In the modern world, many malicious programs appear every day . Not a single user is safe from a computer’s malware, especially if the computer is connected to the Internet. Since it is impossible to remove viruses without an antivirus, specialized tools should be used to clean the computer from malware. This article is an overview of the most effective and popular antivirus programs.
Windows Embedded Utility
Windows family operating systems already have a built-in virus removal program that can scan your computer and remove malicious applications. You can start it by double-clicking on the file "mrt.exe" in the directory "System32".
It should be noted that in terms of efficiency the program lags behind the leading antiviruses, and it should be used only when it is not possible to download other utilities.
After starting, a wizard window will appear on the screen. The interface is simple and completely Russified, so even inexperienced users can control the program. Three validation options are available: full, selective, and quick. If you are sure that the computer is infected, you should choose a full scan. This option is the longest, but also the most reliable. Be prepared for a few hours to scan.
There are no additional settings in the utility. Advantages include the fact that the utility does not need to be downloaded and installed. In addition, it was developed by Microsoft, so after its operation the probability of failure of the operating system is minimal.
Adwcleaner
AdwCleaner is one of the most powerful programs to remove viruses from your computer. Its most important advantage is that it fights not only typical viruses, but also helps get rid of malicious applications that disguise themselves as useful software. Very often, such malicious applications change the start page in the browser, download modules, add ads to web pages.
The program is completely free, and its installation is not needed. Although the developer does not require money for using the application, the signature databases are updated regularly, so the utility is in the first place in terms of efficiency. After completing the scan, the program will give tips on eliminating incorrect settings to prevent infection of the PC in the future.
The utility interface is as simple as possible. To start the scan, just double-click on the label, agree to the terms of use and click on the "Scan" button. Upon completion of the operation, it is enough to view the report, uncheck the items that are not required to be removed, and click on "Clear".
Attention! Malicious software is often masked under the AdwCleaner utility, so download the application only from the official website of the developer.
Malwarebytes
Malwarebytes is a virus removal utility that has earned the recognition of millions of users. It is distributed free of charge, but many functions stop working after 14 days without buying a license. To remove viruses and free options is enough.
In many reviews and tests, it is noted that the utility helps in 95% of cases. Upon completion of the scan, the user is provided with full information about the threats found. It is not necessary to delete everything that the antivirus finds. If he made a mistake and indicated a useful program as malicious, you can uncheck the box next to it and it will remain in the system after cleaning.
The disadvantages of the utility include the speed of work. Scanning takes much longer than in other software.
RogueKiller
RogueKiller is a virus removal program that is little known in Runet due to the lack of a Russian-language version. Despite the lack of fans, the utility does its job perfectly thanks to its powerful built-in virus scan algorithms.
The application is distributed in three versions. You will have to pay for using two of them. For a home computer, it’s quite enough and free. The other two will be of interest only to specialists, they added functions of automation, planning, transferring settings to a separate directory, etc.
RogueKiller also performs virus removal from the file system, task scheduler, services, processes, browser modules. It is because of the wide range of actions that it sometimes scans much longer than eminent antiviruses. If the OS has already been scanned several times by different products, but events similar to virus activity are still occurring in it, try checking the computer with RogueKiller.
SuperAntiSpyware
SuperAntiSpyware, like the previous product, does not have a Russian interface. After reading the name, you might think that the utility only deals with threats of one type, but this is not so. In addition to Spyware, the application copes with all such viruses. New versions of the program are not often released, but virus databases are updated regularly.
The utility is distributed free of charge, but real-time protection tools are not available for the user without a paid license. However, they are not needed to scan and remove viruses. A license is needed only if the user wants to install this application into the system as a full-fledged antivirus.
Zemana AntiMalware
Zemana AntiMalware is an application based on not only standard detection mechanisms. The utility connects to the cloud during operation to compare patterns of detected threats with those already known. Due to this, it is somewhat more effective than other products.
Interestingly, the program not only scans files, it also removes viruses from browsers and their extensions. Today, many viruses are installed specifically as browser modules, which allows them to download malicious code on their own, even if it was removed from the OS.
The disadvantages include a short period of work without buying a license - 15 days. However, it should be noted that for a one-time PC scan this is enough, and the free version is quite suitable for urgent removal of malicious software.
Hitmanpro
Often, after virus removal, garbage remains in the system: registry keys and files that do not contain malicious code, but which the virus needs to work. HitmanPro cleans the OS not only from viruses, but also from all the tails that remained in the system after scanning it with another anti-virus tool.
In addition to working efficiency, the program has a high verification speed. Also, which is very uncharacteristic for such products, the application does not require installation - after downloading it can immediately be launched.
HitmanPro utility works best when viruses change browser settings. After scanning, the advertising start pages will be deleted, and pop-up ads downloaded by extensions will disappear. The only drawback is the free time. Without purchasing a license, the utility will only function for a month.
Spybot search & destroy
Spybot virus detection and removal methods are quite standard. The main advantage of this program over others is that it not only removes viruses, but also gives recommendations for improving the security of the system. Moreover, the utility allows you to fulfill all these recommendations using its built-in functionality. You will have to pay for some of the features, but some of them are available without buying a license.
Spybot Search & Destroy protects the registry and system files from changes, thanks to which, even if the virus gets to the PC, it will not be able to fully work. What is important, the utility allows you to roll back all the changes that it made to the OS during operation. This means that if the application makes a mistake and deletes an important file instead of a virus, it can be restored.
Cureit
CureIt - Doctor Web's virus removal tool. The program is equipped with a simple interface fully translated into Russian. Although simplicity does not prevent the utility from being one of the most effective in its segment.
Installation of the program is not required - to start scanning it is enough to download the exe-file from the official resource of the developer. However, no complicated settings are required. It is enough to choose the scanning mode and determine how the antivirus will respond to malware - delete them, move them to quarantine or ask the user what needs to be done.
The only drawback of the Doctor Web utility: virus removal is its only function. The program does not actively protect the user and does not offer measures aimed at preventing viral threats. After each launch, you must agree to send statistics on the use of the utility to the developer, otherwise it will not work to check the PC. This will scare away those users who are serious about protecting personal data.
Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool
In any review that focuses on anti-virus protection, Kaspersky Lab products cannot be ignored. The virus removal utility from this company is called Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool. In all tests conducted by independent laboratories, the program always shows its best side.
The application interface is as simple as possible, and you can start checking your computer by clicking just a couple of times. Advanced users will like the ability to collect information about the OS, which will allow you to diagnose the cause of failures manually. In addition, scanning can be configured by excluding or adding custom directories. The program can work with network drives, email programs and removable drives.
Before scanning, the user can change the security level. For example, if it is lower, it will take less time to scan and remove viruses, while if it is high, the utility will be more efficient. A very interesting feature is self-defense. If there is already a virus on the PC, then when you install the scanner, it usually tries to disable it before it starts. With Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool, such a scenario is excluded. Although, if self-defense will prevent the user from changing the program settings or deleting it from the computer, it can be disabled.
The application allows you to perform additional configuration before scanning. The user can specify the types of scanned files, the maximum size of scanned archives, whether to perform any actions with the installers, use heuristics, or search for rootkits.
First of all, experts recommend starting a computer scan with an application from Kaspersky Lab. Virus removal is the main task of the Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool utility, and it copes with its five responsibilities.