Best free malware removal software
Welcome to our list of the best free malware removal tools you can download in 2019. Each of these tools has been carefully tested by us to ensure that they offer you the very best when it comes to removing malware from your PC.
The Chrome Cleanup Tool is a program written by Google that will scan a computer for programs that cause problems in Google Chrome. The targeted applications are potentially unwanted programs. Manual Adware Removal for Mac OSX. Adware on Mac behaves almost the same on a Windows computer and often use a Browser Extension to promote it’s advertisement or redirects. In this manual removal instruction we are going to remove the possible browser extension for Safari, Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox.
These days you don't just need antivirus software installed - you also need a malware removal tool, but with our list of the best free malware removal tools, you don't need to spend any additional money for the extra level of protection.
Adware and spyware are increasingly common, and they don't behave like viruses. This means they might escape detection when traditional antivirus software scans your system.
- This is our best antivirus buying guide
In our list of the best free malware removal tools, we've collected a range of brilliant tools that can protect your PC from all kinds of threats. We've also looked at programs that will identify and eliminate malware infections on friends' and relatives' PCs – essential if you've become the family tech support.
These free malware removal tools are all reliable and trustworthy, and they are essential programs to have installed if you're unlucky enough to get infected. Make sure you also check out our guide to the best free antivirus software as well.
- Worried about ransomware? Check out these free anti-ransomware software tools
- Installing the best free VPN is another way to stay protected
- Want your company or services to be added to this buyer’s guide? Please email your request to desire.athow@futurenet.com with the URL of the buying guide in the subject line.
1. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
Malware Removal Tools For Mac
The most effective free malware remover, with deep scans and daily updates
Operating system: Windows
Malwarebytes Premium 1 YearIf you suspect a malware infection, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware should be your first port of call. It’s updated daily, so you can trust it to identify and remove new threats the minute they appear.
The first time you install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, you’re given a 14-day trial of the premium edition, which includes preventative tools like real-time scanning and specific protection from ransomware. After two weeks, it reverts to the basic free version. This has to be activated manually, but is still a top-notch security tool. We recommend running it at least once a week to check or any nasties that you haven't noticed, or if you notice that your web browser has suddenly started acting strangely (likely a result of adware).
Last year, Malwarebytes bought Adwcleaner, which – as its name suggests – targets and removes annoying programs that hijack your browser by changing your homepage, resetting your default search engine, or adding unwanted toolbars. It’s also available free, and along with Anti-Malware, is a great addition to your security toolkit.
Google Software Removal Tool Download
2. Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition
Prevention is better than cure, and Bitdefender delivers both
Operating system: Windows
If you’re thinking about replacing your antivirus software, check out Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition. It has a dedicated anti-malware engine to help you avoid an infection in the first place, and mop up any existing problems.
One of BitDefender’s best features is the ability to scan files or folders that look a bit suspicious by simply dragging and dropping them onto its home screen (it might be a good idea to do this with your Downloads folder if you’ve noticed some funny business lately). Any unpleasantness detected by the malware removal engine will be swiftly quarantined, and can be disposed of at your leisure.
BitDefender is unobtrusive, but its Protection Shield will alert you to any malicious attempts to compromise your system. All in all, it’s an excellent foundation for your anti-malware arsenal.
3. Adaware Antivirus Free
Adaware can replace your antivirus or work an anti-malware supplement
Operating system: Windows
Adaware Antivirus Free is another great option if you’re building an anti-malware toolkit from the ground up. It includes a virtual environment where suspicious programs can be analysed to see if they behave like malware (a technique known as heuristic analysis). This means you’re always protected from new malware – even if you’re the very first person to be affected and the malicious program isn’t yet in Adaware’s database of known threats. The malware can then be safely contained and removed.
All this happens quietly in the background, and can be suspended temporarily if you want your processor’s full power for a gaming session.
Adaware Antivirus Free can also scan downloads before you install them, helping prevent malware infestations in the first place by filtering their most common point of entry.
Best of all, if you're just looking for a way to boost your existing antivirus software, Adaware's installer lets you choose a version without real-time scanning that won't conflict with other antivirus tools.
4. Emsisoft Emergency Kit
A portable app that’s perfect if you’ve become the family tech support
Operating system: Windows
If you’re called in to help a friend with a malware infestation, Emsisoft Emergency Kit is the tool for you. It’s a portable app, so you can keep it handy on a USB stick, or your cloud storage service of choice (it’s only 591MB, though it does generate log files, which will take up a little extra room).
Like any malware removal tool, Emsisoft Emergency Kit has a database of current threats, and the PC you’re cleaning needs an internet connection so the software can check for updates.
Once it’s updated itself, it scans the PC for threats and quarantines anything it finds to stop it doing further damage to your system. After a quick reboot, the files will be deleted.
5. SUPERAntiSpyware
All-round protection from malware that gives you full control over scans
Operating system: Windows

The free edition of SUPERAntiSpyware detects all forms of malicious software – including adware and spyware – and removes every trace quickly and efficiently.
Google Software
If you suspect that a particular file might contain malware, you can submit it to SUPERAntiSpyware’s threat labs, where its behavior will be analyzed. It’s not as fast or convenient as tools that scan files using a virtual machine, but is a good option if your system is low on resources.
You can also control which types of file are scanned, whether SUPERAntiSpyware should follow shortcuts, and whether it should check inside ZIP archives – very handy if you’ve downloaded a program in an archive and want to check it before extracting the contents.
Scans must be performed manually, but SUPERAntiSpyware’s granular control makes it a great choice for more confident users.
6. Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool
Norton Removal Tool For Mac
The Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT) is a free anti-malware tool provided by Microsoft. The MSRT is normally downloaded with automatic updates, to run alongside the built-in Windows Defender AntiVirus.
However, for those users with automatic updates normally turned-off you can download the software directly.
The MSRT is updated once a month to deal with the most prevalant threats, namely posed by viruses, worms, and trojans.
If it doesn't detect anything it will run in quiet mode, but it if does a balloon alert will appear stating that malware has been detected and needs to be removed.
If you struggle to remove any problems with the MSRT, then you could also try the Microsoft Safety Scanner which is also available as a download.
Google Software Removal Tool For Mac
This is also designed my Microsoft to detect and remove malware from Windows computers, but it intended to run in support of the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool.