Scan types in Desktop Security

Scan types

Desktop Security provides different scans you can use to check your computer for threats: Threat Scan, Custom Scan, Quick Scan, and Deep Scan for Windows. The scan type you choose determines how many locations are searched and how many files are looked at on your device. Depending on the scan type and its customizations, some scans may take more time to complete than others. For information on configuring scan settings for Windows, see Scan settings in Desktop Security for Windows.

Threat Scan

Available in: Windows, macOS

Threat Scans detect threats in common computer system locations, such as your files and programs. If you have a paid subscription, a Threat Scan is scheduled to run once per week by default. For more information, see Run and schedule scans in Desktop Security. 

Custom Scan

Available in: Windows, macOS

Custom Scans allow you to choose where you want Desktop Security to scan on your system and what items should be searched. Because these scans can take a long time to complete, we recommend using Threat Scans unless there is a specific location on your device you want to scan. For more information on Custom Scans, see Create a Custom Scan in Desktop Security.

Quick Scan

Available in: Windows, macOS

Quick Scans check for threats in two locations: your device's memory, which is the computer's temporary workspace when running any software, and the startup programs that launch when your device is turned on. A Quick Scan is faster but less comprehensive than a Threat Scan. This scan type is available for all users on macOS devices, but only available for users with a paid subscription on Windows devices.

If a Quick Scan detects malware, we strongly recommend running a Threat Scan afterward in case there are more threats elsewhere on your device. By default, any threats detected during a scan are quarantined. For information on quarantining threats, see Manage quarantined items in Desktop Security.

Deep Scan

Available in: Windows

Deep Scans check for threats on your computer system locations against our most comprehensive malware database. Because Deep Scans are more resource-intensive and require the use of advanced detection techniques, your device's performance may be impacted for a longer duration of time compared to other scans.

We only recommend running a Deep Scan after blocking or detecting malware on your device. For more information on running Deep Scans, see Run a Deep Scan in Desktop Security on Windows devices.