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Free Online Virus Scanner Services

· 2 min read

If you suspect your computer is infected with malware but do not have antivirus software installed (or want a second opinion from a different vendor), online virus scanners can scan your system directly through your web browser.

These tools are provided by reputable security companies and are useful for:

  • Getting a second opinion when your installed antivirus reports everything is clean but you still suspect an infection.
  • Scanning a computer that does not have antivirus installed.
  • Checking specific files against multiple antivirus engines.
  • ESET Online Scanner - Full system scan using ESET's detection engine. Downloads a lightweight scanner agent.
  • Kaspersky Threat Intelligence Portal - Scan individual files and URLs for threats.
  • Trend Micro HouseCall - Free online security scan for identifying and removing viruses, worms, spyware, and other threats.
  • VirusTotal - Upload a file or enter a URL to scan it against 70+ antivirus engines simultaneously. The most useful tool for checking individual suspicious files.
  • Microsoft Safety Scanner - A downloadable tool from Microsoft that scans for and removes malware. Valid for 10 days after download.

Tips​

  • VirusTotal is the best option for checking individual files, as it scans against dozens of engines at once.
  • For a full system scan, ESET Online Scanner and Trend Micro HouseCall are the most thorough options.
  • Online scanners are a supplement, not a replacement, for installed antivirus software. They are best used as a one-off check rather than ongoing protection.
  • Some online scanners require a browser plugin or a small download to run. Make sure you are downloading from the vendor's official website.