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On-demand scans

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On-demand scans: take full control of your safety

Run comprehensive antivirus scans on your own schedule

Launch manual scans that check every file, drive, and folder

Stay on top of day-zero malware threats

Get Surfshark

30-day money-back guarantee

What are on-demand scans?

On-demand antivirus scans are manual scans you can run at any time to check selected files or your entire system for potential threats. These are thorough, user-initiated checks that provide an added layer of security to catch latent software vulnerabilities.

With on-demand scans, you’re in the driver’s seat, controlling when and where the scan occurs. They perfectly complement Real-time Protection, which automatically scans files as they’re opened or downloaded.

With one click, this feature boosts your online safety and keeps your devices protected. Whether you’re suspicious of a download or want a full system check, on-demand scans ensure no threat slips through the cracks.

How do on-demand scans work?

Surfshark’s AV-TEST-certified Antivirus offers on-demand scans along with a host of other services to enhance your cybersecurity. Running an on-demand scan lets you detect and remove viruses, malware, and infected files with no delay.

Scanning for threats

Manually launch your on-demand scan task to check specific files or your entire device. Suspicious files are instantly flagged to determine whether or not they’re malicious.

Isolating and deleting harmful files

An on-demand scan compares everything on your computer against a known threat database. Confirmed threats are stored in quarantine, but users can delete them permanently as well.

Performing custom scans

Not every on-demand scan is the same. Configure your antivirus tool’s settings to check a single specific registry, some suspicious new task that keeps popping up, or selected files that have just been downloaded.

How to use Surfshark Antivirus’s on-demand scan

With Surfshark Antivirus, running a complete on-demand scan on your computer is a breeze. You can do it by following these steps:

1. Get Surfshark

Get Surfshark Antivirus by subscribing to Surfshark One or Surfshark One+.

2. Install the app

Download and install the Surfshark app on your device.

3. Activate Antivirus

Set up Antivirus and click Full scan or Quick scan to run your on-demand scan.

Note: Users can also drag and drop files into the app to scan individual items on demand.

Get Antivirus in the Surfshark One cybersecurity bundle

The best thing about getting Antivirus from Surfshark is that you also get a full cybersecurity suite with a VPN (Virtual Private Network), private search engine, data leak monitoring tool, personal information masking service (Alternative ID), and more. And it’s all right in the Surfshark app — no other antivirus resources are needed.

Surfshark Antivirus is available as part of Surfshark One or Surfshark One+ cybersecurity bundles. Take a closer look at our plans and decide which one best suits your needs:

Surfshark Starter

Comes with a VPN & Alternative ID — essentials for your daily browsing.

VPN: surf safely online
Alternative ID: protect your identity
CleanWeb: block ads & pop-ups

Surfshark One

Perfect if you need all-round security for your browsing, devices, and identity.

VPN: surf safely online
Alternative ID: protect your identity
CleanWeb: block ads & pop-ups
Antivirus: armor your devices
Alert: monitor data leaks
Search: browse privately

Surfshark One+

Keeps your online activities & devices safe, with extra focus on identity protection.

VPN: surf safely online
Alternative ID: protect your identity
CleanWeb: block ads & pop-ups
Antivirus: armor your devices
Alert: monitor data leaks
Search: browse privately
Incogni: reclaim your data

Get Surfshark

Other benefits Surfshark Antivirus has to offer

From Real-time Protection to Scheduled Scans, Surfshark Antivirus offers robust malware protection other tools lack.

Real-time Protection

Stop viruses in their tracks by constantly scanning for malware without disrupting performance. Thanks to Real-time Protection, you can browse with peace of mind.

Scheduled Scans

Schedule a quick or full scan in your settings with no fuss. Configure the time and frequency of your Scheduled Scans, and kick back as your antivirus works its magic.

Multi-device protection

Many antivirus tools can only scan one device, but our multi-device protection lets you run Antivirus on up to five devices on Windows, Android, or macOS.

Cloud Protect

Scan unknown files against our database in the cloud to keep the newest threats off your device. Cloud Protect checks for threats without ever seeing your personal data.

Webcam Protection

Block untrusted apps from using your camera without your knowledge. Webcam Protection cuts down on unauthorized access, boosting your device security.

Quarantine Auto-delete

The built-in Quarantine Auto-delete feature removes stored infected items and folders 60 days after your scan task. Save yourself the hassle and free up valuable computer memory.

Testimonials proving excellence

At Surfshark, we strive to offer a hassle-free experience for all our users. But don’t just take our word for it — here’s what the world has to say about us.

All the VPNs you mentioned are good. But Surfshark is the one I recommend in person for the best overall.

— Teshir Jennifer (@Aikojenny_) July 28, 2024

I’ve had SurfShark for years. It’s amazing.

— Morgan Leggett (@YouBettaLeggett) August 13, 2024

Trialling out @surfshark‘s IP rotation. It is doing it pretty well. Seamless in the background.

— Eakan (@eakangk) October 26, 2024

The reviews highlighted in this section were selected from publicly available posts on social media platforms. They reflect the opinions of individual users at the time of posting and may not represent the full range of our product features and qualities.

“Surfshark is a highly polished and powerful VPN that competes with the very best premium providers, all while offering a seriously tempting price point.”

4.5/5 ★

“Surfshark is one of the best VPN services, comes crammed with features, runs on almost anything, and has some of the best download speeds around.”

4.5/5 ★

“Surfshark is an excellent, well-rounded virtual private network that consistently ranks as one of CNET’s best VPNs.”

4.5/5 ★

The reviews quoted on this section have been published by media outlets associated with Surfshark through affiliate partnerships. Their recommendations are based on their own independent research and insights to ensure value for the readers.

I have been using Surfshark since I got it and I love it!

MRWHOSETHEBOSS 20.2M subscribers

When I am traveling, I use Surfshark to access the internet quickly and securely, works like a treat in China.

SAM CHUI 3.61M subscribers

We love Surfshark because it is an easy-to-use app that you can download on all your devices.

MAX & OCCY 265K subscribers

“This is my first year and I absolutely love it. The fact I can have a good antivirus, great VPN, and incognito for like $120 a year is great.”

Open in Reddit

“I’ve been using Surfshark for 4 years on Android and ChromeOS with zero issues, it’s an absolute bargain”

Open in Reddit

“I’ve had it for 3 years and just renewed it for the next 2 years. I never have any issues with it and get my full internet speed..”

Open in Reddit

FT 1000: Europe’s Fastest Growing Companies 2024

Tech Advisor Editors’ Choice 2024

TechRadar Recommended 2024

Surfshark Antivirus AV-TEST Top Product 2024

Independent’s Editor’s Choice Best Value VPN 2023

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between an on-demand scan and an on-access scan?

An on-demand scan is a manual scan the user initiates at any time to check a specific file or your entire system for malware. It doesn’t run automatically, allowing you to perform scans as needed.

On the other hand, an on-access scan runs continuously in the background, automatically checking a file or folder as it’s opened, saved, or executed to provide real-time protection.

Surfshark Antivirus offers both on-demand and on-access scans.

What is an on-demand virus scanner?

An on-demand virus scanner is a type of antivirus tool that lets you scan your computer for malware whenever you choose. Unlike real-time protection, on-demand scanning is triggered automatically, giving you the flexibility to scan individual files or your entire system at your convenience.

What is the difference between an on-demand scan and a scheduled scan?

The main difference between an on-demand scan and a scheduled scan is timing. An on-demand scan is initiated manually by the user whenever they choose. In contrast, a scheduled scan is set to run automatically at a specified time, date, or frequency, ensuring your system is regularly checked for malware without needing to configure scan tasks each time.

Sufshark Antivirus lets users run both on-demand and scheduled scans.

Is there a free online virus scan and removal that doesn’t require a download?

While free online virus scanners are available, they tend to be limited in features and aren’t recommended. They usually don’t provide the same level of protection or thoroughness offered by paid tools like Surfshark.

Free tools often have limits on the number of scan tasks, may miss newer threats, and lack real-time protection. Paid solutions like Surfshark offer comprehensive virus scanning, regular updates, and advanced features for complete protection against evolving cyberthreats.

On-demand scans: take full control of your safety

What are on-demand scans?