5 Best Portable Antivirus for Windows (No Installation Required)

Best Portable Antivirus for Windows

Portable anti-viruses are light in size and don’t require installation. It is useful when your PC is compromised in a virus attack, and you cannot install a regular antivirus. In such a case, a portable antivirus helps you clean your computer.

The portable antivirus only works when you run the scan manually. It will remove the threats that are already in your system. It doesn’t have real-time protection capabilities. If you want a fully-fledged antivirus, check out the list of a few reliable antivirus software that offer a strong shield against modern computer threats.

When you need a Portable Antivirus?

If you are a computer technician who often encounters computer viruses on different PCs, portable antivirus is for you. You can save lots of time downloading and installing a traditional antivirus to remove threats on the client’s computer.

Also, portable antiviruses are small, so you can carry more than one on your USB drive. Just plug it into your client’s computer and run the scan without installation. For a regular computer user, the need for portable antivirus arrives when their computer is deeply infected with viruses.

The first step in a virus attack is to disable the protection shield of a system and prevent the installation of security suites. It also has been seen that viruses even block the websites of anti-viruses. In such a situation, the portable antivirus could help you.

You can download it on a separate computer and put it in the USB drive. Then run it on the infected PC. It will detect and remove the viruses without installation.

5 Best Portable Antivirus Software

Below is the list of the top 5 portable antiviruses that could save you from losing your essential data in a virus attack.

Microsoft Safety Scanner

Microsoft Safety Scanner is a free & portable antivirus. It is available for 32 and 64-bit architecture. It is a second-opinion antivirus scanner that doesn’t offer real-time protection. You need to run the scan manually. It perfectly runs along with any other security suites without interfering with them.

Microsoft Safety Scanner

This tool detects and removes the malware and tries to reverse the changes due to viruses. Microsoft Safety Scanner only works for 10 days after downloading it.

It requires downloading again if you want to use it further. Microsoft does it so that you always have the latest virus signatures in the program. Being a portable antivirus, it can’t automatically update the database.

Size – 32 Bit – 93.1 MB, 64-bit – 95.8 MB

Key Features in Microsoft Safety Scanner 

  • Multi-Scan Mode – Different scanning modes according to your needs: Quick, Full, and Customized Scan.
  • Authentic Virus Database – Microsoft professionals update the virus database.

Comodo Cleaning Essentials

Comodo Cleaning Essentials has a collection of security tools that help you to clean an infected computer. Its powerful antivirus detects deeply embedded viruses by analyzing the processes. It also catches the viruses hidden in the Windows registry. That’s why it effectively detects rootkits.

Comodo Cleaning Essentials

It also includes the Comodo KillSwitch, which is a comprehensive process explorer tool.

It analyzes the running process and kills the wicked ones. Also, Comodo Cleaning Essentials provides detailed statistics and graphs of system status.

Size – 32 Bit – 30.3 MB, 64 Bit – 33 MB

Key Features in Comodo Cleaning Essentials

  • KillSwitch – Helps to identify, monitor, and terminate potentially unsafe processes.
  • Autorun Analyzer – This lets you know which process or service auto starts when the Windows boots up. It helps identify spyware and rootkits.
  • Multi-Scan Mode – Has the option to choose between Smart Scan, Full Scan, and Custom Scan.

Avira PC Cleaner

Avira PC Cleaner is a portable virus scanner for Windows PCs. You can quickly transfer it to your USB drive and run the scan on any computer. The best thing about this antivirus is it perfectly runs alongside other antivirus programs.

Avira PC Cleaner

When you download it from the website, it is just about 3.8 MB. However, it downloads the actual program, which is about 88 MB when you run it. Still, it should be considered a lightweight application. Once it completes the downloading, you can also transfer it to the USB drive to scan a computer without an internet connection.

Size – Downloader – 3.8 MB, Actual Program – Around 88 MB

Key Features in Avira PC Cleaner

  • Quick and Full Scan Mode.
  • Transfer the scanner to a USB device.

Norton Power Eraser

Another portable antivirus is Norton Power Eraser. It is designed to detect and remove deeply embedded malware and viruses that traditional antivirus couldn’t easily remove.

This tool is not just lightweight and fast, but it also has the most competitive detection rate. It also targets the threats that look legitimate at the front but steal your data from behind.

Norton Power Eraser

Norton Power Eraser has different scan modes. You can scan your PC for rootkits, Unwanted Applications, or viruses; the advanced scan has three different scan modes.

Reputation Scan lets you check a particular folder or file quickly, while the System Scan checks for viruses in the current operating system. You can use the Multi-Boot Scan mode if you have more than one OS.

Size – 9.2 MB

Key Features in Norton Power Eraser

  • Unwanted Application Scan – Detects and removes PUPs like adware, browser add-ons, and hijackers.
  • Advanced Scan – performs a quick, system, or multi-boot scan.
  • Advanced Settings – allows you to configure the network proxy settings, the location of log files, and rootkit scan.

McAfee GetSusp

McAfee GetSusp is designed to catch undetected malware from a computer. If you suspect malware in your computer, you can use it for a second opinion scan. There’s no need to uninstall your current security suite. McAfee GetSusp won’t interfere with any other antivirus.

McAfee GetSusp

McAfee GetSusp uses a combination of heuristics and signature-based detection mechanisms to check suspicious files.

Size – 32 Bit – 2.6 MB, 64 Bit – 3.1 MB

Key Features in McAfee GetSusp

  • GUI and Command Interface – You can run this tool as a regular computer program and from the command line interface.
  • You can also configure the proxy settings for your LAN and can use an automatic configuration script from the preferences.

Verdict

These portable antiviruses may seem low in features, but they could be a lifesaver if you have a stubborn virus. Some of these antiviruses even remove the rootkits, which are specialized in hiding themselves. So, don’t underestimate them by looking at their size and features.

However, portable antiviruses couldn’t replace the need for a regular antivirus. They lack the real-time protection feature. So once you remove the current infection, install a regular antivirus in your system to stay protected.

Read also: Kerish Doctor Review: Boost Your PC’s Performance & Increase Security

FAQ’S

Which antivirus is best for Windows PC?

Several effective options include Bitdefender, Norton, and Kaspersky for comprehensive Windows protection.

Which antivirus is 100% free?

Avast, AVG, and Avira offer robust free antivirus solutions for users seeking no-cost protection.

Which is the No 1 free antivirus for PC?

Avast consistently ranks as a top choice for free PC antivirus due to its reliability and feature-rich protection.

Which antivirus makes PC faster?

Avira is known for its minimal impact on system resources, contributing to a faster and smoother PC experience.

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