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.

What's the difference between malware and a virus?

Malware refers to any type of harmful software or code, while a virus is just one type of malware. A virus’s signature trait is its ability to inject its code into your computer’s software, then replicate and spread itself to other systems. Other types of malware work differently. Learn more about viruses, <a href="https://www.avg.com/en/signal/what-is-malware" rel=" noopener">malware</a>, and other digital threats over at the <a href="https://www.avg.com/en/signal" rel=" noopener">AVG Signal Blog</a>.

Free Virus Scan & Cleaner

Download Free Virus Scanner

Get it for Android, iOS, Mac

Download Free Virus Scanner

Get it for iOS, Android, PC

Install Free Virus Scanner

Get it for PC, Mac, iOS

Install Free Virus Scanner

Get it for Mac, PC , Android

2025
Advanced+

2025
Top Rated
Product

Award-winning antivirus

Advanced scam protection

Keeps intruders out

30+ years of experience

Scan your PC for viruses with a virus removal tool

AVG AntiVirus FREE uses the world’s largest threat detection network to run a thorough virus scan on your device. If the virus checker finds anything, it’ll quarantine the file to separate it from the rest of your system. You’ll enjoy ongoing protection to keep nasty viruses and other malware off your device.

Download Free Virus Scanner

Get it for Android, iOS, Mac

Download Free Virus Scanner

Get it for iOS, Android, PC

Install Free Virus Scanner

Get it for PC, Mac, iOS

Install Free Virus Scanner

Get it for Mac, PC , Android

AVG AntiVirus FREE running a free malware and virus scan on a PC.

Download Free Virus Scanner

Get it for Android, iOS, Mac

Download Free Virus Scanner

Get it for iOS, Android, PC

Install Free Virus Scanner

Get it for PC, Mac, iOS

Install Free Virus Scanner

Get it for Mac, PC , Android

The benefits of AVG’s virus scanner

Checks for viruses

It’s both a virus detector and remover. It will scan for existing computer virus strains, like macro viruses, and quarantine them.

Blocks future viruses

AVG blocks over 4,600 cyberattacks on average every minute — don’t wait to scan your PC until you suspect a virus.

Stand-out performance

Enjoy award-winning protection that has won praise from third-party testers and online tech experts alike.

Blocks dangerous downloads

Get proactive protection against malicious downloads to help keep you safe in real time as you browse the web.

Removes other threats

AVG AntiVirus FREE doesn’t just stop at viruses. It also removes Trojans and wipes out other types of malware, too.

Phishing protection

Alerts you to scam web pages, phony emails, or infected links and attachments, which can all lead to viruses.

The benefits of AVG’s virus scanner

Checks for viruses

It’s both a virus detector and remover. It will scan for existing computer virus strains, like macro viruses, and quarantine them.

Blocks future viruses

AVG blocks over 4,600 cyberattacks on average every minute — don’t wait to scan your PC until you suspect a virus.

Stand-out performance

Enjoy award-winning protection that has won praise from third-party testers and online tech experts alike.

Blocks dangerous downloads

Get proactive protection against malicious downloads to help keep you safe in real time as you browse the web.

Removes other threats

AVG AntiVirus FREE doesn’t just stop at viruses. It also removes Trojans and wipes out other types of malware, too.

Phishing protection

Alerts you to scam web pages, phony emails, or infected links and attachments, which can all lead to viruses.

Award-winning virus protection

We’re proud that AVG AntiVirus FREE has received hundreds of accolades over the years — it’s proof that hard work pays off! You can download our free virus scanner and removal tool, knowing you’re in excellent hands.

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.

Protect your Mac and mobile, too

Our virus and malware scanner works on all your favorite devices. Download it on your Mac, Android, and iPhone to scan for viruses and other online threats like Trojans.

MAC

Android

iOS

AVG AntiVirus FREE for Mac provides you with robust protection against digital threats, from viruses to unsafe emails.

AVG AntiVirus for Android provides free virus protection for Android, including a scanner and cleaner.

AVG Mobile Security for iPhone & iPad helps you stay safe online with essential security tools, including a malware remover.

Download our free virus scan and cleaner tool

When choosing between downloadable virus scanners, there’s a lot to consider. AVG AntiVirus FREE makes this choice simpler by offering award-winning antivirus software that removes even hard-to-find viruses — along with protection against other online threats like scam websites, hackers, and more. Best of all, it’s 100% free.

Download Free Virus Scanner

Get it for Android, iOS, Mac

Download Free Virus Scanner

Get it for iOS, Android, PC

Install Free Virus Scanner

Get it for PC, Mac, iOS

Install Free Virus Scanner

Get it for Mac, PC , Android

FAQ

Is Windows Defender enough to protect my PC?

While Windows Defender offers a basic layer of protection, it may not be enough to stop more advanced cyberthreats. Dedicated antivirus software like AVG AntiVirus FREE is the perfect complement to built-in defenses, ensuring you’re getting the best protection against sophisticated threats.

Can Macs and phones get viruses too?

While it’s unlikely a phone or Mac will get a virus, they’re not immune to hacking or other online threats. For example, other types of malware and scams pose a very real risk on any device or platform.

How can I get rid of a virus?

The best way is to use a dedicated virus cleaner. The built-in virus protection your computer comes with may not be as comprehensive. But that doesn’t mean you have to pay for expensive software! You can run a free virus scan with AVG AntiVirus FREE, which is trusted by industry experts and customers alike.

Other Tools

Free Ransomware Protection Tool Free Anti-Spyware Software Free Rootkit Scanner & Remover Free Adware Scanner and Cleaner Tool

Helpful links

How to remove a router virus How to spot a fake virus warning How to remove a phone virus How to rid your computer of a virus or malware Can iPads get viruses?

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 Virus Scan & Cleaner

Scan your PC for viruses with a virus removal tool

The benefits of AVG’s virus scanner

Checks for viruses

Blocks future viruses

Stand-out performance

Blocks dangerous downloads

Removes other threats

Phishing protection

The benefits of AVG’s virus scanner

Checks for viruses

Blocks future viruses

Stand-out performance

Blocks dangerous downloads

Removes other threats

Phishing protection

Award-winning virus protection

Fighting online threats, all around the world

Steve J. McWilliams

Carl

M. Cady

Protect your Mac and mobile, too

Download our free virus scan and cleaner tool

FAQ

Is Windows Defender enough to protect my PC?

Can Macs and phones get viruses too?

How can I get rid of a virus?

Other Tools

Helpful links

System requirements

About AVG

Home Products

Customer Area

Partners & Business