#Free virus scan and removal microsoft how to

Pick the amd64 version if you have a 64-bit computer, otherwise use x86 for 32-bit.

Visit the link above to download the ISO file.

We’ll use Adaware’s Rescue USB program as an example since it works with Windows 7 and newer Windows operating systems, can update its definitions before the scan, and supports custom scans. Some of these programs require a disc and others can be used with a flash drive. There are lots of options for this type, including Trend Micro Rescue Disk, Comodo Rescue Disk, Anvi Rescue Disk, Kaspersky Rescue Disk, and Windows Defender Offline. The first type of bootable antivirus program is an ISO file that you download to your computer and then put on a separate device so that you can boot from it. This is the easier method for most people, but it won’t work if the virus is so harmful that it’s not letting you start the operating system properly. Just restart the computer and let the scan run its course. The other kind is installed to your computer and functions like a normal antivirus solution, but within it is an option to also run boot-time scans.

What happens is that the software on that device or disc is started instead of your operating system, and then you can run the scan and remove viruses from there. One is a self-contained program that you have to install on a USB device or disc and then boot from it when your computer starts up. There are two types of bootable antivirus software. Tip: If you get viruses often, learn how you should be protecting your computer from hackers and malware.

#Free virus scan and removal microsoft how to

If you’re not familiar with this process, we’ll go over all the steps, including how to download the scanner and what to do next to have it run at startup instead of your operating system. Below are the best ways to remove viruses before the operating system starts.