Suspect your Windows computer has a virus, spyware, adware, or another malware infection? Several reputable security companies offer free tools that can help identify and remove malicious software without purchasing a new antivirus subscription.

This guide lists free malware scanners and cleanup utilities available in 2026, with links directly to their publishers. Some tools are designed for general malware detection, while others address specific problems such as browser hijacking, unwanted programs, or persistent infections.

Start with the security tools already included in Windows. If you need a second opinion, choose one of the independent scanners listed below.

A clean scan doesn’t guarantee that a computer is free of malware. Serious infections, especially those involving ransomware, stolen credentials, or remote access, may require additional investigation or a complete operating system reinstall.

Reminders: Disconnect a device from the network if you see signs of an active intrusion, ransomware, or data theft. Business computers and machines holding potential evidence should be handled according to the organization’s incident-response process rather than immediately cleaned.

Recommended scanning process

Step 1: Start with Windows Security

Update Defender’s definitions, then run a scan.

Step 2: Run a second-opinion scan

Use ESET, Malwarebytes or F-Secure if symptoms persist or you want additional assurance.

Step 3: Address specific problems

Use AdwCleaner for browser hijackers or Defender Offline for recurring infections.

Step 4: Verify recovery

Review detections, restart if directed, rescan, apply updates and check for suspicious account activity.

Before You Download

• Only download tools from their official publishers. Avoid third-party download mirrors and repackaged security utilities.
• Don’t install multiple real-time antivirus engines unnecessarily. On-demand second-opinion scanners are different from permanently running multiple antivirus products.
• Review detections before deleting files. False positives can occur, and files may need to be preserved for investigation.
• Back up important data carefully. Don’t execute or restore suspicious files from backups.
• Change exposed passwords from a known-clean device. If credentials may have been stolen, also revoke sessions and enable MFA.
• Don’t assume removing malware restores trust. A system affected by credential theft, persistence mechanisms or remote access may need reinstallation.

Recommended Malware Removal Utilities for 2026

These eight Windows security tools provide different ways to scan for and remove malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. Most are free on-demand scanners rather than replacements for ongoing antivirus protection. Download them only from their official publishers.

1. Microsoft Defender Antivirus

Best for: Your first malware scan
Cost: Included with Windows 11

Microsoft Defender Antivirus is built into Windows Security. Start with a Quick Scan, then use a Full Scan if you suspect infection or want to check more files. Update its security intelligence before scanning.

Instructions: Scan an item with Windows Security (Microsoft)

2. Malwarebytes Free

Best for: A second-opinion malware scan
Cost: Free manual scanning and cleanup; paid real-time protection

Malwarebytes Free can detect and remove malware, spyware, and potentially unwanted programs. It’s a useful follow-up if Windows Defender reports no threats but suspicious symptoms continue. The free version does not provide the same continuous protection as the paid product.

Official download: Malwarebytes

3. Malwarebytes AdwCleaner

Best for: Adware, browser hijackers, and unwanted programs
Cost: Free

AdwCleaner focuses on adware and potentially unwanted applications, including unwanted browser extensions, homepage changes, and redirects. It is useful when browser behavior remains suspicious even after a general antivirus scan.

Official download: Malwarebytes AdwCleaner

4. ESET Online Scanner

Best for: Independent second-opinion scanning
Cost: Free

ESET Online Scanner checks Windows computers for malware without requiring a full ESET security-suite subscription. It offers quick, full, and custom scanning options and may help detect threats missed by another antivirus tool.

Official download: ESET Tools and Utilities

5. F-Secure Online Scanner

Best for: An additional one-time malware scan
Cost: Free

F-Secure Online Scanner provides an independent check for malicious software on supported Windows systems. Check the publisher’s current system requirements before downloading, especially on older 32-bit Windows installations.

Official download: F-Secure Online Scanner

6. Microsoft Safety Scanner

Best for: Standalone on-demand malware scanning
Cost: Free

Microsoft Safety Scanner is a downloadable utility for finding and removing certain malware. The scanner expires 10 days after download, so obtain a fresh copy before each later use. It does not replace ongoing antivirus protection.

Official download: Microsoft Safety Scanner

7. Microsoft Defender Offline

Best for: Persistent or difficult-to-remove malware
Cost: Included with Windows

Microsoft Defender Offline restarts the computer and scans outside the normal running Windows environment. This can help detect malware that attempts to conceal itself while Windows is active. Save your work before starting because the computer will restart.

Instructions: Microsoft Defender malware detection and removal guidance

8. Trellix Stinger (formerly McAfee Stinger)

Best for: Targeted removal of certain known threats
Cost: Free

Stinger is a standalone utility aimed at specific malware families. It is not a substitute for a full antivirus product. Use it when its detection coverage is relevant to the suspected infection.

Official download: Trellix Stinger repository

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Which Tool Should You Use First?

1. Start with Microsoft Defender Antivirus. Update its definitions and run a scan.
2. Use one second-opinion scanner if needed. Choose Malwarebytes Free, ESET Online Scanner, or F-Secure Online Scanner.
3. Address specific symptoms. Try AdwCleaner for browser hijacking and unwanted programs; consider Defender Offline for persistent threats.
4. Review findings and verify recovery. Restart if directed, rescan when appropriate, and install security updates.

You generally do not need to run all eight tools. Avoid installing multiple real-time antivirus engines merely to perform a second-opinion scan.

Security note: A clean scan does not guarantee that a computer is free of malware. If you suspect ransomware, credential theft, or unauthorized remote access, disconnect the affected system from the network and consider professional incident-response assistance. Change potentially compromised passwords from a known-clean device.

Last reviewed: October 23, 2026. Product availability and features may change; verify details on the publisher’s website before use.