While the primary function of antivirus software is to prevent viruses from infecting your computer, it's also valuable to understand whether such software can assist in removing a virus that has already infiltrated your system. Continue reading to find out if antivirus software can eliminate viruses, and if it can, how the process works.

Table of Contents

• Can You Install Antivirus Software When Your Computer is Already Infected?
• Is Antivirus Software Capable of Removing Existing Viruses?
• How Does Antivirus Software Eliminate Existing Viruses?
• Which Antivirus Software is Most Effective for Virus Removal?

Can You Install Antivirus Software When Your Computer is Already Infected?

Yes, you can install antivirus software even if your computer is already infected with a virus. Although it's possible to manually remove a virus, using antivirus software significantly simplifies the process.

If your computer is compromised, you can proceed with the installation without any special steps. Visit the software provider's website, download the version that matches your system's specifications, and after granting the necessary disk permissions, you can begin using the tool.

Is Antivirus Software Capable of Removing Existing Viruses?

Antivirus programs are primarily designed to prevent infections, but they are also highly effective at removing viruses that are already present on your computer. To do this, you'll need to perform an initial scan to identify and then eradicate the malware.

If you're aware that your computer has been infected, using an antivirus tool for removal is highly recommended. Standard tools like Windows Defender may not suffice against contemporary threats.

How Does Antivirus Software Eliminate Existing Viruses?

The process begins with the antivirus software conducting a scan of your computer. Upon detecting a virus, the software will first isolate it in quarantine, preventing further damage to your system. Typically, you'll need to manually initiate this quarantine.

After the virus has been quarantined, you can proceed to permanently delete the malware. It's advisable to restart your computer afterward to ensure everything functions correctly. If the antivirus software has mistakenly quarantined a file, you can usually restore it.

The antivirus can detect malware through two methods. You can initiate a manual scan, which might include a "deep scan" option for a more thorough check.

Alternatively, if real-time protection is enabled, the software should automatically detect the virus. However, if the malware was present before installing the antivirus, a manual scan can resolve the issue more promptly.

Which Antivirus Software is Most Effective for Virus Removal?

Choose an antivirus tool based on its capabilities, not just its brand name. Given that your computer is already infected, the tool should offer manual detection capabilities. A deep scan feature is also highly desirable.

It's crucial to select an antivirus with quarantine capabilities to prevent further damage from the malware. Most antivirus programs include this feature, making it easier to find one that suits your needs.

Here are some antivirus tools effective for removing existing viruses, all of which offer free plans for virus removal:

• Malwarebytes
• Bitdefender
• Norton
• TotalAV
• Avast

Quick action is essential to prevent viruses from causing extensive damage to your computer, and antivirus tools can help you isolate and remove them. Usually, a free plan is sufficient. However, to prevent future infections, investing in a comprehensive antivirus solution with these features is advisable.

Image credit: Unsplash. All screenshots by Danny Maiorca.

The above is the detailed content of Will Antivirus Remove an Existing Virus? - Make Tech Easier. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!