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ESET Online Scanner

Free one-time malware scan from ESET that runs next to the antivirus you already have.

FreewareVersion LatestWindows 10 / 11

About ESET Online Scanner

ESET Online Scanner is a free, single-use malware scanner for Windows.

It downloads the latest ESET detection engine, scans your PC once and removes what it finds - then you can delete it.

Because it does not run in the background, it works happily alongside Windows Defender or any other antivirus as a second opinion.

  • Second opinion scan

    Catches threats your main antivirus may have missed.

  • Works with your antivirus

    No conflicts - it is not a real-time scanner.

  • Removes what it finds

    Viruses, trojans, rootkits, spyware and potentially unwanted apps.

  • No leftovers

    Uninstall it after the scan, or keep it for periodic checks.

Download ESET Online Scanner

Version Latest - 8 MB - Freeware

Free download

How to use ESET Online Scanner

  1. Download and runOpen esetonlinescanner.exe. Windows may ask for administrator permission.
  2. Choose a full scanA full scan checks every drive. Enable detection of potentially unwanted applications for a thorough check.
  3. Review the resultsLet it quarantine detected threats. A full scan can take an hour or more on large drives.
  4. Remove the scannerWhen you are done, uninstall it from Settings, Apps - or keep it for monthly checks.

Online scanner vs full antivirus

ESET Online ScannerFull antivirus
Real-time protectionNoYes
On-demand scanYesYes
Runs next to other antivirusYesNo - usually conflicts
PriceFreeFree or paid

If the PC will not start at all, use a bootable rescue disk instead.

System requirements

  • Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit recommended)
  • Administrator rights
  • Internet connection
  • About 500 MB free disk space during the scan

The scanner downloads detection updates on start, so it needs an internet connection.

Frequently asked questions

Is ESET Online Scanner really free?

Yes. It is free for personal use with no trial period.

Can I use it with Windows Defender?

Yes. It does not provide real-time protection, so it does not conflict with Defender or other antivirus software.

How long does a scan take?

It depends on the size of your drives and the number of files - from several minutes for a quick scan to an hour or more for a full scan.

Why does the download link go to eset.com?

We link to ESET's official "latest" file, so you always get the newest version straight from the developer.