Microsoft Quick Scan vs Full Scan: Difference and Comparison

When a person desires to scan and clean up the computer files, Microsoft Quick Scan only scans the files. However, it doesn’t remove them.

If a person desires to fully remove the corrupted or deleted data, the recommended scan is the Microsoft Full Scan. Microsoft Quick Scan and Full Scan may seem bewildering and similar, but they are different too.

Key Takeaways

  1. Quick Scan checks critical areas of the system prone to malware and runs faster than Full Scan.
  2. Full Scan thoroughly examines the entire system, including all files and folders.
  3. Users should perform a Quick Scan regularly and a Full Scan periodically to ensure comprehensive protection.

Microsoft Quick Scan vs Full Scan

Microsoft Quick Scan is a fast scan option that checks your systems most vulnerable and commonly infected areas, including running processes and startup folders. Microsoft Full Scan is a comprehensive scan option that examines every file and folder on your computer’s hard drive.

Microsoft Quick Scan vs Full Scan

Microsoft Quick Scan is a program that helps you search for and repair problems with your Windows computer. Moreover, this program has all the basic features to scan your hard drive.

In addition to being able to search for files by name or content, Microsoft Quick Scan also offers the ability to locate duplicate images of a document.

Microsoft Full Scan is a powerful tool that was first introduced with Windows Vista. This program searches computer registries, files, folders, and drives for anything that may be broken.

If it finds anything, it will fix it. The Microsoft Full Scan can be run anytime, even if the computer is already running.

Comparison Table

Parameters of ComparisonMicrosoft Quick ScanMicrosoft Full Scan
DefinitionMicrosoft Quick Scan is an app for scanning documents that will let you search across all of your files without having to manually search each one.Microsoft Full Scan is a software utility run to scan for malware on an entire computer.
Malware RemovalMicrosoft Quick Scan only scans the files but doesn’t remove any corrupted or deleted data.Microsoft Full Scan scans the files and fully removes the corrupted or deleted data.
Run TimeThe Microsoft Quick Scan cannot be run anytime even the computer is already running.The Microsoft Full Scan can be run anytime even the computer is already running.
StorageThe Microsoft Quick Scan program is lightweight and does not require much space for storage or memory.The Microsoft Full Scan program is not lightweight and requires much space for storage or memory.
SpeedThe Microsoft Quick Scan has a high time processing speed.The Microsoft Full Scan has a low time processing speed.

What is Microsoft Quick Scan?

Microsoft Quick Scan is an app for scanning documents that will let anyone search across all the files without having to search each one manually.

It doesn’t have a database of documents, but it has its limits. The Microsoft Full Scan will also allow this feature, well-known as a malicious software removal tool.

Microsoft Quick Scan can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store. The program is lightweight and does not require much space for storage or memory.

In addition to being able to search for files by name or content, Microsoft Quick Scan also offers the ability to locate duplicate images of a document.

Microsoft Quick Scan only scans the files and doesn’t remove them. However, this is a quick way to search for deleted or corrupted files automatically.

After its installation, users can begin scanning documents and storing them in the company’s OneDrive cloud storage service. The app will scan and recognize modern-day document formats, including Portable Document Format.

The Microsoft Quick Scan allows users to turn their smartphone or tablet’s camera into a scanner and use it to scan documents, both text and image-based, quickly, moreover, it also makes it easier to locate a particular image of a document, where anyone can now toggle the results from showing one item at a time to showing all of them at once.

What is Microsoft Full Scan?

Microsoft Full Scan is a software utility run to scan for malware on an entire computer. It does this by detecting and removing anything that it finds in your operating system, including rootkits, spyware, viruses, Trojans, worms, and other malicious software. To run Microsoft Full Scan, follow these steps:

  • Go to the Windows Start Menu and click on all programs.
  • Scroll down the list and click on Microsoft Safety Scanner.
  • To do this, right-click on Computer in your Start menu and click Properties.
  • Click on the System section and click on the Advanced System settings link
  • Under the Startup and Recovery section, click on Settings.
  • Now click the Safe Boot options link under the Boot tab, then un-check Safe Boot and click Apply and ok.
  • Click Start Full Scan now to run the full scan now.

Microsoft Full Scan is a powerful tool that was first introduced with Windows Vista. This program searches the computer registry, files, folders, and drives for anything that may be broken.

If it finds anything, Microsoft will fix it. This process works in the background so that a person can continue to use their computer as normal during this process.

Main Differences Between Microsoft Quick Scan and Full Scan

  1. Microsoft Quick Scan is an app for scanning documents that will let you search across all of your files without having to manually search each one, whereas Microsoft Full Scan is a software utility run to scan for malware on an entire computer.
  2. Microsoft Quick Scan only scans the files but doesn’t remove any corrupted or deleted data, whereas Microsoft Full Scan scans the files and fully removes the corrupted or deleted data.
  3. The Microsoft Quick Scan cannot be run anytime, even if the computer is already running, whereas the Microsoft Full Scan can be run anytime, even if the computer is already running.
  4. The Microsoft Quick Scan program is lightweight and does not require much storage or memory, whereas the Microsoft Full Scan program is not lightweight and requires much storage or memory.
  5. The Microsoft Quick Scan has a high time processing speed, whereas the Microsoft Full Scan has a low time processing speed.
References
  1. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/ac900036d
  2. https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/iemssconference/2012/Stream-B/289/
  3. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3763/aedm.2010.IDDS3

Last Updated : 11 June, 2023

dot 1
One request?

I’ve put so much effort writing this blog post to provide value to you. It’ll be very helpful for me, if you consider sharing it on social media or with your friends/family. SHARING IS ♥️

12 thoughts on “Microsoft Quick Scan vs Full Scan: Difference and Comparison”

  1. Microsoft Quick Scan provides a convenient option for scanning documents and identifying modern-day document formats. Its integration with OneDrive cloud storage offers added convenience for users.

    Reply
    • I agree, Cameron. The seamless workflow enabled by the Microsoft Quick Scan and OneDrive integration enhances user experience and productivity.

      Reply
  2. The step-by-step guide for running the Microsoft Full Scan is a valuable resource for users seeking to leverage this powerful tool for maintaining system security.

    Reply
    • I appreciate the insight into the processing speed differences between the Quick Scan and Full Scan, as it underscores the importance of considering scan duration for effective system maintenance.

      Reply
    • Indeed, Llloyd. Providing clear instructions for utilizing the Microsoft Full Scan contributes to empowering users to take proactive measures in safeguarding their systems.

      Reply
  3. The ability of Microsoft Quick Scan to search for duplicate images of a document is a valuable feature that can aid users in organizing and managing their files more effectively.

    Reply
  4. The thoroughness of the Microsoft Full Scan is evident in its ability to search the computer registry, files, folders, and drives. This comprehensive approach is essential for detecting and fixing any issues.

    Reply
  5. The Microsoft Full Scan is a crucial tool for ensuring comprehensive protection of the system. I appreciate the explanation of the steps to run the scan, as it can be very beneficial for users.

    Reply
  6. Microsoft Quick Scan is a useful tool for quickly checking for issues, but it’s important to keep in mind its limitations. It is not a substitute for a thorough scan of the entire system, which is why the Microsoft Full Scan is recommended.

    Reply
    • Absolutely, Jonathan. It’s important for users to understand the differences between the two scan options and when it’s appropriate to use each one.

      Reply
  7. The comparison table effectively highlights the key differences between Microsoft Quick Scan and Full Scan, clarifying their respective functionalities and purposes.

    Reply
  8. It’s interesting to note the differences in storage requirements between the Quick Scan and Full Scan. This comparison provides valuable insights for users looking to manage their system resources efficiently.

    Reply

Leave a Comment

Want to save this article for later? Click the heart in the bottom right corner to save to your own articles box!