Reviews

Windows: Malware Removal Tools

Are you looking for the best Malware Removal Tools? We all know that Windows machines are more liable to malware, viruses than any other operating system. Now, this is not because Windows is vulnerable or insecure, but because – Windows users are more than in number than any other operating system, so hackers also have more incentive of making malware or virus for Windows. Also, Windows users are not too computer literate as compare to Mac OS or Linux; which makes them an easy target.

Even though some of us use dedicated anti-virus solutions to secure our PC, it is always the best idea to have a virus detector. This helps you find any malware that slips through your anti-virus solution. So, let’s take a look at the best malware removal tools to help protect yourselves.

Malware Removal Tools For Windows

If you are wondering, yes you can then use an anti-malware tool with your anti-virus software. Keep in mind, they don’t interfere with each other. For example, on my PC I use Malwarebytes for malware scanning, Windows Defender is the primary anti-virus.

Malwarebytes Anti-malware

Malwarebytes-Malware Removal Tools

Malwarebytes Anti-malware is one of the best among the most popular and used anti-malware software for Windows. The best things about Malwarebytes are that it provides a high detection rate. Also, it uses low system resources. Not just this but also its user interface is pretty minimal and all the options are clearly categorized so that you don’t need to meddle back and forth. Some amazing features of Malwarebytes include but not restricted to high malware detection rate, protection settings, or customizable detection. Also, they can lock down Malwarebytes settings and exclude files, folders, and even websites, etc. Malwarebytes can also search or erase rootkits or spyware.

Pros: It is easy to use, high detection rates, and three various scan modes (custom scan, threat scan, and hyper scan) to suit your requirements.

Cons: The free variants of the software is limited. It doesn’t include necessary features such as scheduled scanning, real-time protection, etc.

Is it free: Malwarebytes is available both in paid or free versions. The paid version begins from $39.99 per computer per year.

Premium version: Using the paid version, you can access features such as real-time protection, access control, scheduled scanning, access to advanced settings, web exclusions, etc.

SUPERAntiSpyware

Similar to Malwarebytes Anti-malware, SUPERAntiSpyware is another amazing anti-malware or anti-spyware software. The free variant of the software allows you to manually scan and erase malware, spyware, adware, trojans, dialers, etc., from different locations such as removable drives, hard drive, registry, and memory. Besides scanning and erasing the threats, it can also repair damaged internet connections, display what processes, applications, plugins are executing on your PC. Also, it enables you to know what settings have been changed on your PC, etc. If you want to, you can also install the portable model so that you can carry it with you on your pen drive.

Pros: Takes care of different threats and is available in a portable version.

Cons: The free variant is limited but should be quite good enough for searching and removing threats.

Free Or Paid: The software is available both in paid or free versions. The paid version starts from $29.95.

What you get with the premium version: The paid version has some advanced features such as real-time protection, scheduled scanning, startup scanning, automatic update, etc.

Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool

Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool

Microsoft has many tools to help you with many things, from properly doing administrative tasks to securing your PC. However, Windows Defender is the antivirus software in Windows, you can then use the MS Malicious Software Removal tool to remove or scan malware and any other unnecessary software. The software offers three various scan modes to match your requirements. However, besides other software on the list, the MS Malicious Software Removal tool is not just standalone software. i.e, but the malware definitions expire every month. You want to download or install it fresh whenever you want. That being said, it is the best tool if you like a second opinion on an infected PC.

Pros: Official, lightweight, portable, and simple to use.

Cons: You don’t need any auto-update option or advanced settings to tune the software. You want to install the tool every month because of the outdated malware definitions.

Free or paid: Free of cost.

Spybot – Search and Destroy

Spybot is one of the best anti-malware tools. As it scans and erases spyware along with the virus or malware. Also, you will get access to many other advanced tools like internet protection, system immunization, startup tools, registry, and system repair environment, etc. However, the user interface seems a bit dated. Though the settings panel is neatly split into categories, it confuses the users using its sheer number of choices to deal with.

Pros: Very strong and powerful, lightweight software with high viruses and spyware detection rates.

Cons: Its user interface is clunky and its free variant is limited in features

Paid or Free: It is available both in paid or free versions. You can get the  Professional version or Home version for $25.99 or $13.99.

Premium version: The premium variant has a rootkit scanner, real-time protection, full-fledged antivirus, and other advanced tools such as boot CD creator, system repair environment, etc.

Zemana AntiMalware

Zemana AntiMalware-Malware Removal Tools

From all the anti-malware software mentioned here, Zemana anti-malware is the only one that you like to pay to use. The best thing about Zemana is the user interface look advanced and minimal with all the choices you will ever want. Along with protecting your PC from viruses, it can scan for trojans or rootkits, cleanup browsers to erase unnecessary add-ons or extensions, secure your PC from ransomware, etc. Also, though it lacks some modern features available in Malwarebytes, Spybot, or SUPERAntiSpyware, it is a good option if you are searching for ease of use.

Pros: Very easy or simple to use with minimal user interface or settings. There is also an android model to secure your mobile.

Cons: When compared to much other software on the list, it lacks some of the advanced features.

Free Or Paid: No. You want to purchase the software on per PC per year basis. The lowest plan begins at $24.95 for one PC per year. You can also get full pricing details.

Conclusion:

I hope that helps you and do let us know below and share your experiences with us. You can also share your favorite Malware removal tools for Windows.

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About the author

Alex Joshua

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