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Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool
Moscow, Russia
What it is
Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool is a free, on-demand utility for checking an infected computer and removing viruses, adware, riskware, Trojans, and rootkits it finds. You start it when needed; it does not provide continuous background protection. No installation is required, so it can run from a USB drive and removes itself after closing. Kaspersky says its disinfection technology targets active infections, including malware that resists removal or blocks standard antivirus software. The utility can serve as an on-demand second opinion alongside existing security. Scan choices include startup objects, boot sectors, system memory, and hard drive volumes. Quick Scan checks memory, startup objects, and boot sectors, while custom scans can cover the full system, selected directories, system volumes, or all volumes. The listed platforms are Linux and Windows, although Kaspersky describes the utility for infected Microsoft Windows computers. Updates require an internet connection, and online help and technical support are available.
For and against
For
- Free on-demand virus and rootkit removal
- Runs without installation from a USB drive
- Targets active infections that resist removal
- Custom scan areas and Quick Scan available
- Can operate alongside existing security
Against
- No continuous background protection
- Updates require an internet connection
- Kaspersky describes the utility for Windows computers
- No scheduled scans
The verdict
Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool focuses on manual infection checks and cleanup rather than ongoing protection. Its portable design, selectable scan scopes, and active-infection focus make it useful when an installed antivirus needs a second opinion.
Who it suits
It suits Windows users who need a free, portable scanner for an active infection or a second opinion. Linux users may use the unpacker and its command-line options.
Plans and prices
Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool
Free on-demand scanner · no installation · no continuous background protection
Read 7 Oct 2026 · kaspersky.com
On the record
- Active infections
- Kaspersky says its disinfection technology is designed to target active infections, including malware that resists removal or blocks standard antivirus software.kaspersky.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Command line
- The Linux unpacker supports command-line options including help, file integrity checking, a custom temporary directory, and unpacking without launching the application.support.kaspersky.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Custom scan
- Users can define a custom scan scope, including a full scan, individual directories, system volumes, or all volumes.support.kaspersky.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Maker history
- Kaspersky says the company was established on June 26, 1997.kaspersky.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- On-demand operation
- The tool runs when started and does not provide continuous background protection.kaspersky.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Platform
- Kaspersky describes the utility as intended to check and disinfect infected computers running Microsoft Windows.support.kaspersky.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Portable use
- It requires no installation, can run directly from a USB drive, and removes itself from the system when closed.kaspersky.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- The free on-demand tool scans an infected computer and removes viruses, adware, riskware, Trojans, and rootkits it finds.kaspersky.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Quick scan
- The help page says the default Quick Scan checks system memory, startup objects, and boot sectors.support.kaspersky.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Scan targets
- Users can choose scan areas including startup objects, boot sectors, system memory, and hard drive volumes.kaspersky.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Second opinion
- Kaspersky says the tool can be used alongside existing security as an on-demand second opinion.kaspersky.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Support
- Kaspersky provides online technical support and help documentation for the utility.support.kaspersky.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Update requirement
- The Kaspersky help page says the tool alerts users when an update is needed and requires an internet connection to update the utility.support.kaspersky.com · read 7 Oct 2026
