5 Free Online Virus Scanners
A free online virus scan is pretty much what it sounds like: an online-based, free scan for viruses and other malware. This kind of virus scan differs from your traditional virus scanning program because all the work is done on a server on the internet.
Every online virus scan site does this a little differently. Some let you upload a file for scanning, others check websites for links that contain malware, and still others install browser add-ons or other small programs that scan your entire computer but do the behind-the-scenes work online.
Free online virus scanners are good options for one-off virus scans if installing a full-fledged antivirus program isn't an option for some reason, or maybe just for an extra layer of precaution. Regardless of why you're using one, each of the free online virus scan services listed below are completely free!
1.VirusTotal
What We Like-
Archives like ZIP and RAR can be uploaded but the maximum acceptable size for any file type is 256 MB.A browser extension is also available for Chrome, Firefox, and Internet Explorer users that allow URLs to be scanned from the right-click menu and files to be checked for viruses before downloading them.
2.MetaDefender Cloud
What We Like-
A few files you might be interested in scanning at MetaDefender Cloud could be 7Z, EXE, and ZIP, but you can scan others, too, like images, videos, and documents.
In addition to uploading a file to MetaDefender Cloud, it can also scan by IP address, hash value, and website URL.
Results are really easy to read; a bright green checkmark is placed next to each antivirus engine that identifies a file as safe, and a red mark with the virus name if it's found to be malicious.
There's also a Chrome extension you can install to scan downloads made through that browser.
3. Avira
What We Like-
What We Don't Like-
Avira's online virus scanner uses the same antivirus engine as the popular Avira AntiVirus program to scan submitted files and URLs through an online form.
The form asks for your contact details so the URL of the results can be sent to you. A maximum of five files no larger than 50 MB each can be uploaded.
4.Jotti's Malware Scan
What We Like-
What We Don't Like-
Over 20 antivirus engines are used to scan up to five files at a time (with a 100 MB limit for each) that you upload to Jotti's Malware Scan.
The date and scan detection status of each antivirus engine is shown in an easy to read list so you can clearly see which ones did or didn't find the file to be dangerous.
Jotti.org also includes a hash search if you wish not to upload a file but instead, enter the MD5 or SHA-1 cryptographic hash function of a file. This will only work if the file was scanned by Jotti.org at an earlier date, by you or someone else.
5.FortiGuard Online Virus Scanner
What We Like-
What We Don't Like-
Upload a file to FortiGuard Online Virus Scanner for a quick check against its scanner.After you upload the file, enter your name and email address in case they need to send you a message about the file. After you submit the file for review, wait for the page to refresh and you'll see the results at the top.Files uploaded to this online virus scanner can only be as large as 1 MB.
Every online virus scan site does this a little differently. Some let you upload a file for scanning, others check websites for links that contain malware, and still others install browser add-ons or other small programs that scan your entire computer but do the behind-the-scenes work online.
Free online virus scanners are good options for one-off virus scans if installing a full-fledged antivirus program isn't an option for some reason, or maybe just for an extra layer of precaution. Regardless of why you're using one, each of the free online virus scan services listed below are completely free!
1.VirusTotal
What We Like-
- Easy to share scan results and search for past results.
- Supports an Android app to keep your mobile devices safe.
- Technically only for personal use; commercial use is not permitted.
- The web interface only lets you scan one file at a time.
Archives like ZIP and RAR can be uploaded but the maximum acceptable size for any file type is 256 MB.A browser extension is also available for Chrome, Firefox, and Internet Explorer users that allow URLs to be scanned from the right-click menu and files to be checked for viruses before downloading them.
2.MetaDefender Cloud
What We Like-
- More comprehensive virus scanning than any other free alternative.
- Doesn't require installation.
- You must scan files one by one.
- Limited support for browser integration.
A few files you might be interested in scanning at MetaDefender Cloud could be 7Z, EXE, and ZIP, but you can scan others, too, like images, videos, and documents.
In addition to uploading a file to MetaDefender Cloud, it can also scan by IP address, hash value, and website URL.
Results are really easy to read; a bright green checkmark is placed next to each antivirus engine that identifies a file as safe, and a red mark with the virus name if it's found to be malicious.
There's also a Chrome extension you can install to scan downloads made through that browser.
3. Avira
What We Like-
- Option to upgrade for more features and broader protection.
- Very simple, user-friendly interface.
What We Don't Like-
- Not as reliable at detecting phishing malware.
- Reports false positives with relative frequency.
Avira's online virus scanner uses the same antivirus engine as the popular Avira AntiVirus program to scan submitted files and URLs through an online form.
The form asks for your contact details so the URL of the results can be sent to you. A maximum of five files no larger than 50 MB each can be uploaded.
4.Jotti's Malware Scan
What We Like-
- Comprehensive virus scanning helps you sort out false positives from real threats.
- Available in a dozen languages.
What We Don't Like-
- Ugly UI with lots of distracting ads.
- Significantly slower than other options.
Over 20 antivirus engines are used to scan up to five files at a time (with a 100 MB limit for each) that you upload to Jotti's Malware Scan.
The date and scan detection status of each antivirus engine is shown in an easy to read list so you can clearly see which ones did or didn't find the file to be dangerous.
Jotti.org also includes a hash search if you wish not to upload a file but instead, enter the MD5 or SHA-1 cryptographic hash function of a file. This will only work if the file was scanned by Jotti.org at an earlier date, by you or someone else.
5.FortiGuard Online Virus Scanner
What We Like-
- Extremely easy to use.
- Website includes helpful cybersecurity news and resources.
What We Don't Like-
- File size limit greatly restricts its usefulness.
- No browser integration.
Upload a file to FortiGuard Online Virus Scanner for a quick check against its scanner.After you upload the file, enter your name and email address in case they need to send you a message about the file. After you submit the file for review, wait for the page to refresh and you'll see the results at the top.Files uploaded to this online virus scanner can only be as large as 1 MB.
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