The sad truth is that many of us don’t really pay attention to computer security until a serious issue arises. And at that point, the security breach may have already caused major damages to the point that our devices no longer boot up or private information is already compromised. It is only until then that we realize the importance of security software.
Security software is a critical tool for every computer. Without it, you can risk losing your private information, important files and documents, and even your hard-earned money on your bank account.
So, in this article, we take a look at one commonly used security software: Microsoft Safety Scanner. Hopefully, at the end of this article, you can decide whether this software makes a great investment or not.
About Microsoft Safety Scanner
With all the many security software available today that promise different security features, we wouldn’t be surprised if you’d ask, “Is Microsoft Safety Scanner a legitimate program? Is Microsoft Safety Scanner safe to use?”
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Here’s what you should know.
Microsoft Safety Scanner is a program designed by Microsoft to promote computer security. It automatically performs system scans at set intervals to check for any malware entities or potentially unwanted programs (PUPs). It also allows users to manually configure its capabilities and settings to achieve the desired security level.
Like most antivirus programs, Safety Scanner offers different scanning options that can be selected manually. A full scan will check all folders and computer directories for any potentially unwanted program, spyware, browser hijacker, Trojan horses, malware entities, and adware, whereas a quick scan will skip folders that are not often targeted by cybercriminals.
After a scan, Microsoft Safety Scanner will list all programs that may have been infected by malicious entities or viruses. It will also let users decide what antivirus tool to use to remove the malware.
Microsoft Safety Scanner vs. Windows Defender
More often than not, Microsoft Safety Scanner is being compared with Windows Defender. While both serve the same purpose, which is to protect your computer against threats, they actually differ in many ways.
Windows Defender is a built-in security tool that comes bundled with your Windows operating system. It’s a great tool to have as it does not conflict with other installed applications. Plus, it can detect many hard-to-remove cyberthreats before Windows even completes its boot-up sequence.
However, unlike Microsoft Safety Scanner, it does not include malware protection. So, Windows users who rely on Windows Defender are advised to use another effective anti-malware tool for added protection.
All in all, both tools could complement one another should a Windows user want to achieve maximum security.
System Requirements
Before you go and download Microsoft Safety Scanner, check your computer’s specs first. Do you think it is compatible with the software? Do you have enough memory or space to run the software? Because if not, you may need to use a PC repair tool to delete system junk and free up valuable system space.
This security software is compatible with computers running on 32-bit or 64-bit editions of Windows XP, Vista, Server 2003, and Windows 7. To be able to run this scanner, users need to be logged on as a member of the Administrators group.
How to Use Microsoft Safety Scanner in Windows
To use Safety Scanner, you don’t have to remove or uninstall any existing antivirus software. Just run the program by following the steps below:
- Download the Microsoft Safety Scanner version that is compatible with your Windows device.
- Run the msert.exe file you have just downloaded.
- If prompted by User Account Control, choose Yes.
- Accept the terms and conditions and click Next.
- Again, tap Next to proceed.
- Select the type of scan you want to perform. You can choose to do a Quick, Customized, or Full Scan.
- Tap Next to continue.
- Microsoft Safety Scanner will begin scanning your computer.
- Once the scan is complete and no issues are found, tap Finish.
It is worth noting that Safety Scanner expires 10 days after downloading. If you need to use it again in the future, just repeat the steps above.
If you find this tool ineffective or useless in the future, you can always have it removed. Simply delete the msert.exe file and you’re done.
Microsoft Safety Scanner Reviews
Do you really think that Microsoft Safety Scanner is a valuable investment? We think so.
According to some users, although the tool has certain flaws, it has a lot of useful features that are highly beneficial for average Windows users.
Yes, the tool may not be designed to perform automatic updates. But still, its advantages outweigh its cons.
Summary
Sometimes, you simply cannot trust your built-in security software in blocking specific threats. So, if your computer is acting up and your current security tool swears nothing’s wrong, you might want to consider another option. Choose to install Microsoft Safety Scanner.
Microsoft Safety Scanner is a must-have security software that does not only scan and get rid of potentially unwanted programs on your Windows device. It also protects your computer against malware attacks and reduces the likelihood of being infected by malicious entities.