Below are links for Avast Antivirus Free Edition and Malwarebytes Antimalware Free Edition, and three free online scanners: Trend Micro’s Housecall, eSet’s online scanner, and F-Secure’s online scanner.
Avast Antivirus Free Edition (link current as of 04/21/2025)
On this page, click the blue Free Download button, and save the installation file to your machine. When the download finishes, run the installation file. During installation, you may see two small checkboxes toward the lower left of the first installation screen. If checked, the “Avast Secure Browser”, which is based on Google Chrome, will also be installed along with Avast Antivirus, AND it will be set as your default browser instead of what you’re using now. While you certainly are free to install this browser, it is NOT required for Avast Antivirus to function. While all of Avast’s real time shields are active by default, the only scan set to run by default is the “Smart Scan”, which (in our opinion) is primarily designed to sell their paid products. So after installation, we recommend using the instructions on this page of our site to configure your Avast. DURING REGISTRATION OR UPDATES please make sure to stay with basic protection. These usually are NOT the recommended links because they want you to buy the paid version. If you want to continue using the free edition, do not click links for free trials or premium protection.
Malwarebytes AntiMalware Free Edition (link current as of 04/21/2025)
On this page, click the Free Antivirus Download button and follow instructions. If given the option, select Custom or Advanced installation so you can UNcheck any options for toolbars such as Yahoo toolbar or Google toolbar as these are not necessary for the program to run. PLEASE NOTE that the free edition of Malwarebytes does NOT include a scan scheduler. If you want to run regular scans with Malwarebytes, we suggest setting a recurring reminder in your favorite app.
Trend Micro Housecall FREE Online Scan (link current as of 04/21/2025)
On this page on the right under “Does my computer have a virus”, click the red Try Housecall button. After saving, run the file to kick off the scan. IF you’re presented with options to install any toolbars or other extra programs, please uncheck them.
eSet Online Virus Scan (link current as of 04/21/2025)
On this page, click the One-Time Scan button on the left side, and follow the instructions. IF you’re presented with options to install any toolbars or other extra programs, please uncheck them.
F-Secure Online Virus Scan (link current as of 04/21/2025)
On this page, click the blue RUN NOW button. If you’re prompted to Run or Save, select Run and follow the instructions. IF you’re presented with options to install any toolbars or other extra programs, please uncheck them.