The present application discloses a method and a device for scanning virus. The method for scanning virus comprises: ascertaining first scanning items in a client based on a determination to perform an intelligent scan; scanning the first scanning items at a first scanning speed; and scanning second scanning items in the client at a second scanning speed based on the client satisfying a first switching condition, the second scanning items are all remaining items except the first scanning items in the client, wherein the first scanning speed is higher than the second scanning speed. According to the scheme of the present application, adverse effects of virus scanning on a user's normal operation on and use of the client can be reduced.