Free Virus Scanner and Removal Tool (2024)

FAQs

How do I run a free virus scan?

  1. Download a free virus scanner and removal tool.

  2. Install the software by clicking on the .exe file.

  3. Open the program and scan your computer for viruses.


The easiest way to scan for viruses and clean phone viruses is with a free virus removal tool, like Avast One. Download and install our online virus checker, then perform a quick virus scan to detect and remove viruses from your PC.


Our detailed guides will show you how to clean your computer of viruses, how to clean viruses from your laptop, and how a phone virus checker can protect your mobile devices:

Are there any free virus scans?

Free virus detection software from a reputable provider like Avast is the best way to perform a free virus scan, online as well as off. We’ll automatically detect, block, and remove viruses and other malware from your devices.


Protect your Mac and clean phone viruses with our free virus checkers:

Should I run a virus scan on Mac or mobile devices, too?

You should perform virus scans and use malware removal software on all your devices. Any device that can go online can get viruses or other types of malware. This means that your Mac and phone may be vulnerable to viruses.


While Android devices are more likely to get infected than iPhones or iPads, iOS devices are vulnerable to other security threats. Removing adware and protecting against ransomware are important for any device.

Is Windows Defender enough to protect my PC?

Windows Defender lacks many essential features that other free antivirus security solutions provide, such as offline protection and comprehensive anti-phishing defenses. It’s far better to use a professional free virus scanner and remover like Avast One to perform malware checks and keep your data safe.

What does a virus scan do?

A virus scan checks your computer or mobile device for viruses, worms, and other types of malware. Many online virus checkers look for known viruses, while some — including Avast One — can detect signs of unusual behavior that may indicate new types of malware.

Does Google Chrome Scan For Viruses?

Yes, Google Chrome features a built-in malware scanner that will find and remove harmful files and applications on your computer or browser. Go to Settings > Advanced > Reset and clean up and Chrome will scan your computer and remove malicious programs. Chrome’s virus scanner works only on the Windows version of Chrome.

What is a computer virus?

A computer virus is a type of malware that can replicate and spread from one device to another on its own. Viruses often spread through infected emails and websites, malvertising campaigns, or by exploiting vulnerabilities in outdated software.

Can phones get viruses?

While phone viruses don’t quite exist, your phone is at risk of infection by other types of malware. Android devices are at greater risk than iPhones since you can install apps from unofficial sources, but malicious apps have been found in both Google Play as well as Apple's App Store.

Can Macs get viruses?

Macs can get viruses, such as the macro viruses that infect victims through Microsoft Word documents. Other types of malware — such as ransomware, Trojans, and adware — may present more significant threats to Mac users.

Free Virus Scanner and Removal Tool (2024)

FAQs

Is there a free computer scan for virus and removal? ›

Avast One scans and cleans the viruses currently on your device, and stops future viruses and threats from infecting your system. And it's 100% free and easy to use.

Is there a truly free malware removal tool? ›

The easiest way to remove malware from your Windows PC is to use a free virus removal tool like Avast One, which scans for and removes existing malware, as well as prevents future infections. Avast One is compatible with all devices, so you can scan for, detect, and remove malware on Mac, iPhone, and Android too.

Is there a 100% free antivirus? ›

Is there a 100% free antivirus? Yes, there are various free antivirus software, although not all of them will provide you with full protection. Avast Free Antivirus is completely free and offers all the security you need. How do I detect and remove viruses and other malware?

What is the best free virus cleaner? ›

Top 5 best free antivirus in 2024
  • TotalAV – best overall free antivirus for Windows in 2024.
  • Norton – feature-packed free virus protection.
  • Bitdefender – free PC antivirus with threat protection.
  • Surfshark Antivirus – versatile virus protection for all devices.
  • NordVPN Threat Protection – free malware prevention with a VPN.
Jan 19, 2024

How can I run a virus scan on my computer for free? ›

Run a quick scan in Windows Security
  1. Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security and then Virus & threat protection. Open Windows Security settings.
  2. Under Current threats, select Quick scan (or in early versions of Windows 10, under Threat history, select Scan now).

How do I get rid of viruses for free? ›

Here are a few popular options that are highly recommended:
  1. Malwarebytes: This is a popular and effective tool for detecting and removing malware on Windows, Mac, and Android devices. ...
  2. Avast Free Antivirus: This antivirus software provides real-time protection against malware and viruses.
Mar 1, 2024

What is the best free adware and malware removal? ›

Avast One scans and removes adware currently on your device, and stops future adware, viruses, and other types of threats. Best of all, it's 100% free and easy to use.

Can I trust Avast? ›

If you're searching for antivirus software, Avast is a good investment. Third-party tester AV-TEST gave it perfect scores across its Windows, macOS, and Android platforms. With competitive pricing, a free version, and a 30-day free trial, we think Avast antivirus is worth checking out.

Does free Malwarebytes remove viruses? ›

Malwarebytes offers free versions to scan and clean viruses and malware from your devices. Paid antivirus software like Malwarebytes Premium gives you on-going protection against viruses and malware, rather than just scanning and cleaning when you think your device might be infected.

What is the number 1 best free antivirus? ›

The Best Free Antivirus of 2024
  • Bitdefender: Best for virus scanning.
  • Avira: Best for multiple platforms.
  • F-Secure: Best supplemental antivirus tool.
  • Trend Micro HouseCall: Best for customized scans.
  • McAfee: Best free trial.
  • Malwarebytes: Best for Macs.
  • Microsoft Defender: Best for Microsoft 365 subscribers.
Mar 23, 2024

Why not to use free antivirus? ›

The reason to not use a free antivirus is a lack of features. Premium antiviruses often come with all the security tools the industry could dream up, while free antiviruses are often intentionally limited. Plus, some free antivirus apps can be outright scams.

What is the safest free antivirus download? ›

Best free antivirus software
  • Bitdefender. : Best overall.
  • AVG. : Best real-time protection.
  • Malwarebytes. : Best no-frills.
  • Kaspersky. : Best for iPhones.
  • TotalAV. : Best for computer cleanup.
Jan 25, 2023

What is the best free online virus scan and removal? ›

🥇1. SafetyDetectives Known Vulnerabilities Scanner — Best Free Online Scanner. The SafetyDetectives Known Vulnerabilities Scanner is my favorite free online security tool. It's a quick and secure way to find out if you have any unsafe programs running on your computer and if any of your programs need a security update.

How do I scan for viruses? ›

How to check your Android devices for viruses or malware
  1. Download free mobile antivirus. The best way to check for malware on your phone is to use a mobile security app like free AVG Antivirus for Android.
  2. Run a scan.
Jan 24, 2024

How can I run a full virus scan on my computer? ›

FAQs
  1. Click on Start.
  2. Click on Settings.
  3. Click on Update & Security.
  4. Choose Windows Security.
  5. Click on Virus & Threat Protection.
  6. Choose Current Threats.
  7. Click on Scan Options/Threat History.
  8. Run a new Advanced Scan.
Mar 14, 2024

Does Google have a free virus scan? ›

YES, Google Chrome comes with an inbuilt Malware scanner. It can search and report the malicious files and applications that are causing the trouble on your system or browser. However, this inbuilt anti-malware only comes with the Windows version of Google Chrome. How to Scan for Viruses on Google Chrome?

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