. | It provides real-time protection against viruses and other malware, which means it can detect and remove threats as they appear. |
| It can detect and remove rootkits and other sophisticated forms of malware. | It can detect and remove rootkits and other sophisticated forms of malware. |
| It does not provide ongoing protection against new threats. | It provides ongoing protection against new threats. |
| It requires manual updates. | It automatically updates itself with the latest virus definitions. |
| It requires manual scans. | It can perform scheduled scans at regular intervals. |
| It can be used with any version of Windows. | It is only available on Windows 10. |
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Microsoft Safety Scanner vs Windows Defender
Microsoft Safety Scanner and Windows Defender are two important security tools from Microsoft that help protect your computer from malicious software. Both are free and designed to work with the latest version of Windows. While both provide a good level of protection, they differ in some key ways.
Microsoft Safety Scanner
Microsoft Safety Scanner is a powerful tool that is designed to quickly find and remove malicious software from your computer. It can detect a wide range of threats, including viruses, worms, Trojans, rootkits, and spyware. It is a standalone scanner that can be used to scan your computer without having to install any other security software.
The scanner is lightweight and easy to use. It can be downloaded and run on demand without having to install it on your computer. It also runs in the background and can be scheduled to run periodically.
Windows Defender
Windows Defender is a built-in security tool that is bundled with the latest versions of Windows. It is designed to provide real-time protection against malicious software and can detect and block a wide range of threats. It is constantly updated with the latest security definitions and can be configured to run periodic scans.
Unlike Microsoft Safety Scanner, Windows Defender is not a standalone security tool. It is integrated with the operating system and can be used to manage other security features, such as firewall and parental controls. It also provides a user interface that makes it easy to manage your security settings.
Features
Microsoft Safety Scanner and Windows Defender offer different features that make them useful for different purposes. Microsoft Safety Scanner is designed to quickly and efficiently detect and remove malicious software from your computer. Windows Defender, on the other hand, is designed to provide real-time protection against malicious software and can be used to manage other security features.
Ease of Use
Microsoft Safety Scanner is easy to use and does not require any installation. It can be downloaded and run on demand without having to install it on your computer. Windows Defender, on the other hand, is integrated with the operating system and provides a user interface that makes it easy to manage your security settings.
Compatibility
Microsoft Safety Scanner is compatible with the latest version of Windows, while Windows Defender is only compatible with the latest versions of Windows.
Cost
Both Microsoft Safety Scanner and Windows Defender are free and can be used to protect your computer from malicious software.
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Microsoft Safety Scanner vs Windows Defender
Pros
- Microsoft Safety Scanner is a reliable and free tool to detect and remove viruses and malware from a computer.
- It is updated regularly to ensure that the latest threats are identified and removed.
- It is lightweight and does not require a large amount of system resources.
- It can be used to scan specific areas of the hard drive, allowing users to focus on infected areas.
Cons
- Microsoft Safety Scanner does not provide real-time protection against malicious threats.
- It can only be used to scan the system manually and cannot be scheduled.
- It does not have the same level of customization options as Windows Defender.
- It is not as effective as Windows Defender when it comes to preventing malicious threats.
Microsoft Safety Scanner Vs Windows Defender: Which Is Better?
When deciding between Microsoft Safety Scanner and Windows Defender, there are many factors to consider. Microsoft Safety Scanner is free, easy to use, and provides an in-depth scan of the system. However, Windows Defender is integrated in Windows 10, provides real-time protection, and is designed to protect against a wide range of threats. Ultimately, it depends on the user’s needs and preferences. For those who need more comprehensive protection, Windows Defender may be the better option. For those who only require occasional scanning and quick results, Microsoft Safety Scanner may be the better choice. Whichever option is chosen, it is important to stay up to date on the latest security threats and regularly scan the system for potential issues.
Top Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Microsoft Safety Scanner?
The Microsoft Safety Scanner is a free, stand-alone, downloadable security tool that provides on-demand scanning and helps remove viruses, spyware, and other malicious software. It works by scanning the computer to detect and remove threats. It is designed to be used as a one-time scan to check for malware that may have not been detected by the user’s regular antivirus software. The Safety Scanner is not a substitute for regular antivirus protection, but it can be used alongside existing security software for extra protection.
What is Windows Defender?
Windows Defender is a built-in anti-malware solution that is included in Windows 10, 8.1 and 7. It provides users with real-time protection from malicious software such as viruses, spyware, rootkits, and other security threats. It also offers users the ability to perform manual scans of their computers for malicious software. Windows Defender is designed to work in conjunction with other security software that the user may have installed, providing an additional layer of protection.
How do the Microsoft Safety Scanner and Windows Defender differ?
The Microsoft Safety Scanner and Windows Defender differ in several ways. The Safety Scanner is designed to be used as a one-time scan to check for malware that may have not been detected by the user’s regular antivirus software. It is not a substitute for regular antivirus protection, and it does not offer real-time protection. On the other hand, Windows Defender is a built-in anti-malware solution that provides users with real-time protection from malicious software, and it is designed to work in conjunction with other security software that the user may have installed.
Are the Microsoft Safety Scanner and Windows Defender compatible?
Yes, the Microsoft Safety Scanner and Windows Defender are compatible. The Safety Scanner is designed to be used as a one-time scan to check for malware that may have not been detected by the user’s regular antivirus software, and it is not a substitute for regular antivirus protection. Windows Defender is designed to work in conjunction with other security software that the user may have installed, providing an additional layer of protection.
Which one is better, the Microsoft Safety Scanner or Windows Defender?
It is difficult to say which one is better, as both have their own advantages and disadvantages. The Microsoft Safety Scanner is designed to be used as a one-time scan to check for malware that may have not been detected by the user’s regular antivirus software, and it does not offer real-time protection. On the other hand, Windows Defender provides users with real-time protection from malicious software, and it is designed to work in conjunction with other security software that the user may have installed. It is recommended that users employ both the Safety Scanner and Windows Defender for maximum protection.
Where can I download the Microsoft Safety Scanner?
The Microsoft Safety Scanner can be downloaded from the Microsoft Download Center. It is available for free and can be used on Windows 10, 8.1 and 7 PCs. The Safety Scanner is updated regularly with the latest malware definitions, so it is recommended that users download the latest version.
Can I use the Microsoft Safety Scanner and Windows Defender at the same time?
Yes, you can use the Microsoft Safety Scanner and Windows Defender at the same time. The Safety Scanner is designed to be used as a one-time scan to check for malware that may have not been detected by the user’s regular antivirus software, and Windows Defender provides users with real-time protection from malicious software. It is recommended that users employ both the Safety Scanner and Windows Defender for maximum protection.
How to Remove malware, Viruses and Spyware Using the Microsoft Safety Scanner in Windows 10
Microsoft Safety Scanner and Windows Defender are both powerful security tools that can help protect your device from malicious threats. Both options offer protection against malware, viruses, and other malicious software. While Windows Defender is a built-in security feature that comes with Windows, Microsoft Safety Scanner is a free, downloadable software. Ultimately, the choice of which security solution to use comes down to personal preference. In the end, both Microsoft Safety Scanner and Windows Defender provide excellent protection against the latest online threats, giving you the peace of mind that your computer is secured against any potential malicious attack.