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An on-demand virus scanner is a tool you use only when needed, unliketraditional antivirus programsthat run constantly.
These scanners are useful if your current antivirus misses something or if malware prevents it from running.
Below are our favorite free virus scanners, many of which don’t require installation.
SUPERAntiSpyware Free Edition
Several scan types to choose from.
Many of the prefs can be customized.
Includes other security tools.
Many features are reserved for the pro version.
Always shows a large ad.
Tries to install other software at the same time.
SUPERAntiSpyware Free Edition detects spyware in the registry and file system, as well as those running in memory.
Some advanced options are available, like scanning just cookies and including/excluding particular folders from a scan.
Clicking these areas will show an ad to download the full version.
Malwarebytes
Catches all sorts of malware.
Easy to understand how to use.
Beginning a scan is easy through the context menu.
Premium features are free for a limited time.
Lots of features are missing in the free edition.
Asks often if you want to upgrade to the paid version.
Malwarebytes is one of the most popular free virus scanners.
In our experience, it has found more malicious files than any other virus scanner we’ve used.
The free version lets you trial the paid features if you wish to use them.
Emsisoft Emergency Kit
Extremely simple interface that’s easy for anyone to use.
Can be installed to any folder (e.g., flash drive).
Provides advanced options if desired.
Large setup file might take a while to download.
Extracting the program files can be confusing for novice users.
Needs several hundred megabytes of space.
Requires Windows 10 or newer.
you might exclude particular files and folders from a scan if you’re gonna wanna.
EEK runs on Windows 11, Windows 10, and Windows Server 2016 and newer.
Stinger
Downloads quickly.
Runs from any location (it’s portable).
The simple UI is easy to grasp.
Lets you pick specific scan targets.
Doesn’t let you pause the virus scan.
Missing a built-in update option.
you’re able to see the long list of threats it can find from the includedThreat List.
Stinger can be set up to repair, report, rename, or remove malware.
You need Windows 7 or newer.
Microsoft Safety Scanner
Installation is unnecessary.
Uses a wizard to walk you through a scan.
Lack of advanced options makes it really easy to use.
Must re-download the program for the latest updates.
Can’t scan specific files only.
Doesn’t provide an option to customize advanced prefs.
Unable to pause scans.
This is to ensure you have the latest definitions to fight malware.
Dr.Web CureIt!
It doesn’t need to be installed.
Scans multiple threat types.
Lets you pause or stop a scan.
Customize where to scan.
300 MB setup file.
Download link is sent over email.
eScanAV Anti-Virus Toolkit (MWAV)
Works from any portable location.
Includes several options for where to scan.
Supports different scan targets.
Can pause a scan.
Includes another useful security tool.
Larger download than most virus scanners.
The scan results are hard to read.
Can’t scan just a specific file.
It checks for spyware, adware, keyloggers, and similar potentially malicious items running in the system memory.
It can also scan an individual folder or whole disk drive.
You have the option to just scan without repairing any files and to include scanning archive files.
Updates can be performed because the program installs itself to a temporary location while you use it.
Norton Power Eraser
Provides unique scanning features.
Simple interface that’s easy to understand.
It’s a portable system.
Has a small download size.
Pausing a scan is not supported.
There aren’t many advanced parameters that can be tweaked.
Norton Power Eraser is a portable on-demand free virus scanner that’s just around 20 MB in size.
Rootkit scanning is supported, too, but you have to enable it in the parameters.
This option works on Windows 7 and newer.
Sophos Scan & Clean
It has a simple, easy-to-use interface.
Virus definitions are always up to date.
Your email address is required to get the download.
Forces a countdown ad after every scan.
There are some advanced options, but they’re not your usual ones.
It has to be installed to be used, but it’s a small setup file.
It works with Windows 7 and newer.
HouseCall
Provides multiple scan types.
You don’t have to manually update the program.
Scans cannot be paused.
No advanced parameters you might tweak.
Trend Micro HouseCall is a portable, lightweight on-demand virus scanner for Windows.
It finds and eliminates Trojans, viruses, worms, and spyware.
The program automatically updates when you open it to stay current with recent releases and definition updates.
F-Secure Online Scanner
One of the easier-to-use virus scanners.
Viruses are deleted automatically.
Checks multiple locations for viruses.
There aren’t any advanced controls that can be customized.
you could’t review the threats before they’re deleted.
Doesn’t let you pick which folders to scan.
Pausing is not supported.
Shows an ad after every scan.
ESET Online Scanner
It’s completely portable.
Downloads updates automatically upon launch.
Can pause the scan.
No prefs to toggle things like archive scans.
When a scan is finished, the results can be sent to your email.
This is a great idea if an IT professional requests the scan, so they can review the results.
Panda Cloud Cleaner
Includes helpful features not found in other scanners.
Simple interface that isn’t confusing to use.
Missing the option to pause a scan.
Panda Cloud Cleaner scans the registry, system memory, and other common locations where malware could be hiding.
The download is relatively small but you do have to install it.
Includes unique features like email integration.
Supports scanning two types of targets.
Lots of advanced controls you might manipulate.
Scans can start automatically on a schedule.
Larger download than most on-demand virus scanners.
Installation is relatively slow due to definition updates.
No option to pause the scan.
Last updated in 2022.
Below is the download link for the installable version.ClamWin Portableis available through PortableApps.com.
