Download Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool application

Removing an active infection needs a scan that targets what is already on the machine rather than only guarding against new threats. The Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool is a free, on-demand utility that scans an infected computer and removes viruses, adware, riskware, Trojans and rootkits it finds. You download it, run a scan, and it cleans what it detects, which makes it suited to a machine that is already compromised rather than one you are protecting in advance.

An on-demand scanner runs only when you start it, checking a computer for infection at that moment rather than protecting it continuously. The Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool is this kind of free scanner, best used when you suspect a device is already infected or want a second opinion alongside your existing security. It is not a replacement for always-on antivirus, since it does not run in the background, but it is a fast way to check and clean a machine on the spot.

A portable tool runs as a single downloaded file rather than installing itself into the system. The Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool works this way: it needs no installation, can be run directly from a USB drive, and removes itself from the system once you close it. This makes it useful for checking a computer without adding permanent software, and for running from external media on a machine you do not want to install anything on.

Some malware actively runs and tries to stop standard antivirus software from opening or working. The Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool uses advanced disinfection technology built to fight active infections of this kind, targeting malware that is running and resisting removal. Because it is a separate on-demand tool you download and run, it can get onto a compromised machine and clean it even when the installed security has been disabled.

A one-time scanner can run without conflicting with an installed antivirus because it does not stay active or take over protection. The Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool is designed for this: you can run it as a second opinion alongside your existing security without uninstalling anything, since it scans on demand and then closes. This lets you double-check a machine when you are unsure whether something slipped past your main antivirus.

A thorough scan can target the places malware hides rather than only obvious files. The Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool lets you choose the scan areas, including startup objects, boot sectors, system memory and hard drive volumes, so you can check the parts of the system where infections take hold. Narrowing or widening the scan this way helps you run a quick targeted check or a deeper sweep depending on what you suspect.