Best Free Malware Removal
Is malware a concern for you? It should be. Malware attacks can knock on your door unexpectedly, causing data loss and huge financial hits. That’s why staying protected with an anti-malware software solution is essential.
In this guide, we’ll help you choose the best free malware removal solution for your devices.
What is Malware?
Malware is a type of harmful file or code that infects internet-enabled computer systems and networks. Cyber attackers use malware to steal data, spy on the user, or for any other purpose they want.
What are the Different Types of Malware?
The most common types of malware include:
- Adware
- Trojans
- Fileless Malware
- Viruses
- Spyware
- Worms
- Bots
- Ransomware
What are the Different Attack Techniques that are used by Malware to Infect and Spread?
Cybercriminals utilize a wide range of attack techniques to infect your computer with malware. These include:
- Spyware
- Rootkit
- Adware
- Ransomware
- Botnets
- Malvertising
How to Prevent and Protect against Malware?
The best defense mechanism against malware is anti-malware and antivirus tools. But of course, it’s better to prevent the problem from occurring in the first place. That’s why you need to be careful when using your computer.
Avoid opening unknown email attachments or suspicious links, and make sure that you familiarize yourself with phishing and other types of cyber attacks.
What is the Difference between Anti-Virus and Anti-Malware?
The primary difference between anti-virus and anti-malware software is the purpose of the software. Anti-malware protects your computer from all types of malware, including viruses, ransomware, adware, trojans, and bots. On the other hand, antivirus is used to detect and eliminate viruses only.
What is the importance of Malware Removal Software?
A malicious file on your computer can encrypt, steal, or delete your data. The attacker can even compromise your identity, putting you at risk of legal claims and lawsuits.
A malware removal tool helps you scan your computer to detect and remove malware, ensuring that your data is safe from unauthorized users.
Should I Go for Free or Paid Malware Software?
For most users, free malware software gets the job done. However, it lacks essential features that are often only available with paid malware software.
These include multi-platform support (desktop, mobile phone, etc), better protection in critical online activities like e-commerce payments and online banking, and more control over your sensitive data.
1. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
Malwarebytes is one of the most popular anti-malware tools that won’t cost you a dime. The software is very easy to use; all you have to do is push the scan button in the main interface, wait for the tool to detect malicious files, and remove them all with one click. The software also has additional measures that provide more protection against ransomware.
The free version is updated daily, and you get on-demand scanning and malware elimination. However, to benefit from real-time scanning and protection, you must upgrade to the paid version. Malwarebytes is available on iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows.
System Requirements
Operating System: Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, or Windows 7 SP1
Application Framework: .NET Framework 4.5.2 or higher
CPU: 1 GHz or faster with SSE2 technology (ARM not supported)
RAM: 2 GB (64-bit OS), 1 GB (32-bit OS)
Free disk space: 600 MB
Screen resolution: 1024x768 or higher
Network: Active internet connection
Pros
- Promising testing scores
- Simple interface
- Good ransomware protection
- Multi-platform support
- Frequent updates
Cons
- No real-time malware detection in the free version
2. Avast Free Antivirus
The free version of Avast has all the bells and whistles you’d expect in a capable anti-malware tool. It features a robust firewall, as well as a complete ransomware protection system. You also get a VPN service to maintain your data privacy online.
Avast works with Windows, Android, iOS, and macOS. The scanner is simple and anyone can use it regardless of their technical background.
System Requirements:
RAM: 1GB or more
Free disk space: Minimum 2GB
Network: Active internet connection
Screen resolution: 1024 x 768 pixels or higher
Pros
- Good lab scores (including phishing tests)
- Multi-platform protection
- Includes free VPN with a decent bandwidth limit
Cons
- Can be resource intensive
3. AdwCleaner
AdwCleaner is an adware detection and removal tool that’s owned by Malwarebytes. Unlike other anti-malware tools on this list, AdwCleaner focuses on protection against adware only, with a clean and straightforward user interface that’s easy to navigate.
If you’ve ever noticed a weird page or toolbar forcing itself on your browser’s homepage, you’re dealing with adware. AdwCleaner helps you get rid of these, and it’s free of charge. This tool is best used alongside another anti-malware tool for full protection.
Adwcleaner is compatible with Windows, macOS, iPhone, and Android.
System Requirements:
CPU: Minimum 800 MHz with SSE2 technology
RAM: Minimum 512 MB
Free disk space: 10 MB or more
Screen resolution: 1024x768 or higher
Pros
- Protects against adware
- Works with lots of platforms
- Simple interface
Cons
- Limited to adware protection only
4. HitmanPro
HitmanPro’s free version is limited to a 30-day free trial, but it can be useful if you suspect that your computer is infected and need a reliable tool that can detect malware and eliminate it.
The software has a bit of a learning curve, but once you get used to it, everything should be fine. However, it only works on Windows devices.
System Requirements:
Windows Operating System
Pros
- Reliable malware detection and elimination
- Multiple scan options
- Good performance
Cons
- Can be installed on Windows devices only
- Limited free trial
5. SUPERAntiSpyware
SUPERAntiSpyware, as its name implies, is designed to protect your devices against spyware, but it can detect other types of malware too, such as ransomware and rootkits.
The tool is updated daily, ensuring consistent protection. It’s not hard to use, either, and you won’t likely notice any performance hiccups on your computer while using it.
Unfortunately, SuperAntiSpyware is only available for Windows computers.
System Requirements:
Operating System (OS): Windows 7 or later
CPU: Dual Core Intel (or higher)
RAM: 1GB (or higher)
Free disk space: 100 MB or more
Pros
- Fast and easy to use
- Lots of scan options
- Lightweight
Cons
- Updates are manual
- Limited protection for some types of malware
- Available on Windows devices only
Conclusion
So that was a quick overview of the best anti-malware solutions.
Running full system scans and keeping your malware removal software updated is essential to ensure maximum protection. When choosing a tool, make sure that it provides protection against all types of malware and that it’s updated regularly.
If you’ll use specialized software for a specific type of malware, it’d be best to combine it with an anti-malware tool for full protection.
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