How to scan a file for viruses online
- Choose the fileDrag it onto the box or click to pick it. Downloads, email attachments and USB files all work.
- Wait for the fingerprintYour browser computes the SHA-256 hash locally - large files take a few seconds.
- Read the resultKnown malware is named, with the engines that detect it. Unknown files are flagged as unknown, not as clean.
Why we do not upload your file
Uploading a file to an online scanner shares it.
Services like VirusTotal give security researchers access to submitted files. That is fine for a random .exe, but not for a contract, a tax return or family photos.
Checking the fingerprint answers the most important question - "is this a known threat?" - without exposing anything.
What the results mean
| Result | Meaning | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Threat detected | A known malware sample, flagged by several engines or MalwareBazaar | Delete it. If you already ran it, scan the PC with a rescue disk. |
| Suspicious | One or two engines flag it - often a false positive | Check the engine names and where the file came from. |
| No threats found | Analysed before and all engines report it clean | Safe to use if the source is trustworthy. |
| Unknown file | Never analysed by VirusTotal or MalwareBazaar | Only run it if you trust the source. Personal documents are usually unknown. |
Think your PC is already infected?
Some malware hides from the antivirus running inside Windows.
Boot from a Kaspersky Rescue Disk or the Avira Rescue System to scan the drive from outside, or run the ESET Online Scanner as a second opinion.
Frequently asked questions
Is my file uploaded?
No. Your browser calculates the file's SHA-256 fingerprint locally and only that 64-character code is sent for lookup. The file itself never leaves your device, so it is safe to check private documents.
How can a fingerprint detect a virus?
Every file has a unique SHA-256 hash. VirusTotal and MalwareBazaar keep records of millions of analysed files, so if your file's hash matches a known malware sample, the scanner shows which engines detected it and what it is.
What does "Unknown file" mean?
Nobody has submitted that exact file to VirusTotal or MalwareBazaar yet. Many legitimate files are unknown, but so is brand-new malware. If you need a full analysis, upload it directly at VirusTotal - remember that uploaded files can be seen by security researchers.
Can this replace my antivirus?
No. It is a second opinion for a single file. Keep real-time protection running, and use a bootable rescue disk if malware has already taken over the PC.
Is there a file size limit?
Files up to 512 MB can be fingerprinted in the browser. For larger files, compute the SHA-256 yourself (in Windows: certutil -hashfile file.iso SHA256) and paste it in the hash box.