5 Best Virus Removal Software in 2024: Get Rid of All Malware
Reading time: 18 min
Updated on March 24, 2024
You need the right software to get rid of viruses, malware, and other cyber threats and keep your device safe. However, you need to be cautious when getting virus removal software because many programs out there are actually viruses disguised as antiviruses.
Even when you get a legitimate one, not many can completely remove viruses from your computer. That’s why I tested 30+ virus removal software and selected only the best 5 that can remove any virus and the broader spectrum of malware with 100% efficiency.
Among the options, Norton is the best virus removal software thanks to its perfect removal rates, fast scan times, and a suite of extra features. You can try it risk-free with the 60-day money-back guarantee.
Quick Guide: 5 Best Virus Removal Software
- Norton — Overall best virus removal software in 2024.
- TotalAV — Cloud-based antivirus removes 100% of viruses, but lacks an integrated firewall.
- McAfee — Perfect malware removal rates, but doesn’t have many extra features.
- Intego — Excellent for removing Mac-specific viruses, but doesn’t have a VPN.
- Bitdefender — AI-powered virus scanner with excellent detection rates, but VPN has data caps on low-tier plans.
Editor’s Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
The Best Software for Removing Viruses – Fully Tested in 2024
1. Norton — Overall Best Virus Removal Software in 2024
Key Features:
- Removes 100% of viruses, trojans, rootkits, and other malware.
- Blocks 100% of zero-day malware threats.
- Has 3 scanning options to effectively get rid of viruses.
- Comes with a VPN, password manager, and other extra features.
- Provides a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Norton is the best malware removal software on the market with excellent removal results and robust security. The good thing about Norton is that it doesn’t just remove threats, but also protects your device from getting infected in the first place.
During my tests, Norton successfully removed 100% of the malware samples I planted on my PC, including viruses, trojans, worms, spyware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs (PUPs). Not even the most sophisticated threats escaped Norton’s powerful virus scanner.
Norton offers multiple scanning options, which are:
- Quick Scan — scans the most common places where malware hides.
- Full Scan — scans your entire device, even the system folders.
- Custom Scan — scans the files or folders you specify.
In my tests, Norton’s Quick Scan checked approximately 12,600 files in just 2 minutes, while the Full Scan completed scanning 1,000,000 files in a remarkable 22 minutes. This impressive speed sets a new benchmark among the antivirus solutions I have evaluated, making it the fastest scanning performance I have encountered so far.
To further enhance scanning efficiency, Norton offers the Norton Insight feature. This feature scans the entire system, identifying known files that are trusted and excluding them from future scans. While using Norton Insight, the scanner detected that nearly 90% of my files were trusted. As a result, the full scan time was significantly reduced to approximately 3 minutes.
To evaluate Norton’s real-time protection capabilities, I conducted tests using a dedicated machine and intentionally accessed malware-infected links discovered within 24 hours. Norton successfully blocked 100% of the malicious links during these tests. This is particularly noteworthy considering that the industry average detection rate is 98%.
Norton also offers a range of valuable extra features to enhance security. These include:
- A secure VPN — encrypts your entire connection to increase online security.
- Password manager — lets you manage and use your online credentials.
- Cloud backup — stores your sensitive data online so it’s safe from hackers.
- Smart firewall — monitors and blocks unauthorized connections to or from your device.
- Parental controls — controls your children’s use of devices, limiting location, websites, etc.
- PC SafeCam — protects from unauthorized access to your system’s webcam.
Norton’s plans start at $29.99. You can choose from a range of plans, including Norton 360 Standard, Norton 360 Deluxe, and Norton 360 Select, or Norton 360+ Lifelock plans which offer ID protection for US users. I recommend Norton 360 Deluxe with its robust security features. You can try it risk-free using the 60-day money-back guarantee.
2. TotalAV — Cloud-Based Antivirus Engine for Removing the Latest Threats
Key Features:
- Achieves 100% virus detection rates, even for sophisticated malware.
- Protects against 100% of zero-day malware threats.
- Has 4 scanning options, including a Smart Scan.
- Provides multiple security features like WebShield, VPN, and Adblocker.
- Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
TotalAV is an all-encompassing antivirus software solution that prioritizes the security of your devices. With its comprehensive virus removal capabilities, TotalAV ensures that every trace of malware is completely removed from all your devices.
During testing, I was pleased with TotalAV’s detection results. Like Norton, TotalAV successfully identified 100% of viruses, spyware, adware, ransomware, rootkits, and various other forms of malware downloaded to my test machine. The software offers multiple scanning options, including:
- Full System Scan — executes a comprehensive scan of your entire device.
- Quick Scan — checks the system areas where malware usually hides.
- Smart Scan — performs a combination of quick malware and device performance scans.
- Custom Scan — scans only the items and folders of your choosing.
During my testing, I was thoroughly impressed with TotalAV’s Full malware scan, which efficiently scanned over 940,000 files in just 22 minutes. Additionally, the Smart Scan feature quickly scanned 55,000 files in a mere 5 minutes, demonstrating TotalAV’s ability to deliver both thoroughness and speed in detecting potential threats.
To assess TotalAV’s effectiveness against real-time threats, I conducted rigorous tests by downloading malicious test files containing ransomware, trojans, and other forms of malware, including those compressed in .zip files. TotalAV detected 100% of new malware within 24 hours, surpassing the industry average of 98%.
In addition to its robust virus removal and real-time protection capabilities, TotalAV offers a range of extra features to enhance your overall security. These include a secure VPN for encrypted browsing, a password manager for secure credential storage, and an ad blocker to eliminate intrusive advertisements.
TotalAV starts at just $19.00. While the Pro plan offers essential features for individual users, I recommend the Total Security plan, which includes advanced security features and optimization tools that provide comprehensive defense against viruses and other threats. You can try TotalAV’s plans risk-free with the 30-day money-back guarantee.
3. McAfee — Provides Powerful Malware Removal Abilities and Comprehensive Security Features
Key Features:
- Gets rid of viruses and malware with 100% accuracy.
- Detects 100% of real-time malware threats.
- Offers 3 scanning options to completely remove viruses.
- Comes with extra features like VPN and file shredder.
- Backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
McAfee is a leading antivirus software renowned for its exceptional virus removal abilities. With a strong focus on protecting you online and offline, McAfee offers comprehensive features to ensure optimal security.
During testing, McAfee achieved impressive malware detection rates, scoring 100% for malware samples placed on my test computer. It also offers multiple scanning options, including:
- Quick scan — checks the critical areas of your system known to harbor malware.
- Full scan — scans your entire system for malware.
- Custom scan — checks for malware only the files and folders you specify.
McAfee’s Quick Scan swiftly checked almost 15,000 files on my system in just 5 minutes, providing a quick overview of potential threats. However, the Full Scan felt slower, taking approximately 2 hours to scan over 920,000 files. While the scan was thorough and detected every threat, it took more than twice as long as Norton’s full scan.
Another standout feature of McAfee is its real-time protection which detects 100% of threats. This proactive approach monitors your system continuously, promptly detecting and stopping potential threats before they can cause damage.
In addition to its core virus removal and real-time protection capabilities, McAfee offers a range of extra features. These include a secure VPN, encrypted storage, password managers, and more. Overall, McAfee excels as a reliable antivirus solution with its virus removal capabilities, real-time protection, and additional features.
Starting at $39.99, McAfee provides flexible pricing options to cater to different needs. The “Total Protection” plan stands as a solid choice for individuals seeking comprehensive security. It encompasses all essential features, delivering a robust defense against viruses and other cyber threats. You can try it risk-free using the 30-day money-back guarantee.
4. Intego — Best Antivirus for Removing Mac-Specific Viruses and Threats
Key Features:
- Removes nearly all malware samples on your Mac.
- Protects against 99.4% of real-time malware threats.
- Takes around 30 minutes to scan your Mac for malware.
- Has a firewall, parental controls, web protection, and system optimization tools.
- Backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Intego is the best antivirus for removing Mac-specific viruses, making it very reliable for protecting Mac devices. Its antivirus scanner is highly effective in identifying and eliminating viruses and other forms of malware. It boasts impressive malware detection rates, ensuring that your device remains shielded from various cyber threats.
To conduct the malware removal test, I set up a dedicated Mac M1 Pro and deliberately introduced recently emerged malicious files. Intego swiftly identified and isolated 99.4% of the malware threats, demonstrating its remarkable effectiveness.
Intego offers 2 different scan choices, namely:
- Quick Scan — scans the critical areas of your Mac.
- Full Scan — checks every folder and file on your device.
I performed an extensive scan on my Mac, completing it in just around 35 minutes while scrutinizing over 1.7 million files. This speed outpaces other antivirus programs like Avast, which took nearly an hour for a similar scan. In contrast, Intego’s rapid scan is remarkably quicker, taking a mere 2 minutes to scan more than 50,000 files.
Intego’s real-time protection is equally effective, actively monitoring system activities to promptly identify and block 99.4% of potential threats. This proactive approach ensures that malware and malicious entities are intercepted and neutralized in real time, fortifying your device’s security.
In addition to its virus removal and real-time protection capabilities, Intego offers a range of extra features to enhance performance and security. These features include system optimization tools (Mac Washing machine), ransomware protection, firewall (NetBarrier), parental controls (ContentBarrier), and web protection (Safe Browsing).
Intego offers flexible pricing starting at $19.99, with the “Mac Premium Bundle X9” providing the best value. This plan effectively removes viruses from your Mac and offers other features such as NetBarrier, Mac Washing Machine, Personal Backup, and Content Barrier. Plus, there’s a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee for you to try Intego.
5. Bitdefender — AI-Powered Malware Removal Software for Complete Protection
Key Features:
- AI-powered virus scanner removes 100% of malware threats.
- Protects against 100% of real-time malware attacks.
- Provides multiple virus scan options to get rid of viruses, trojans, and malware.
- Has extra features like VPN, parental controls, and a password manager.
- Offers a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
Bitdefender, a prominent name in the antivirus industry, is renowned for its exceptional virus removal capabilities. With an unwavering commitment to ensuring your security, Bitdefender offers a comprehensive suite of features that’s capable of removing emerging threats.
The malware detection rates of Bitdefender are truly impressive, consistently outperforming many competitors. During our rigorous testing, my team and I purposefully exposed our Windows testing system to various malware and viruses. Bitdefender successfully identified 100% of the malware, including those that were only discovered 4 weeks before the tests.
Bitdefender offers a comprehensive range of scanning options to ensure your safety and protection. They are:
- Quick Scan — looks for malware in places with the highest risk of infection on your system.
- System Scan — scans your entire disk for malware threats.
- Vulnerability Scan — checks for vulnerable device settings and outdated software that pose security risks.
- Rescue Environment Scan — reboots your device in safe mode and scans for hidden malware.
During testing, Bitdefender’s System Scan performed very well. It took approximately 48 minutes to thoroughly examine 980GB of data, with over 2 million files. In contrast, the Quick Scan, focusing on critical areas, was completed in just 7 minutes, scanning almost 11,000 files. Subsequent System Scans were faster, taking just 10 minutes to scan around 1.5 million files.
Bitdefender showcased an exceptional real-time threat detection rate of 100%, almost reaching perfection. To assess its capabilities, I purposely accessed emails and websites known to contain malware on a test PC. I was pleased to discover that Bitdefender not only identified the actual threats but also achieved a remarkable feat of 0 false positives.
Beyond its powerful virus removal and real-time protection, Bitdefender has many extra features. These include a secure VPN for enhanced privacy, a password manager for secure credential storage, a file shredder for permanent data deletion, and a parental control feature to safeguard your children’s online experience.
Bitdefender provides a variety of plans, starting at $24.99, to remove malware from your devices. These plans include Antivirus Plus, Internet Security, Total Security, and Ultimate Security. I recommend the Total Security plan, as it offers remarkable features at an affordable price. You can also try it risk-free with Bitdefender’s 30-day money-back guarantee.
2 Antivirus Brands That Didn’t Make the Cut
1. Microsoft Defender
While Microsoft Defender (formerly Windows Defender) comes pre-installed on Windows systems and provides decent protection, it’s not enough to protect against the most advanced cyberthreats. If you’re looking for advanced and comprehensive protection may want to explore alternative antivirus brands like Norton.
2. Trend Micro
Trend Micro is a commendable antivirus solution, boasting robust detection rates and an array of security features. However, it occasionally falls short in detecting trojans, which means it’s not the most foolproof choice for comprehensive protection.
Quick Comparison Table: 2024’s Best Software for Eliminating Malware
| Malware detection rates | Real-time protection | VPN | Firewall | Money-Back Guarantee | |
| Norton | 100% | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | 60 days |
| TotalAV | 100% | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | 30 days |
| McAfee | 100% | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | 30 days |
| Intego | 99.4% | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | 30 days |
| Bitdefender | 100% | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | 30 days |
5 Easy Steps: How to Install an Antivirus on Windows
- Choose your plan. Visit Norton’s website and select the plan that best fits your requirements. Click on the “Buy Now” button to proceed with the chosen plan.
![Norton pricing plans screenshot]()
- Sign up and subscribe. Complete the sign-up process on Norton’s website by providing the necessary information. Enter your payment details to initiate your subscription.
![Norton create an account form screenshot]()
- Download Norton’s setup. Once subscribed, log into Norton’s web portal using your credentials. From there, you can download the Norton setup file to proceed with the installation.
![Norton download button screenshot]()
- Install Norton. Locate the downloaded setup file and run it on your device. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation of Norton’s antivirus software.
![Norton run setup installation screenshot]()
- Run a system scan. After successful installation, launch Norton’s antivirus program. Utilize its virus scanning and other security features to conduct a comprehensive system scan and protect your device from potential threats.
![How to remove COM surrogate virus screenshot]()
That’s it. You’ve successfully removed malware from your device and with the real-time protection automatically enabled, you’d be protected against future threats.
How I Tested and Ranked the Best Virus Removal Software
I thoroughly tested and ranked the best virus removal software, taking into account their performance, features, and usability.
- Detection Rates — I assessed the virus removal software based on its ability to detect and eliminate various types of malware, including viruses, spyware, ransomware, and other malicious threats.
- Scanning Options — I evaluated the software’s scanning options, such as quick scans, full system scans, and custom scans.
- Real-Time Protection — I examined the effectiveness of the real-time protection feature in detecting and blocking malware in real time.
- Extra Features — I considered the additional features provided by the virus removal software, such as secure browsing, password managers, and VPN services.
- Speed and Performance — I measured the impact of the software on system performance, evaluating factors like scan speed, resource usage, and system responsiveness.
- User-Friendliness — I considered the software’s interface, ease of installation, and user-friendly features.
- Value for Money — I selected antivirus solutions that provide an extensive array of features within their plans, deliver strong performance, and offer money-back guarantees for user satisfaction.
FAQs on Virus Removal Software
What is a virus and how is it different from malware?
A virus is a specific type of malware that replicates itself by infecting host files or programs and spreads from one device to another, for which you need capable antivirus software to remove. It typically requires human interaction to spread.
Malware, on the other hand, is a broader term encompassing various types of malicious software designed to harm, exploit, or gain unauthorized access to systems. While all viruses are considered malware, not all malware falls under the category of viruses.
How can I remove viruses from my device?
To remove viruses from your device using Norton, follow these steps:
- Purchase a Norton plan and install it on your device.
- Perform a full system scan using Norton’s antivirus scan feature.
- Review the scan results and select the option to remove or quarantine any detected viruses.
- If necessary, restart your device to complete the removal process.
Norton’s robust virus removal capabilities will help eliminate any detected viruses and restore the security of your device.
Will antivirus software remove existing viruses?
Yes, antivirus software is designed to remove existing viruses from your device. However, not all antivirus software is equally effective in handling complex threats. The antivirus software we have recommended has proven capabilities in removing even the most sophisticated threats.
Additionally, they provide real-time protection, which means they can detect and block new threats as they emerge, further enhancing your device’s security.
What’s the best free virus removal software?
Avira is the best free virus removal software and one of the best antiviruses for Windows devices. During my tests, Avira removed 100% of the malware samples I planted on my test computer — an impressive feat for a free antivirus.
Additionally, Avira offers a wide range of features, including real-time protection, malware scanning, and effective virus removal capabilities. It consistently ranks high in independent antivirus tests and provides reliable security for your devices at no cost.
Remove All Viruses From Your Device With the Best Antivirus Software
Viruses are more sophisticated than ever before and only powerful antiviruses can get rid of them. However, finding the right virus removal software is hard, especially with so many ineffective options lying around on the internet.
I tested over 30 virus removal software and carefully handpicked the best ones. The best virus removal software that I found provided excellent detection rates, multiple scanning options, and tons of extra features to keep you safe. From my tests, Norton emerged as the overall best virus removal software with its perfect detection rates, real-time protection, and ease of use. Plus, you can try Norton risk-free for 60 days with the money-back guarantee.
Summary — Best Antiviruses for Removing Malware in 2024
Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
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