How can I scan and remove viruses and malware?

The quickest, easiest, and most reliable way to scan and <a href="https://www.avg.com/en/signal/how-to-get-rid-of-a-virus-or-malware-on-your-computer" rel=" noopener">remove viruses</a> and other malware is to use a specialized malware removal tool like AVG AntiVirus FREE. You can also remove <a href="https://www.avg.com/en/signal/remove-phone-virus" rel=" noopener">malware and malicious apps from your phone</a> with our dedicated mobile tool.

Will this tool remove all types of malware?

<a href="https://www.avg.com/en/signal/difference-between-malware-and-virus" rel="noopener">Viruses aren’t the only type of malware</a>, but AVG AntiVirus FREE is equipped to remove the full spectrum of malware threats. So yes — this tool will clear up nearly any malware infection you might come across.

Won't Windows Defender remove malware automatically?

While it can detect and remove many types of malware on its own, <a href="https://www.avg.com/en/signal/how-good-is-windows-defender" rel="noopener">Windows Defender isn’t enough</a>. If you’re looking for protection against the full range of online threats, you’ll be safer with a dedicated malware removal tool like AVG AntiVirus FREE.

Malware Scanner & Removal Tool

Install Free Malware Scanner

Get it for Mac, PC, Android

Download Free Malware Scanner

Get it for Android, iOS, Mac

Download Free Malware Scanner

Get it for iOS, Android, PC

Install Free Malware Scanner

Get it for PC, Mac, iOS

2025
Advanced+

2025
Top Rated
Product

Advanced malware detection

6 layers of security

Real-time protection

Trusted by millions

Scan and remove malware from your PC

AVG AntiVirus FREE equips your device with industry-leading malware detection and removal. Enjoy around-the-clock protection against malware — 100% free!

Install Free Malware Scanner

Get it for Mac, PC, Android

Download Free Malware Scanner

Get it for Android, iOS, Mac

Download Free Malware Scanner

Get it for iOS, Android, PC

Install Free Malware Scanner

Get it for PC, Mac, iOS

AVG AntiVirus FREE is a free Windows malware removal tool.

AVG AntiVirus FREE equips your device with industry-leading malware detection and removal. Enjoy around-the-clock protection against malware — 100% free!

Install Free Malware Scanner

Get it for Mac, PC, Android

Download Free Malware Scanner

Get it for Android, iOS, Mac

Download Free Malware Scanner

Get it for iOS, Android, PC

Install Free Malware Scanner

Get it for PC, Mac, iOS

The benefits of AVG’s malware removal tool

Scans for malware

Checks for stealthy malware infections, which can be injected or downloaded onto your device without you realizing.

Blocks scam websites

Helps you avoid dangerous scam websites that can be spoofed to mimic legitimate ones.

Blocks malware-infected emails

Scans emails and attachments, alerting you if it finds malware risks before you open them.

Removes malware

Removes stubborn scan-resistant malware if it finds its way onto your device, helping mitigate damage.

Protects your network

Blocks unauthorized traffic from entering your network with an advanced intelligent firewall tool built-in.

Runs quietly 24/7

Works quietly in the background to detect malware and other online threats, even when you’re not using it.

The benefits of AVG’s malware removal tool

Scans for malware

Checks for stealthy malware infections, which can be injected or downloaded onto your device without you realizing.

Blocks scam websites

Helps you avoid dangerous scam websites that can be spoofed to mimic legitimate ones.

Blocks malware-infected emails

Scans emails and attachments, alerting you if it finds malware risks before you open them.

Removes malware

Removes stubborn scan-resistant malware if it finds its way onto your device, helping mitigate damage.

Protects your network

Blocks unauthorized traffic from entering your network with an advanced intelligent firewall tool built-in.

Runs quietly 24/7

Works quietly in the background to detect malware and other online threats, even when you’re not using it.

Award-winning malware protection

AVG AntiVirus FREE has won more than 80 awards and accolades over the years. This makes it a solid choice for anyone looking for a free malware cleaner.

Performance Test AV-Comparatives: Advanced +, 2025

Home User Protection Test AV Test: Maximum points, Top Product 2025

Mac Security Test & Review AV-Comparatives: Approved 2024

Consumer Mobile Security Test AV Test: Maximum points, certified 2024

Editor's Choice PC Mag: Excellent 2023

Fighting online threats, all around the world

Steve J. McWilliams

AVG AntiVirus FREE is an excellent product that does not slow my machine down. It has never crashed, is simple to update, and, possibly most important, seems to catch 99% of any viruses I come across on the fly.

Carl

AVG Free is easy to download and install. It runs in the background without hogging memory and has blocked and/or removed several items on my PC.

M. Cady

I cannot rely only on Microsoft's protection, because I have important data on my PC, like accounting information of my company. I also shop online quite often. I am satisfied with AVG.

Bring malware removal to your Mac and mobile devices

It’s not just PCs that need protection from malware and other dangers online. Our malware scanner also works on Macs and Apple or Android mobile devices to help keep them safe from malicious software and other online threats.

MAC

Android

iOS

AVG AntiVirus FREE for Mac helps protect your Mac against malware, unsafe emails, and dangerous websites.

AVG AntiVirus for Android is an all-in-one security app for your Android, including a malware removal tool and scam protection features.

AVG Mobile Security for iPhone & iPad helps protect you from malware, like spyware, and other common digital threats.

Download our free malware removal tool

Not all malware detection software is created equal. AVG AntiVirus FREE gives you powerful 24/7 protection with a real-time malware scanner and remover, plus extra protection against infected emails, scam sites, and other online threats. Download our 100% free, award-winning anti-malware solution today and stay safer every time you go online.

Install Free Malware Scanner

Get it for Mac, PC, Android

Download Free Malware Scanner

Get it for Android, iOS, Mac

Download Free Malware Scanner

Get it for iOS, Android, PC

Install Free Malware Scanner

Get it for PC, Mac, iOS

FAQ

Is Windows Defender enough to protect my PC?

While Windows Defender provides basic anti-malware protection, it doesn’t offer all the features found in dedicated security apps. The best free malware removal tool for you depends on your needs, so review each product’s feature set and customer feedback. For example, AVG AntiVirus FREE has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot, as of November 2025, with users noting its strong, comprehensive online protection.

What’s the difference between malware and a virus?

The difference between malware and a virus is that malware refers to any malicious software, a virus being just one example. Other types of malware include adware, spyware, and ransomware.

How can I scan and remove malware?

The simplest way to scan for malware is to use dedicated detection software such as AVG AntiVirus FREE, which can also block and remove threats. Beyond clearing infections, it helps reduce your exposure to online scammers and potential hackers.

Other Tools

Free Ransomware Protection Tool Free Anti-Spyware Software Free Rootkit Scanner & Remover Free Adware Cleaner Tool Free Trojan Removal Tool & Scanner Free Virus Removal Tool

Helpful links

How to rid your computer of a virus or malware How to remove malware on a Mac What is a PUP? How to remove spyware from a Mac What is malicious code and how to prevent it How to scan and remove malware from your router What is scareware? How to remove a browser hijacker

System requirements

PC with Windows 11, Windows 10, 8.1, 8 or 7 (both the 32 and 64-bit versions, excluding Starter and RT editions), 4 GB RAM and 2 GB of hard disk space. ARM chips Windows 11 only.

Mac running macOS 10.13 (High Sierra) or later

Android phone or tablet running operating system Android 5.0 (Lollipop, API 21) or above

iPhone or iPad running iOS 10.0 or above

Windows 10 compatible

Free download

Free install

Free Malware Scanner & Removal Tool

Scan and remove malware from your PC

The benefits of AVG’s malware removal tool

Scans for malware

Blocks scam websites

Blocks malware-infected emails

Removes malware

Protects your network

Runs quietly 24/7

The benefits of AVG’s malware removal tool

Scans for malware

Blocks scam websites

Blocks malware-infected emails

Removes malware

Protects your network

Runs quietly 24/7

Award-winning malware protection

Fighting online threats, all around the world

Steve J. McWilliams

Carl

M. Cady

Bring malware removal to your Mac and mobile devices

Download our free malware removal tool

FAQ

Is Windows Defender enough to protect my PC?

What’s the difference between malware and a virus?

How can I scan and remove malware?

Other Tools

Helpful links

System requirements

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