Additional antivirus is not conflicting with the main download. One-off antivirus for quick computer scan.

Cloud anti-virus scanners are useful tools for additional analysis of suspicious files, and users do not need to install the program to perform the scan.

Online scanners were tested

At the selection of the participants of the testing, the finalists of the Digital Citizen Awards 2016 were used first. The researchers checked whether the vendor offers an online scan tool. Unfortunately, not all companies offer such opportunities, and not all tools are of high quality.

As a result, the following products and services participated in the testing:, and.

It quickly became clear that not all products are classic online scanners that work in the browser. Many antivirus vendors now offer standalone utilities that you need to download and install on your computer. They can work together with basic anti-virus protection without conflicts and performance problems. They can only be used if necessary to additionally check the security status of the system.

Important note: this test does not include full-fledged antivirus products. The trial involves free tools that can be used to scan and evaluate the security of the system. These programs are not intended to replace the main security solutions, in particular, antiviruses, firewalls, anti-spyware tools. They should be used to complement anti-virus protection and help identify potential problems in the system that may be caused by the action malware.

How was the testing procedure?

First, it clarified the concept and architecture of the product - whether it is a classic online scanner, stand-alone application or a hybrid version of the two approaches. Before installing or running the tested product, the test system was infected with malicious objects. Then we visited dangerous web sites with unwanted cookies, suggestions for installing toolbars and malware.

After the researchers were convinced that the system was infected, and dangerous files were stored on the disk, the scanners were sequentially started. The time of scanning the system, the number of detected samples, the provided information on threats and the proposed solutions were recorded. The scans were performed on a 20-gigabyte partition with 17 gigabytes of occupied space. The test machine was controlled by Windows 10 with disabled Windows Defender, 17 malicious programs were forcibly launched on the system.

One of the real online scanners. However, you can not start the scanner in all browsers. Bitdefender QuickScan supports work in Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox   and Google Chrome. A distinctive feature of the scanner is the high speed of the work - the test system took less than one minute to check.

Unfortunately, Bitdefender QuickScan simply reports whether the system is infected or not and does not report the name of the active threat. No additional information is given to the user, he is offered to establish a 3-month trial version   Bitdefender Internet Security   for disinfection of the system.

This tool works quickly and without problems, but it is of questionable value for users. Other vendors offer more interesting alternatives.

Cloud scanner, which is presented as a stand-alone program, available for download and installation on windows computers. You will immediately notice that the scanner looks more like a full-fledged antivirus solution. The user interface offers a large number of options and settings, as well as several types of system analysis: fast, full or selective scanning.

A quick scan of the test system with Comodo Cloud Antivirus was completed in 2 minutes, as a result, only one malicious sample was detected. This is a weak result, therefore, a full scan of the system was additionally carried out. This time, the test was performed for 59 minutes, and Comodo was able to detect 13 malware out of 17.

Comodo Cloud Antivirus is one of the few antivirus scanners that can remove detected threats. This feature is appreciated by users.

One of the best online scanners. The product is available as a stand-alone application for Windows, which you can download and run on your computer. Before performing a scan, ESET automatically downloads the latest signatures to the computer and allows you to configure the scan settings. Default ESET Online Scanner is configured for a full scan of the computer: RAM, startup objects and local drives. The user can set automatic cleanup of detected threats, scan archives and check for potentially unwanted applications.

A full scan of the system took more than 29 minutes, and ESET was able to recognize all 17 test samples. For each individual malware, ESET displayed the name and location path. It is noteworthy that after the end of the scan, the user can configure the removal of scanner files from the system.

Products ESET are progressing with restraint and unobtrusive. ESET Online Scanner   perfectly copes with the tasks of the additional scanner and demonstrated high efficiency in the test.

Another stand-alone program that you must first download and run. Before performing the check, the product downloads the latest signature definitions.

Then F-Secure Online Scanner starts scanning the system in search of malicious programs. The user can not configure anything and can not select the type of verification - the entire process is performed automatically.

If F-Secure Online Scanner detects infected files, the product asks to reboot the system in order to clean up the threats. If you want, you can see information about the location of threats, the total number of infected files - if this is not enough, you can go to the site to get additional information about the detected malicious programs.

F-Secure Online Scanner - one of the fastest scanners, testing a test system with a 20-gigabyte partition was performed less than a minute. F-Secure eventually found 12 viruses out of 17.

Another scanner in the standalone application format. The program has a simple and intuitive interface and allows you to perform quick or complete system checks and even create a schedule of regular scans. By default, the tool performs a system scan twice a week. Unfortunately, you can not change the frequency of the checks, but you can specify specific days of the week when they need to be run.

A quick scan of the system was performed for 2 minutes, as a result, two threats were detected. A full scan was conducted for 52 minutes, Kaspersky detected 9 malware.

The scan results are presented in several categories:

• Malware - all detected infected files
• Protection of the system - it is shown whether the system has anti-virus protection installed
• Other Problems - Configuration Problems Are Displayed Windows Explorer and Internet Explorer.

If you want to delete detected threats or fix problems found, Kaspersky Security   Scan will redirect you to the vendor's site to download the trial version or purchase a commercial solution.

It has a long and complex name, but in fact it is a very simple application for Windows that checks the computer for threats and security issues. McAfee Security Scan Plus automatically updates its files at startup, and the product was scanned in less than a minute. Unfortunately, the user can not set the scan parameters. In the test system, McAfee detected only one malicious file out of 17.

It's hard to find reasons to regularly check your computer with McAfee, but McAfee Security Scan Plus provides such an opportunity. The user can schedule checks as convenient for him.

McAfee Security Scan Plus does not offer a cleanup function, so the only sample detected by the program remained active in the system. When you select the Protection option, the tool will redirect you to the McAfee site to purchase a McAfee Total Protection subscription for 3 computers. Do not you think it's too much for one infected device?

A desktop application that you need to download and install on your computer. At startup, the program automatically downloads the latest antivirus definitions and engine updates for the scan engine. Norton Security Scan scans systems not only for malware, but also for suspicious cookies and potentially dangerous applications.

When you hover over the detected threat, Norton displays detailed information about it. After installation, Norton Security Scan automatically starts the system scan, on the test machine the product detected 12 malware in 2 minutes. Unfortunately, the user can not configure the scan, and the detected threats are also unavailable.

When you click the "Fix now" button, Norton Security Scan will send you to the site and recommendations for downloading Norton products.

Proved high accuracy and efficiency. The product is delivered as a stand-alone application, which needs to be downloaded and installed in the the Windows system. Before starting the scan, Panda downloads the latest signatures in automatic mode. The user can run a quick scan or a spot check.

When the scan is complete, Panda Cloud Cleaner displays a report of detected malware and EOR, unknown files and suspicious policies, and objects that can be deleted.

If you select a separate section, you can see detailed information about the detected problems.

A quick scan took 8 minutes and found 13 infected files, while a full scan took 32 minutes and was able to detect 17 malicious samples. A high level of detection makes Panda Cloud Cleaner a test favorite.

Standalone application that you need to download and run on your computer. At startup, the product automatically downloads the latest signatures. the interface of the program is extremely simple. Using the settings button, the user can select fast, full or selective scanning.

A quick scan ended in 7 minutes and found 3 infected files. A full scan of the system was performed 462 minutes (and this is not a mistake!) And allowed to recognize 11 files. A long time scanning experienced the patience of researchers.

For each malicious object, the name, exact location, type and severity level are displayed. On the positive side, Trend Micro HouseCall allows you to remove malicious elements that users appreciate.

Trend Micro HouseCall is an innovative product that has features that most free scanners do not have. Low speed   scanning and the average level of detection does not allow Trend Micro to approach the leaders.

Review of results

The summary of the test results is presented in the table:

If you are trying to choose a good cloud scanner, it will probably be the best option. Also recommend and, located at 2 and 3 place ranking respectively. All these programs are reliable security tools that could detect most threats. All three products allow you to clean the system and do not force you to install additional programs   protection. When you run into infection, it will be a big plus.

Almost all other products showed a low effectiveness of detection of malware and are purely informational in nature, not allowing you to remove dangerous objects. They are basically marketing tools designed to sell commercial solutions.

Not all users install an antivirus on their computer or laptop. One - laziness, others - do not see it necessary. And when suddenly the PC starts to behave strangely (buggy and slows down or advertising appeared in the browser), then you can just check your computer for viruses online and for free. There are plenty of options today.

Below are 7 best antivirus software, which can scan for viruses online. True, check the computer without loading the installer will not work. Virus scanning is performed online, but antiviruses need access to your files. Therefore, some of them are installed as a module for the browser, and some - as a small utility. Also in the list there are 2 antiviruses that support online scanning for viruses without downloading. Which one to use is for you.

Quickly check the computer for viruses online will help Kaspersky. A full-fledged antivirus is well known in Russia, and its "younger brother" is also popular.

The program works in the "cloud", so you can quickly check Kaspersky for viruses online any PC or laptop.

Its main advantages are:

• does not slow down Windows (which can not be said about the full-fledged Kaspersky antivirus, which during the test "eats" a lot of resources);
• does not conflict with other antiviruses installed on the computer;
• does not delete detected viruses, but only reports them (on the one hand - this is a plus, on the other - you have to delete them manually);
• gives a detailed report.

Scanning for viruses online in Kaspersky is very simple:

1. Download the installer from this link.
2. Run the program.
3. Wait until the scan is complete.

After that, you only need to remove the viruses (if they were found).

BitDefender QuickScan - fast online PC scan for viruses

Another way to clean your computer from viruses online - using BitDefender QuickScan. It is considered very effective and enjoys great success abroad. About how we have Kaspersky.

Cleaning your computer from viruses online is also easy. You only need:

1. Go to this link.
2. Click on "Scan Now".
3. Put the module for the browser, through which the antivirus will get access to your folders and files.
4. Wait until the end of the test.

The main advantage of BitDefender is a quick scan for viruses in online mode. On average, it takes 1-2 minutes. On the one hand - it's cool, but on the other - that he will have time to scan for such a short time?

Most likely, the online scanner checks the main list of the most common threats: system files, autoload - i.e. those places where "viruses" mostly live. The developers themselves say that checking the computer for online viruses is done in cloud mode (on their servers), so it is executed so quickly.

ESET Online Scanner - effective scan of your computer for viruses

The next way to check laptop for viruses online - using a free ESET product from NOD32 developers. To get started, follow this link.

It is recommended that you scan your PC via Internet Explorer - in this case, the scan will be performed in the browser window. When using Chrome, Firefox or Opera, the user will have to download a small file, and the analysis of the PC will be performed in a separate program.

After downloading and running the file, you need to set the settings. For example, enable scanning archives and potentially dangerous programs. You can also remove the bird in the item "Remove Threats" so that the antivirus accidentally does not erase important files that, in its opinion, are infected. Then click the "Start" button.

ESET Online Scaner will update the database, and then start online check   PC for viruses.

• a thorough scan of the system (on average it takes 40 minutes - depends on your Internet speed and HDD volume);
• detects any threats;
• is able to find malicious programs, incl. in the register;
• performs heuristic analysis;
• forms a full account of the work performed.

Another plus of it - the online scanner is automatically deleted after the check is completed. That is, there will be no files after it.

In this way, antivirus ESET   - perhaps, from better ways   clean your computer from viruses online. Its only drawback is the need to install.

Panda Cloud Cleaner - online check of flash drives for viruses

There are 4 versions available for users:

• standard;
• portable (does not require installation);
• for USB flash drive scanning;
• in ISO format (emergency boot disk   to scan for PC viruses, which does not turn on).

Which version to choose, decide for yourself. For example, if you want to check the USB flash drive online, then download the third installer on the developer's website.

Main advantages:

• quick check (average - 20-30 minutes);
• detection of common threats;
• effective online virus clearance.

As in the previous case, the Panda also "self-destructs" after a successful check and treatment of viruses. That is, it is automatically deleted and does not leave any files after it.

F-Secure Online Scanner - treatment of viruses and spyware

Another great antivirus that can scan a computer for viruses online. To start the test, go to the developer site and click the "Run" button. After downloading and running the installer, a new window will open, in which the laptop or PC will begin scanning.

The main advantages of this antivirus:

• rapid scanning - on average takes 10-15 minutes;
• effective treatment of viruses and spyware;
• works even when the antivirus is installed on your PC.

Before starting the test, it is advisable to turn off the "heavy" programs. This will help speed up the scanning process.

VirusTotal - online scan for viruses without downloading

All previous versions had one common minus - the need to download the installer. In this case, you can scan your computer for viruses online without installing any programs.

VirusTotal is a service from Google that can check any files on your PC. Also, it can scan sites for malicious tools. Using the service is very simple:

1. Follow this link.
2. Specify the path to the file you want to scan, or the URL of any site.
3. Click the "Check" button.

Wait until the test is performed, and then see the report.

It is not possible to check all the documents on the computer via VirusTotal. He is able to scan sites and files separately. This option is suitable for those who, for example, downloaded a program and want to make sure before installation that there are no viruses in it. For such cases, VirusTotal is best suited, because it does not need to be downloaded.

Dr.Web - effective scanning of files for viruses

And the last way to check your computer for viruses online is through Doctor Web. It has an excellent service with which you can check individual files. For this:

1. Go to this site.
2. Click "Browse" and specify the path to the file you want to scan.
3. Click the "Check!" Button.

In this case, you can scan the computer for viruses online without installing the anti-virus Dr. Web. But, like VirusTotal, Doctor Web can check only one file.

A few words in conclusion

It sounds strange, but you can not completely scan your laptop or PC and delete viruses online. The first 5 antiviruses require the installation of a small file. The question arises: Is not it easier to install a full version of the same Kaspersky or BitDefender? They have more features, plus they provide PC protection in real time. In addition, many popular antivirus software has free versions.

The last two options are VirusTotal and Dr.Web. Web - do not require installation, but check one file at a time. This is also not very convenient.

By the way, a computer or laptop can be infected not with viruses, but with malicious programs. As a result, ads appear in the browser, third-party pages of unknown sites are opened, etc. In this case, antivirus software does not help, it requires special software.

Actually, that's all. The above were 7 ways to check the computer or laptop for viruses online for free. Which of the antiviruses to use - decide for yourself. If you want to fully test the computer for viruses, then choose one of the first 5 programs. And if you need to scan several files, then use the services VirusTotal or Dr.Web. Web.

Modern antiviruses, both paid and free, are quite reliable programs, but there is nothing perfect, and even the best and most reliable antivirus can miss malware on the computer.

If this happened, and there are strangenesses in windows operation, and also for the purpose of carrying out periodic preventive measures, for example every 1-3 months, it is recommended to check the computer for viruses in the system by third-party anti-virus scanners. Anti-virus scanners do not work in real time and perform verification only at the user's request, while they can perform their functions simultaneously with the included antivirus. As a rule, anti-virus scanners are free programs.

Consider the best antivirus scanners

Antivirus scanner from a respected Russian manufacturer of anti-virus Dr.Web. A good scanner, but in connection with the lack of the ability to update the anti-virus database will each time download the program from the developer's site.

Probably the best antivirus scanner. It is a cloud solution, includes several anti-virus engines, is able to conduct a quick system check, checking the most vulnerable windows Locations. The downside of the product is that HitmanPro is chargeable.

An excellent free cloud anti-virus scanner, running on several anti-virus engines.

Portable antivirus scanner that uses the Bitdefender engine. Able to scan an infected computer without an Internet connection and work with a USB flash drive. Antivirus databases are updated upon user request. Directly the scanner is launched using the file "a2emergencykit.exe", located in the folder "Run".

Antivirus scanner, which was originally aimed at finding spyware and potentially unwanted programs.

Online service, owned by Google, which simultaneously analyzes suspicious files by a large number (more than 50) of antivirus engines.

  - official free application   to download any suspicious files to the site VirusTotal   with the purpose of checking for threats and obtaining a result in real time. Send files directly through context menu   conductor, which is very convenient.

If you are interested in good free antivirus   for Android, click.

There is a kind of antivirus designed for a single scan for viruses. They can save your computer in a critical situation.

0.1. Why do we need disposable antiviruses

If the antivirus installed on your computer does not detect anything suspicious, but the symptoms are present (hangs, incomprehensible running processes, appearing autorun.inf on flash drives, etc.), a "one-time antivirus" is necessary. Handle it easily - just download the link and run. At the same time for the duration of the test, it is desirable to disable the antivirus, which is installed on an ongoing basis.

0.2. Advantages

1. Free. For home use, almost all disposable antiviruses are free.

2. Simplicity.   Downloaded the link and launched. All the important buttons in such programs are in sight.

0.3. Disadvantages of disposable antiviruses

1.    They are not able to protect your computer all the time (no module for permanent protection) and there is no update of the anti-virus database.

2.    Every time you have to download it again, so that this antivirus detects new viruses.

0.4. Dr.Web CureIt!

Dr.Web CureIt!   - A good one-time antivirus. Is able to fight with running viruses (does not allow itself to kill during scanning).

Ideal for beginners - will help understand the descriptions and tips that this program gives out.

0.5. HerdProtect

Online antivirus, which checks all computer files with 68 antivirus databases. How to use it, told in a separate article

This is a good option if you connect unlimited Internet.

Minus:    does not know how to treat infected files.

A plus:   for the check you do not need to download again, the databases are always fresh.

0.6. Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool

0.7. ESET Online Scanner

Antivirus scanners   These are free treating utilities that are designed for antivirus scanning hard disks   and removable media, while not providing real-time protection. Many of them do not require installation, but are immediately ready for use. They are not recommended to be used as a basic protection, they can only be used as a means of additional protection or for checking the regular (already installed) antivirus.

Dr.Web CureIt

No installation required, immediately ready for use. It can work even when viruses block the operation of programs, thanks to the enhanced protection mode. The scanning module and virus databases are not updated.

Dr.Web Light

This is a free anti-virus Doctor Web for operating mac systems   OS. Because of its free program does not provide protection in real time.Description Dr.Web Light for Mac OS

Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool

The application is installed in a folder on the desktop. Can scan hard disks, random access memory, boot sectors of disks. Viruses and malware are deleted either manually or automatically.

Kaspersky Security Scan

A free Kaspersky Lab utility that will check how well the computer is protected, determine the presence of the installed antivirus, firewall, vulnerabilities in operating system   and installed programs.

Avira PC Cleaner

Avira PC Cleaner can work with installed antivirus   to detect missed viruses and other threats. Viral databases are automatically updated before each scan.

Norton Power Eraser

It is designed to remove deeply rooted viruses and malware. In connection with the high probability of false triggering (erroneous removal secure file) you need to use this scanner carefully.