iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
To start a scan, use the path for your device and Kaspersky product: on the cited Windows versions, open Security > Scan > Choose scan and select a scan type; on the cited Android version, tap Scan > Full scan; and on the cited Mac versions, open the Scan window and choose a task. These menu names come from specific product versions, so your installation may look different.
Run a scan on Windows
Start a Quick Scan
- Open the main Kaspersky application window.
- In the Kaspersky Windows 21.7 guide, either select Home > Quick Scan or go to Security > Scan > Choose scan > Quick Scan.
- Select Run scan.
The Windows 21.7 guide says Quick Scan checks objects loaded when the operating system starts, system memory, and disk boot sectors.
Start a Full Scan
- Open the main application window and select Security.
- In the Scan block, select Choose scan, then choose Full Scan.
- Optionally choose what the application should do when the scan finishes, then select Run.
In the Windows 21.16 guide, Full Scan covers system memory, startup-loaded objects, system backup storage, hard drives, and removable drives. Kaspersky recommends running a Full Scan immediately after installing the application.
The cited Windows guides use different button labels: the 21.7 guide says Run scan, while the 21.16 guide says Run. If your controls differ, follow the support instructions for your installed product and version rather than assuming these paths apply unchanged.
#1 Best Overall
- SPEED-OPTIMIZED, CROSS-PLATFORM PROTECTION: World-class antivirus security and cyber protection for Windows (Windows 7 with Service Pack 1, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, and Windows 11), Mac OS (Yosemite 10.10 or later), iOS (11.2 or later), and Android (5.0 or later). Organize and keep your digital life safe from hackers
- SAFE ONLINE BANKING: A unique, dedicated browser secures your online transactions; Our Total Security product also includes 200MB per day of our new and improved Bitdefender VPN
- ADVANCED THREAT DEFENSE: Real-Time Data Protection, Multi-Layer Malware and Ransomware Protection, Social Network Protection, Game/Movie/Work Modes, Microphone Monitor, Webcam Protection, Anti-Tracker, Phishing, Fraud, and Spam Protection, File Shredder, Parental Controls, and more
- ECO-FRIENDLY PACKAGING: Your product-specific code is printed on a card and shipped inside a protective cardboard sleeve. Simply open packaging and scratch off security ink on the card to reveal your activation code. No more bulky box or hard-to-recycle discs. PLEASE NOTE: Product packaging may vary from the images shown, however the product is the same.
Run a scan on Android
- Open the Kaspersky app’s quick launch panel.
- Tap Scan, then Full scan.
This path is documented for Kaspersky Android app version 11.83. The support article was last reviewed March 5, 2022, so labels may differ in a newer version.
Run a scan on a Mac
Kaspersky Internet Security for Mac
In the cited consumer guide for Kaspersky Internet Security for Mac 20.0, open the main application window, select the Scan control, then choose Start Full Scan or Start Quick Scan. The guide also documents scheduling either scan and viewing completed scan reports.
Rank #2
![Norton 360 Deluxe 2027 Antivirus, 5 Devices, Auto-Renews [Download]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41IYV5zGyCL._SL160_.jpg)
- ONGOING PROTECTION Download instantly & install protection for 5 PCs, Macs, iOS or Android devices in minutes!
- TOP-PERFORMING VPN Faster speeds, more server locations, and greater connection control to protect your privacy across all your devices, including Smart TVs.
- ADVANCED SCAM PROTECTION Help spot hidden scams online. With the built-in Genie AI assistant, you’ll never wonder if a message or email is suspicious again.
- REAL-TIME PROTECTION Advanced security protects against existing and emerging malware threats, including ransomware and viruses, and it won’t slow down your device performance.
- DARK WEB MONITORING Identity thieves can buy or sell your information on websites and forums. We search the dark web and notify you should your information be found.
To scan an individual file, folder, or internal or external disk, the guide describes starting a scan through the item’s context menu, the Dock, or the Scan window. It also documents setting what happens when an external disk is connected.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallKaspersky Endpoint Security for Mac
Endpoint Security is a separate business product. Its version 12.2.1 manual describes Full Scan, Quick Scan, and Custom Scan tasks started from the Scan window; those task names do not establish that every consumer Mac edition has the same controls.
Rank #3
![Norton 360 Premium 2027 Antivirus, 10 Devices, Auto-Renews [Download]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41JNWru8mYL._SL160_.jpg)
- ONGOING PROTECTION Download instantly & install protection for 10 PCs, Macs, iOS or Android devices in minutes!
- TOP-PERFORMING VPN Faster speeds, more server locations, and greater connection control to protect your privacy across all your devices, including Smart TVs.
- ADVANCED SCAM PROTECTION Help spot hidden scams online. With the built-in Genie AI assistant, you’ll never wonder if a message or email is suspicious again.
- REAL-TIME PROTECTION Advanced security protects against existing and emerging malware threats, including ransomware and viruses, and it won’t slow down your device performance.
- DARK WEB MONITORING Identity thieves can buy or sell your information on websites and forums. We search the dark web and notify you should your information be found.
Choose Quick Scan or Full Scan
For the cited Windows versions, the practical distinction is scope: Quick Scan checks specified critical areas, while Full Scan covers a broader set of system storage and drives. The exact documented scope above applies to those Windows guides; the sources do not establish that every platform or version scans the same locations.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- POWERFUL, LIGHTNING-FAST ANTIVIRUS: Protects your computer from viruses and malware through the cloud; Webroot scans faster, uses fewer system resources and safeguards your devices in real-time by identifying and blocking new threats
- IDENTITY THEFT PROTECTION: Protects your usernames, account numbers and other personal information against keyloggers, spyware and other online threats targeting valuable personal data
- REAL-TIME ANTI-PHISHING: Proactively scans websites, emails and other communications and warns you of potential danger before you click to effectively stop malicious attempts to steal your personal information
- ALWAYS UP TO DATE: Webroot scours 95% of the Internet three times per day including billions of web pages, files and apps to determine what is safe online and enhances the software automatically without time-consuming updates
Rank #4
- THREAT DETECTION – Stay one step ahead. Suspicious links, risky sites, viruses, and scams, caught automatically before they reach you.
- PERSONAL INFO PROTECTION – Keep your personal info safer. Identity monitoring watches for your exposed info and tells you what to do about it.
- SECURE CONNECTIONS – Just a few easy clicks, and we'll automatically protect your info on public Wi‑Fi, every time you connect.
- GUIDED ACTION – Know what matters and what to do next. Clear alerts and simple guidance make it easy to take action.
- MORE THAN ANTIVIRUS – Scam protection, identity monitoring, VPN, web protection, and antivirus work together to protect you, all in one place.
If the instructions do not match your app
- Check the product name and version shown in your Kaspersky application. Consumer and Endpoint Security products can have different interfaces.
- Use the support page or manual for that installed product and version if a menu or button is missing or named differently.
- Do not assume that an older guide’s route or button label is universal: the cited Windows instructions alone use both Run and Run scan.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
