Categories: PC Optimization

Best Online Virus Scanners for Windows Operating System

Did you know that roughly 17 million new malware (especially virus) infection instances are registered monthly? That translates to nearly 397 new infections per second. Think your system is safe? Well, think again. No computer is secure from virus attacks unless the best online virus scanner or offline software is there to shield it from infections.

Think of viruses as weapons cybercriminals use to invade your computer, damage the system, and steal your data for illegitimate purposes. There is a constant battle between these attackers and your system, with them constantly trying to enter your PC through file downloads, websites you visit, or other entry points. Luckily, you can win this battle with powerful virus scanner software at your disposal.

A virus scanner is a program that detects, prevents, and removes malicious software from your computer. It functions by scanning your files and system for malware signatures or suspicious behavior and then disinfects, quarantines, or deletes the identified threats.

But why should you use an online virus scanner?

The answer to this question lies in the convenience and easy accessibility, updated virus definitions, comprehensive scanning, resource-friendly functioning, and cost-effectiveness that these tools offer.

However, you should refrain from using any random virus scanner that you find online, as it could be bait from attackers to enter your system.

So, how do you find a legitimate and good online virus scanner?

It’s simple! All you have to do is read this article. In this article, we have listed the carefully selected online virus scanner software. We picked these scanners after thoughtfully evaluating their detection capabilities, how they impact the system performance, user interface, update frequency, customer support, cost, privacy policy, and many other crucial factors. Hence, let us waste no more time and drive right into these scanners.

Well-Researched List of the Best Online Virus Scanners

The following are our top picks for the best online virus scanner software with excellent malware prevention, web protection, phishing protection, behavior-based detection, and other essential features.

1. F-Secure Online Scanner

Meet F-Secure Online Scanner. It is an online virus scanner software that offers convenient, quick scans and cleanups when you suspect a virus infection and ensures your system is clean. This free and downloadable software performs on-demand scans to secure your system. Moreover, it has the following notable features.

Key features of F-Secure Online Scanner

Real-time scanning protects your system from malicious downloads
Browsing protection blocks suspicious sites to keep your data safe
Scam protection to protect your personal information from scammers

Pros

Effective malware detection and removal
Easy to use
System resource-friendly

Cons

Lacks advanced features
May need multiple scans

Click here to learn more about F-Secure Online Scanner

Also know: Best McAfee Removal Tool to Uninstall McAfee and Its Alternative Software to Use for Virus Protection

2. SafetyDetectives Known Vulnerabilities Scanner

Next, we have the SafetyDetectives Known Vulnerabilities Scanner on our list. It is a free online virus scanner that checks your computer system against the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) database to detect outdated or vulnerable software programs. It is a quick and easy way to find out the programs that need to be updated. Moreover, this software offers some of the best online virus scanner features, such as the following.

Key features of SafetyDetectives Known Vulnerabilities Scanner

After scanning, it offers clear guidance on how to fix the identified problems based on the CVE database
Despite being a completely free virus scanner software available online, it does not show any intrusive advertisements.

Pros

Quick scans to identify system vulnerabilities
User-friendly interface
Highlights the most critical vulnerabilities to help prioritize remediation efforts
Integrable with other security tools and systems

Cons

Might not detect all potential security threats
Needs user action to fix the vulnerabilities
No malware scan or real-time protection against active threats

Click here to learn more about SafetyDetectives Known Vulnerabilities Scanner

3. Sophos Scan & Clean

Here is another valuable tool for those searching for a free, portable, and effective online virus scanner. Sophos Scan & Clean is praised for its highly effective detection and removal of malware, such as spyware, rootkits, and other threats that might evade your traditional antivirus. Moreover, while this is a no-install scanner that you may need to download, the following features make it a worthwhile addition to your security arsenal.

Key features of Sophos Scan & Clean

Blocks reinfection by protecting registry keys and file locations
Uses cloud-based technology to update its threat definitions automatically
Offers real-time protection and on-demand scanning to protect your system from malware

Pros

Ease of use
Effective removal of malware

Cons

Occasionally, flags legitimate software as malicious
Needs user initiation for scan and threat removal

Click here to learn more about Sophos Scan & Clean

4. ESET Online Scanner

If you are looking for a second-opinion scanner or software to scan your system online, ESET Online Scanner can be the right choice. This free and on-demand scanner offers quick, full, and custom scan options to detect and remove malware. Moreover, it is renowned for its advanced detection capabilities to find threats that might be missed by other similar scanners, along with the following remarkable features.

Key features of ESET Online Scanner

Before scanning, it lets you enable the detection of Potentially Unwanted Applications (PUAs)
It boasts anti-stealth and anti-rootkit technologies to detect and remove rootkits effectively

Pros

Customizable scan options
Quick scanning capabilities

Cons

No real-time protection
May need manual steps for complete threat removal

Click here to learn more about ESET Online Scanner

5. Avira Free Online Scanner

Avira Free Online Scanner is another web-based virus scanner you can use to scan your computer for malware, viruses, and other threats. Offered as a part of Avira Free Security Suite, this tool employs a cutting-edge Antivirus Scanner, Pua Shield, and Nightvision technology to protect your system from threats. Moreover, this award-winning online scanner has the following laudable features.

Key features of Avira Free Online Scanner

Avira Free Online Scanner uses cloud-based scanning for faster and more efficient scans
It protects your system from malicious websites and phishing attacks with web protection
Provides you with a comprehensive threat report, allowing you to take the necessary action

Pros

Excellent malware detection with high scores in independent lab tests
Intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface

Cons

Sometimes, it slows down the computer
More advanced features and protection options may be unavailable in the free version.

Click here to learn more about Avira Free Online Scanner

Also know: How to Uninstall Third-Party Antivirus Software from Windows Completely

Best Online Virus Scanners: The Conclusion

That is all for the best virus scanners available online. You are taking the right step towards protecting your system and valuable data from being misused by choosing the right online virus scanner software from the list above. While these scanners are an excellent first step towards system protection and security, we recommend combining these online scanning programs with a full-fledged antivirus to heighten the security.

However, if you think we missed out on something or have any doubts/questions, you can leave us a comment. We will be delighted beyond words to connect with you. Also, do not forget to subscribe to our newsletter if you like this article.

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