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You've likely had some experience with a computer virus or malware. If not, you're one of the lucky ones. But you can never rest—especially if you're running Windows.

Online free antivirus apps are no match for a standalone antivirus tool. Let's make that clear. However, an online antivirus scan is a handy tool in a pinch. Perhaps it is an unfamiliar PC acting strangely? Or the computer of a relative acting up? It's time for a virus scan.

The Best Online Antivirus Scanners

The best online antivirus scanners offer a full system scan, analysis, and file removal. However, it is important to note that an online virus scan cannot replace an offline antivirus suite. Online scanners do not offer real-time analysis and protection, so you cannot rely on them to keep your system secure. Instead, you should check out the best antivirus software for real-time protection.

It's also worth noting that online virus scanners still require a small download. Otherwise, the tool won't have access to your computer to scan for malware. Each of the following online virus tools have a portable download, which means you don't need to install any files; you just run the downloaded antivirus file, and the scan will begin.

1. ESET Online Scanner

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The ESET Online Scanner is one of the most thorough free online antivirus tools. It has a simple UI that is easy to use. ESET Online Scanner allows you to choose between a full, quick, or custom scan. Plus, you can also choose whether to quarantine and remove any malicious files automatically.

This is handy if the online antivirus scanner throws up false positives.

2. F-Secure Online Scanner

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F-Secure's Online Scanner is the fastest free online antivirus scanner on this list. The F-Secure Online scanner finds the majority of malware, too, and doesn't require installation.

Of the free online antivirus scanners, F-Secure Online Scanner is the most basic. You don't choose which files to scan; the Online Scanner covers your entire system. Given the speed of the scan, it isn't an issue. The lack of options has a plus side, too: F-Secure Online Scanner is incredibly easy to use.

3. Trend Micro HouseCall

trend micro housecall online antivirus scanner

Trend Micro HouseCall is a useful online virus scanner that provides a fairly comprehensive scan of your machine. Better still, you can use HouseCall on Windows and macOS, so you're not limited by operating system.

As with all online virus scanners, the Trend Micro HouseCall interface is simple to use; you download the launch file, run it, and start scanning. The Smart Scan function will rapidly analyze the places malware is most likely to lurk and, once done, provide a review and quarantine option to help you cleanse your system.

Individual Malicious File Scanners

Individual malicious file scanners differ from online antivirus scanners in that you provide a single file sample instead of scanning your entire system for malware or otherwise. The onus is on you to scan a file before executing it on your system, rather than quarantining after the infection takes place.

However, you can determine if a file is malicious and what is wrong with it while helping security researchers update their definitions.

Again, an individual malicious file scanner is in no way a replacement for an antivirus suite on your device.

1. VirusTotal

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VirusTotal allows you to search its database using an individual file, a URL, an IP address, a domain, or a file hash. In that, VirusTotal offers the widest range of tools and has one of the most extensive databases of malicious files and file signatures.

Like VirScan, VirusTotal pulls in definitions from all across the internet. Another VirusTotal feature is analysis-by-email. You can send your suspect file directly to VirusTotal (files up to 256MB), and they'll respond with the file status.

2. Kaspersky Threat Intelligence Portal

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Kaspersky is one of the most well-known names in virus detection, and its Threat Intelligence Portal is a handy way to quickly scan a single file for nasties. Once open, you can upload a single file to the Threat Intelligence Portal. Once analyzed, Kaspersky will detail if the file is malicious.

You can also submit IP addresses, file hashes, domain names, and more.

3. MetaDefender

metaswap single file virus analysis tool-1

MetaDefender takes definitions from over 30 antivirus tools and analyzes your file for malicious activity. The process is the same as the other tools, while MetaDefender allows you to scan from a file, an IP address, a URL, or a domain, as well as a CVE (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposure).

The MetaDefender UI is slick and offers different analysis options.

What Is the Best Online Antivirus Tool?

If you want a rapid online scan with great results, try F-Secure Online Scan. It is easy to use, takes minutes, and hits the majority of malware.

These free online antivirus scanners are great, but they are not an effective preventative against malware. They do not offer real-time scanning and protection. In the modern world, that's going to lead to a world of pain.