Using Oscilloscope: x1 vs x10

Rule of thumb

Use x1 in case the signal level is too low (<1.0V).

Use x10 for everyday usage.

How It Works

x1 will directly connect to oscilloscope using the standard setting

x10 will enable a built-in attenuator in the probe tip, in which can increase the impedance of the signal, thus creating lower load to the circuit-under-test (affect less to the circuit). However, a negative aspect of the x10 settings is, also due to the increased impedance, the amplitude of the signal will be decrease by 10x, and thus cannot be used for low-voltage signals.

Reference

What are the differences between a x1 and a x10 oscilloscope probe