Stay safe without being a tech pro. This guide shows which scan to pick, what each one checks, how long it usually takes, how to schedule scans, and what to do with the results.

Pick the right scan in under 10 seconds

• Got 2 minutes? Run Quick Scan. It checks the highest risk spots fast.

• Want a solid weekly check? Run Standard Scan. It is thorough yet friendly on time.

• Think something is wrong or it has been a while? Run a Full Scan for a deep clean.

• Need to check only a USB or one folder? Run Custom Scan and point it where you want.
  

            

What exactly does each scan look at?

Below is a plain description, so you know what is happening under the hood.

Quick Scan – quick checkup for peace of mind

• What it targets: Processes, Memory, Autostart.

• What that means:

  • Processes – programs that are running right now.

  • Memory – active code hiding in RAM.

  • Autostart – apps that try to launch with Windows.

• Good for: a fast health check after downloading something or when the PC feels a bit off.

• Typical time: a few minutes.

• Why it works: most malware tries to run in memory and add itself to startup. Quick Scan catches that behavior first.
  
  

Standard Scan ★ – routine check you can trust

• What it targets: Processes, Memory, Autostart, Connections, Services, Downloads.

• What that means:

  • Connections – suspicious network activity.

  • Services – background Windows components that could be hijacked.

  • Downloads – the usual landing zone for new files.

• Good for: your weekly scan.

• Typical time: longer than Quick, shorter than Full.

• Why it works: it balances speed with depth and hits the places threats commonly stick around.
  
  

Full Scan – complete review when you want it all

• What it targets (in addition to the above): Documents, Disks, USB devices, System32, Settings, Popups, ADS.

• What that means:

  • Documents – files where malicious macros can live.

  • Disks – a walk through every folder on your drives.

  • USB devices – flash drives and external disks that often spread infections.

  • System32 – core Windows files that some threats try to replace.

  • Settings – system tweaks that can weaken security.

  • Popups – adware traces that spam your screen.

  • ADS – Alternate Data Streams used by some threats to hide.

• Good for: monthly deep clean, or when you suspect an infection.

• Typical time: the longest. Start it when you can step away.
  
  

Custom Scan – selective inspection for your needs

• What you can choose: scan a USB device, any disk, or any folder only.

• Extra components you can include: ActiveX components, Windows services, Browser extensions, Startup programs, Registry entries.

• Good for: checking a newly downloaded folder, a shared network location, or a flash drive before opening files.

• Typical time: depends on what you pick.
  
  

  
  
  

Start a scan now

1. Open Gridinsoft Anti-Malware.

2. Go to the Scan tab.

3. Pick Quick, Standard, Full, or Custom.

4. For Custom, add or remove folders and devices, then select any extra components.

5. Click Start and let the scan finish.
   
   
   
   

Performance tips

• Long scans use more resources. Run a Full Scan overnight or when you are away.

• Keep laptops on power during deep scans.

• Close heavy apps and browsers to speed things up.
  

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Set it and forget it with scheduled scans

Automated scans keep you safe even when you are busy.

Open scheduling

1. Go to Settings.

2. Click Scheduled Scan.

3. Choose the time, days, and scan type.
   
   

Smart schedules that work in real life 

• Daily Quick at lunchtime or shutdown for quick reassurance.

• Weekly Standard on a quiet evening for balanced coverage.

• Monthly Full overnight for a deep sweep.
  

What you can control

• Scan type to run

• What to do when threats are found                                  
  

Reading results 

After a scan you will see items grouped by risk. Here is how to act with confidence.

Risk levels

• High risk – confirmed or very likely malware. Act now.

• Medium risk – potentially unwanted programs or suspicious changes. Review and remove if you do not recognize them.

• Low risk – minor concerns like trackers.

Action playbook

• Quarantine first – safest choice. It isolates the file so nothing can run and you can restore if it was a false alarm. 

• Delete – use when you are sure you will never need the file.

• Ignore – add trusted items to the Ignore List so they are not flagged again.