It is very easy to pick up some malicious code on the web. It integrates into the browser, changes the start page, installs an unfamiliar search engine, adds ads or downloads something. In general, it does everything that spoils life not only for the user, but also for the platform itself.
One of the biggest problems in dealing with such unwanted programs and malicious code is the inaction of local antiviruses. For example, Doctor Web or Kaspersky sometimes simply ignore outside interference, considering it as ordinary and harmless (for them) advertising.
How to be?
The solution to the problem in this case are special utilities for cleaning the computer from viruses and Trojans. This software has limited functionality and is aimed exclusively at finding and eliminating such threats. Veteran antivirus developers offer similar solutions for free.
Doctor Web's virus-cleaning utility is called CureIt. The application does not require local installation and works “as is”. After downloading the distribution kit from the official website, you simply launch it and start checking. Also, the user has the opportunity to scan his computer directly through the web browser interface, again using the developer's website. That is, here we already have a web utility for cleaning the computer from viruses.
Almost the same situation is with Kaspersky Lab with its Virus Removal Tool. Download the distribution kit, run a scan and remove the found spyware and trojans. But for some reason the company abandoned its brainchild: since 2015, the utility for cleaning computers from Kaspersky viruses is no longer updated and is not maintained by the developer in any way. The functionality of the program works as intended, but the process of scanning, recognizing and removing malicious code is already outdated.
It is also worth noting that these are completely free utilities for cleaning your computer from viruses, so they can be forgiven for some flaws and miscalculations. Nevertheless, the above software cannot be called effective. On the Internet, you can find more meticulous software that will scan your system inside and out, and also find and neutralize malicious code. Some especially powerful virus cleaning utilities find a lot of unwanted programs after the CureIt and Virus Removal Tool checks. Yes, Doctor Web and Kaspersky's local antiviruses work better, but as far as this particular area is concerned, here, alas, they are inferior on many points.
So, we present to your attention the best utilities for cleaning your computer from viruses and Trojans. The software has perfectly proven itself in servicing the Windows environment and distinguished itself by its efficiency, as well as by a mass of positive feedback from users.
AdwCleaner
This is not the most powerful utility for cleaning your computer from viruses, but it fights like a real beast against aggressive ads and automatic opening of pages in the browser. One of the clear advantages of the software is the availability of a free distribution license. Along with such efficiency, it is a great option for the average user.
The utility for cleaning your computer from viruses AdwCleaner does not require local installation and works, as they say, on the fly. Plus, the software has a well-localized and understandable interface, so any beginner can figure it out. Even if there are any difficulties, the wizard of tips and settings will carefully guide the user through all the important points.
Features of the software
Using the utility is very simple: launch the program with the "Scan" button, wait and study the results, if necessary, uncheck unnecessary items and click "Clear". Sometimes the application, in especially severe cases, asks to restart the computer and continue fixing the problems.
After the work, the utility for cleaning the computer from viruses will provide a detailed report, where you can view the found and processed objects in all details. The program will be a great solution for those who are worried about constantly pop-up ads and aggressive installation of third-party search engines.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free
This is one of the most popular and best utilities for cleaning your computer from viruses. The program is distributed free of charge and does an excellent job with pop-ups, unwanted integration of left-wing search engines, and also detects Trojans and other malicious code.
The interface of the utility may seem complicated for beginners, but after a few days of use you get used to it, and the feeling of discomfort, if any, disappears. There is a sensible master assistant, so you don't have to wander too much here.
The Anti-Malware utility for cleaning your computer from viruses does a very good job of detecting malicious code and its subsequent removal. Moreover, this functionality is as effective as in the paid version. The latter, for the most part, adds the "auto" prefix to the existing capabilities, that is, all actions are performed by the program independently. The user only needs to note which tools should be used.
CrowdInspect
Another one of the best utilities for cleaning your computer from viruses. The operating principle of the software is slightly different from the usual functionality of other programs. For the most part, such software scans and removes malicious code from executable files on the platform: it examines the browser and its add-ons, analyzes startup, registry and then displays a list of unwanted guests.
In contrast, CrowdInspect thoroughly examines running processes in the Task Manager. By checking its database, the program calculates the malicious code and blocks it. After that, the already disabled process can be traced back to the final file and get rid of the virus.
Distinctive features of the software
Here we have, as it were, a solution to the problem by contradiction, that is, we look first for the effect, and only then for the cause, followed by deletion. There are some limitations in the free version of the program, but for an ordinary PC user they are not critical, and practically invisible.
Despite the fact that the utility interferes with the system processes of the platform, this practically does not affect performance. So the software is perfect for weak machines with a small amount of RAM.
Avast Browser Cleanup
One of the most common causes of viruses on a computer is browsers. For them, developers and amateurs churn out all sorts of useful and interesting software, but scammers are not asleep either. The Internet is full of pop-ups, ad units and other tinsel, by clicking on which you suddenly find an installed add-on in your browser.
After installation, the program will ask you to scan your browsers for malicious code. In addition to its own virus database, the utility checks browser extensions for suspicious actions: excessive traffic consumption, pop-up windows, deep intrusion into the system code, etc.
Features of the utility
After scanning, the program displays a convenient list of found problems, where the user can separate the wheat from the chaff and completely get rid of aggressive ads, as well as malicious add-ons.
The utility does an excellent job of serving the Mozilla and Internet Explorer browsers. In the latest updates, support for "Chrome" and "Opera" has been added, but the developer has not fully adjusted the tools for interacting with these browsers, so some problems may arise with them. The latter promised to fix it in the near future. In the meantime, the owners of "Khromov" and "Opera" can pay attention to the following respondent.
Zemana AntiMalware
Another representative of the anti-virus fraternity, distinguished by a mass of positive reviews from users. Among the obvious advantages of the software, one can note the cloud search in the virus database, and it is done very efficiently.
For example, if the malicious code was written a few minutes ago and then sent to the Network, then after detecting a threat on at least one computer, the utility immediately notifies the "cloud", after which all other users are automatically insured against its appearance and distribution.
The program also distinguished itself by its intuitive interface and competent localization. Any user can handle the functionality of the utility, and if there are any problems, then an intelligent master assistant is at your disposal.
Distinctive features of the utility
In addition to the usual search for Trojans and other malicious code on your computer, the program allows you to scan browsers with due diligence for the presence of aggressive and harmful extensions. The software supports all popular browsers, including Chrome, Opera, Mozilla and Internet Explorer.
The utility is installed locally, but to work it needs a network connection to communicate with the cloud. Unlike Kaspersky, Doctor Web or Noda, Zemana practically does not consume system resources. The only category of users that remained dissatisfied with the program are the owners of USB modems, that is, those who have traffic on a hard account. The utility constantly "communicates" with its cloud service, so this is not the best option for connections with limited traffic.
You should also pay attention to the terms of software distribution. The first 15 days the user is provided with a trial (trial) period, during which the functionality works without restrictions. After the expiration of this, the capabilities of the utility are significantly reduced, and it becomes practically useless (it is disconnected from the "cloud"). The license costs no more than the same "Kaspersky" or "Doctor Web", and the effectiveness of this software is obvious.
HitmanPro
One of the distinguishing features of the utility is its high operating speed. If using the above programs during scanning it was possible to drink tea or go to warm up, then everything happens almost instantly.
Moreover, the software detects not only existing threats, but also "tails" from remote ones. The latter sometimes remain in the system, and not all antiviruses are able to detect such a specific code. The utility does not need to be installed locally and works as is.
The program perfectly copes with Trojans, worms, rootkits and other malicious code. After scanning, the user will be provided with a detailed report, where, if necessary, you can uncheck some programs, and then thoroughly clean the system. In addition, if the utility works in the system tray, then aggressive ads, pop-up windows and attempts to integrate third-party software disappear in browsers.
As for the license, it is paid. If you want to familiarize yourself with the utility, then you can try all the available functionality for 30 days for free. After the expiration of the trial period, the possibilities of the program go to almost zero. The license cost is comparable to Nod and Doctor Web.
On specialized forums, users in their reviews did not find any critical flaws in the program. The software is efficient and works as intended. By the way, the developer carefully monitors his brainchild and periodically releases updates, improving his product and taking into account the opinion of users.
09/07/2018
Dr.Web CureIt is a free anti-virus program from a well-known developer. Dr.Web CureIt is able to scan your computer and detect the presence of various viruses on it. In this case, the program will try to cure the files as much as possible. If they cannot be cured at all, Dr.Web CureIt will send them to quarantine. The program successfully fights against all forms of viruses: Trojans, dialers, spies, etc. The program's anti-virus databases are updated regularly, so it can be used in critical situations. The program can be run from the command line. In this case, it can be set which folders need to be scanned ...
30/05/2018
RogueKiller is a lightweight antivirus product that allows you to quickly and efficiently remove and clean the entire system from malicious applications. The program can easily find and neutralize any worms, Trojans, rootkits. After downloading the program, the scanning process begins immediately. The anti-virus utility finds all running malicious applications and stops their action. Then a window appears asking you to delete, disinfect or replace the infected file. This utility can recover files HOSTS, DNS, proxy servers, modified as a result of the influence of malicious software. RogueKiller is capable of quickly removing infected startup items ...
22/02/2018
Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit is software that detects and removes various exploits, vulnerabilities and threats. Provides an effective fight even against those pests that traditional antiviruses are powerless against. The latest technologies from Zero Vulnerability Labs are used for high-quality computer protection against malicious exploits. The application is equipped with screens for all browsers and their components. It is possible to block such exploit systems as Blackhole, Sakura and others. A convenient quality is that there is no need for regular signature updates. Another important advantage ...
08/01/2018
BitDefender is a free antivirus scanner that scans your system on demand or on a schedule. We must warn you that this program does not provide real-time protection, and therefore it is not recommended to use it as the main means of protection. The user is offered several operating modes to choose from. You can carry out a quick scan, you can complete a scan, or you can set a scan to be performed on a schedule, which is very convenient if your computer is working all the time, but you are often not there. In addition, BitDefender has a quarantine function, which makes it easy to isolate all dete ...
24/08/2017
EMCO Malware Destroyer is an antivirus scanner with a unique engine and low system requirements. It can come in handy when the basic antivirus tool is not enough. For example, if you know for sure that there is a virus on your computer that is not detected by your standard antivirus. In this case, installing EMCO Malware Destroyer will help. This antivirus scanner very quickly checks the system for viruses, after which it gives a list of detected threats and the proposed actions. In addition to simple scanning of files and folders, the program is capable of checking Internet browsers for spyware ...
31/03/2017
IObit Malware Fighter is a free application designed to identify, block and remove various malicious software that can harm your computer. This application is equipped with an advanced algorithm of actions that helps to easily detect and neutralize different types of viruses and spyware. There is a built-in "cloud technology" to protect the device in real time. The settings can be fully adjusted by the user, which allows you to customize the protection functions based on the smallest details of this process. The program is also equipped with improved ...
10/06/2016
Cezurity Antivirus Scanner is a powerful antivirus product. The program helps to search for viruses and disinfect files from them. The use of cloud technologies speeds up the process of checking your computer for Trojans and spyware. The Cezurity Antivirus Scanner user does not need to download signatures every time. The principle of operation of an antivirus scanner is extremely simple: the scanner collects information (hashes) from a computer, and later transfers this information to a cloud service for analysis. Chezurity Antivirus Scanner checks files differently too. The application checks critical system files for integrity. This check takes only a few minutes, which ...
25/05/2016
18/05/2016
Panda Cloud Cleaner is a program for cleaning your system from malicious software. This program is part of an anti-virus package developed by the same company. Basically, this free utility is a simple, stripped-down scan engine ripped out of the main package. This program is designed as an additional means of protection against malware. It does not conflict with antivirus tools, which allows you to use it together with them. After launching the utility, it will quickly check your computer for malware, and then give you a report where you can remove all ...
10/02/2016
AntiSMS is a bootable disk for restoring your system after being blocked by SMS blockers. Surely you are familiar with the situation of blocking your computer with various SMS blockers. Those. when you boot your computer, you are presented with a window asking you to transfer some amount to a specific number, or send an SMS to a short number, which, in principle, means the same thing. There can be several pretexts, for example, they can write that your computer has been blocked for distributing unlicensed content. Such a problem occurs quite often and is also easily solved, however, due to the fact that the system is locked, you will not ...
02/12/2015
Emsisoft Emergency Kit is a collection of useful tools for reliably getting rid of malicious files. With this emergency kit, you can quickly and efficiently scan your PC for infected files both directly and using the command line utility. You can also quickly uninstall all third-party programs. Emsisoft Emergency Kit protects against 4 million known threats. The set contains the BlitzBlank utility, which automatically cleans up the registry files before restarting the PC. Also, for more comfortable work, the set includes the Emergency USB stick program, which makes it possible to create a USB-drive for maximum ...
24/09/2015
Detekt is a very useful utility that helps to identify the activities of various spyware and hacker modules. Initially, the application was created as a tool to prevent tracking of journalists. Today Detekt is available to the average user from anywhere in the world. It finds most of the famous spyware applications that are often used by government security agencies. To check the computer for the presence of tracking modules, it is enough to install the program, close all applications, turn off the Internet. After starting the scan, Detekt will give a result.
15/04/2015
McAfee Stinger is another utility for detecting various viruses and Trojans. A distinctive feature of this program is its small size, as well as the ability to combat so-called fake antivirus software. We must warn you that this program is not a standalone virus protection tool. This utility should only be used as a preventive measure. Also, the program should be used on already infected computers. McAfee Stinger is a portable utility, i.e. can be launched from any media. The developers of the program have tried to make its interface user-friendly.
16/03/2015
Virus Scanner is a free antivirus solution from Russian developers that allows you to scan files up to 128 MB for malware. The program works thanks to the cloud service VirusTotal. It is built into the explorer and allows you to check specific categories of folders and files. The application uses a multiscanner, which includes about 50 programs that check for viruses. The antivirus solution uses a minimum of system resources and does not affect performance. The functionality of the application includes a log of the performed checks with the output of the results. All information about checks is saved in the application history.
14/03/2015
Norton Power Eraser is an application that allows you to remove malware from your computer. Focuses on removing programs that can mislead the user through dialog boxes. For example, when you are informed that your computer is infected with a large number of viruses, and this needs to be fixed immediately by paying a certain amount to the cybercriminals. Norton Power Eraser allows you to remove these types of programs, as well as scan your system for other threats. It should be noted that the application uses aggressive tactics to identify and detect threats, which can lead to the removal of programs, not ...
10/03/2015
Avira EU-Cleaner is a simple, handy utility that scans the system and all files for viruses and other malicious threats. The program is a tool to support anti-botnet initiatives in European countries. The scanner does not need to be installed. It is enough to download, run, and the program will scan the system files and the hard drive. The detected malicious applications will be eliminated from the computer system. The utility not only cleans hard drives from malware, but also restores files that have been damaged by a virus. Works on stationary computers, netbooks, laptops. The scanner is absolutely neutral to each other ...
02/02/2015
USB Disk Security is a very useful program for enhancing the security of your data and your computer in general. This utility allows you to block malware and viruses that spread through external media connected via usb. Blocks the autorun function of such devices, which makes it possible to exclude the possibility of penetration of viruses and other programs. In addition, the program does not need updates, which makes it possible to provide protection even in cases where the user does not have the Internet. Another feature of the program is that it does not conflict with other antivirus programs.
17/01/2015
Kaspersky AVP Tool is a virus and spyware removal utility developed by one of the most popular antivirus software companies. Like all similar programs, Kaspersky AVP Tool is not a standard antivirus. The program serves only for scanning in critical situations, or for prevention, since different antivirus engines often find some kind of malicious code that is not detected by another program. A distinctive feature of the program is its launch in safe mode. This can be useful if your computer won't boot normally. In addition, you work ...
14/01/2015
Trend Micro Anti-Threat Tool Kit is a collection of useful personal computer tools, also known as Trend Micro ATTK. These tools are designed for protection, detects a number of threats, such as viruses, worms, Trojans and spyware. As well as the more popular antiviruses, this program has the necessary settings for scanning the system, there are three ways to scan, fast, full, or only selected folders. After scanning, you have a choice of what to do with each infected file and the risk of this malicious software for your computer. It also creates a report file in zip format, which ...
12/11/2014
Microsoft MSRT is a program from a well-known developer designed to remove malware that can damage your computer. This program is constantly updated by its developers, which increases the number of viruses it detects. Microsoft MSRT uses a signature search to detect even some rootkits. In addition, since the program was created by the same programmers who created the Windows operating system, the Microsoft MSRT program knows the peculiarities of the operating system code and immediately finds the viral software. Another feature of the program is the ease of use ...
26/08/2014
Another free antivirus scanner that allows you to detect and remove almost all known viruses. As you know, antivirus alone is often not enough to conduct a full scan of your computer. This is due to the peculiarities of the engines of different antiviruses, as well as to the peculiarities of the viruses themselves. some of them have protection against a number of well-known antiviruses. That is why your computer should be periodically checked with another scanner for spyware and viruses. The program is just right for such cases. It has an extensive anti-virus database, which, by the way, is constantly updated and ...
Sophos Virus Removal Tool is an antivirus scanner from Sophos that helps protect your computer from various threats that your main antivirus did not detect in time. A distinctive feature of this program is that it is fully compatible with all popular antiviruses, which allows you to use it as a backup protection tool. In addition, the Sophos Virus Removal Tool allows you to detect and remove fake antivirus programs that can either harm your data or your computer or mislead you. The SVRT program, using unique technologies, scans the computer ... HijackThis is a free program specially created to remove dangerous Trojans from your computer that are installed by some programs and subsequently prevent users from using the computer normally. The HijackThis complex scans critical areas of the registry, after which it displays a list of the keys found, some of which are infected with malware. This program will be an assistant for you, which can easily rid your computer of dangerous software. This complex can be safely considered an antivirus that is able to prevent a threat on your computer and restore again ...
If a lot of unnecessary advertising materials appear in the browser, files disappear somewhere on the desktop, or other incomprehensible things happen, and the antivirus is powerless against them, a virus removal utility comes to the rescue.
This concept means a small program that simply finds and removes viruses and their remnants.
This is an inferior antivirus, such as Doctor Web or Kaspersky, and a small part of them that only scans the system and removes all malicious programs.
Such utilities do not require installation and, most often, are distributed completely free of charge.
Several antivirus giants have released such utilities so that users can fully appreciate the full power of their software.
An example of such is the same Doctor Web and Kaspersky.
The first "giant" has such a utility called, and the second -.
These two programs are the most popular of their kind, but far from the most effective. But they are distributed free of charge!
On their example, you can consider the main functions and features of the utilities for removing viruses.
And then let's move on to considering those programs that really work effectively against ad viruses and other unnecessary programs.
- Several ways: How to clean your computer from viruses absolutely free
No. 6. Dr.Web CureIt
No. 5. Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool
There, by the way, you can download this very utility.
On the forums, you can find reviews that Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool does not find most adware viruses that Dr.Web CureIt can easily deal with.
Some write that it works for a very long time and heavily loads the computer's memory.
It is often impossible to run other programs in parallel with Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool. Although, all Kaspersky products suffer from this.
In any case, although the Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool is the brainchild of one of the best antivirus products of our time, it lacks even a quarter of the power that Kaspersky's antiviruses are famous for.
Therefore, it is better to use one of the utilities listed below.
No. 4. AdwCleaner
In any topic on the forums, where we are talking about free utilities for removing viruses, will appear.
And this is not at all surprising, because many choose this particular program as an alternative to the promoted and.
Although, if you take all the many reviews and posts, then it can hardly be considered the most powerful of its kind. But AdwCleaner was created, as they say, with a soul and for people.
After the standard and the same for all virus removal process, AdwCleaner shows recommendations on how to avoid similar problems in the future.
As for the use, this curing utility is practically no different from the aforementioned similar programs.
The AdwCleaner window is shown in Figure 4. All actions are concentrated in the section with the appropriate name (highlighted in the figure).
To start using it, press the "Scan" button, and then wait until the end of the check.
The "Results" section (located immediately below the "Actions" section) will contain the scan report.
There you can select all found threats or some specific of them and click the "Remove" button.
Of course, the algorithms for checking and deleting are different for all such programs, but the method of use is practically the same for all.
As for AdwCleaner, judging by the reviews of people that they left on the forums and in social networks, this curing utility works better than the products of Kaspersky and Doctor Web.
There were times when the same Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool did not find anything, but AdwCleaner found several dozen viruses and easily removed them from the computer.
No. 3. Anti-Malware
# 1. HitmanPro
It is possible that HitmanPro will be our winner today!
At least the reviews about this utility are so positive that it is quite possible to consider HitmanPro the most powerful of its kind to date.
Yes, the program is paid, but it has a trial period of 30 days. During this time, it is quite possible to completely clean the system of all kinds of viruses and never remember them again.
The very fact that HitmanPro removes not only existing viruses, but also the remnants of deleted programs and the so-called tails of viruses, speaks volumes.
At the same time, the HitmanPro developers did not repeat the mistakes of the people who created Anti-Malware.
They did not decide to sacrifice the main function, that is, virus removal, for the sake of a beautiful design and a wide range of additional functions.
We can say about HitmanPro that it is really powerful! In tests carried out by various sites, this particular utility has shown itself to be the best.
What other similar programs did not pay attention to, HitmanPro detected very quickly and immediately reported their existence.
By the way, if we talk about speed, this is another indisputable advantage of HitmanPro.
Thus, we can highlight the following main advantages of HitmanPro:
- Work speed (according to this parameter, HitmanPro is clearly better than all its today's competitors);
- High-quality virus removal;
- High-quality detection of viruses and even their remnants.
And the disadvantages of this utility are as follows:
- Paid license (there is a trial period for 30 days);
- A minimum of additional functions.
Basically, the choice between good virus removal and a beautiful interface is quite obvious.
That is why HitmanPro is the best virus removal utility and the winner of our today's competition.
Although very few people know about this program.
If the trial period has expired, and there is no way to buy a license, Spybot Search & Destroy, Anti-Malware or the popular AdwCleaner can handle viruses well.
But HitmanPro is still better!
More information about HitmanPro can be found in the video below.
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If the antivirus installed on your computer detects nothing suspicious, but symptoms are evident (freezes, incomprehensible running processes, autorun.inf appearing on flash drives, etc.), a "one-time antivirus" is required. It is easy to use it - just download it from the link and run it. In this case, during the scan, it is advisable to disable the antivirus, which is installed on a permanent basis.
Advantages of disposable antiviruses
1. Free. For home use, almost all disposable antiviruses are free.
Flaws
1.
They are not capable of protecting your computer all the time (there is no module for real-time protection) and there is no anti-virus database update.
2.
You have to download it again every time so that such an antivirus detects new viruses.
Dr.Web CureIt!
Dr.Web CureIt! is a good disposable antivirus. Knows how to deal with running viruses (does not allow himself to be killed during scanning).
HerdProtect
An online antivirus that checks all files on your computer with 68 antivirus databases. How to use it, I told in a separate article.
This is a good option if you have unlimited internet.
Minus: cannot disinfect infected files.
A plus: you do not need to download again to check, the databases are always fresh.
Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool
ESET Online Scanner
Plus the Online Scanner - no need to worry about downloading new versions with fresh databases. Just open the link or run esetsmartinstaller_rus.exe, the antivirus will start, update and check your computer for viruses.
Norton Security Scan
Norton Security Scan is another one-time anti-virus. You can download the interface is English, but simple.
Checks hard drives very quickly. Requires an internet connection like Eset Online Scanner.
On first launch, it creates a shortcut to itself, which is strange.
In general, it is better not to use it, since viruses common in Russia get into its database late. The newest vinlockers (ransomware banners) are unlikely to be found.
AVZ or Zaitsev Anti-Virus
Powerful anti-virus utility (not a full-fledged antivirus!) for advanced users. The functions are not the sea, but the whole ocean.
