Check out what users and tech experts around the world have to say about Surfshark.
On-demand scans: run a virus scan when you want to
Surfshark Antivirus lets you scan any file, folder, USB drive, or your whole device on demand — no dependence on a scheduled check-up.
- Scan any file, folder, or your whole device
- Check USB drives and external storage
- Works alongside real-time protection
What are on-demand scans?
An on-demand antivirus scan is a manual check you trigger yourself to search specific files, folders, or your entire device for malware.
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.
Surfshark Antivirus builds on-demand scanning directly into the app, alongside real-time protection, so the two work together rather than one replacing the other. You can scan a specific file before opening it, drag and drop files straight into the app for a quick check, or run a quick, full, or custom scan of your device depending on how much you want to cover. Our External Storage Scanner extends this protection to USB media, letting you choose whether external drives are included in your scans.
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 whenever you want on top of real-time protection and scheduled scans.
Starting a scan
You launch every on-demand scan yourself, whenever you want — no schedule required.
Choosing what to check
Scan a single file, a folder, a USB drive, or your entire device, depending on what you need.
Reviewing and taking action
Once the scan finishes, review any detected threats and quarantine or delete them directly from the app.
On-demand scans and real-time protection work together, not against each other. Real-time protection runs quietly in the background as you open, save, or download files; on-demand scans give you extra control whenever you want a second opinion.
Choose the right scan type
We built three types of on-demand scans into Surfshark Antivirus, so you can pick depending on how much you want to check and how much time you have.
Quick scan
Checks the areas malware usually hides — startup items, running processes, and system folders — in just a few minutes. Good for a fast, regular check-in.
Full scan
Goes through every file, folder, and connected drive on your device for a thorough check. Takes longer than a quick scan, but it’s the one to run for a deeper check or if you suspect something’s off.
Custom scan
Pick exactly what to check — a single file, a specific folder, or a connected USB drive. Useful when you only need to check one thing.
How to use Surfshark Antivirus’s on-demand scan
With Surfshark Antivirus, running an on-demand scan on your computer is a breeze:
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.
Surfshark One bundle options
The best thing about getting Antivirus from Surfshark is that you also get a full cybersecurity suite with a VPN (Virtual Private Network), data leak monitoring tool, personal information masking service (Alternative ID), and more.
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:
Other benefits Surfshark Antivirus has to offer
From real-time protection to on-demand scan feature, Surfshark Antivirus offers robust malware protection.
Scan whenever you choose
Run a scan anytime based on your, not the app’s, schedule.
Scan individual files or folders
Scan a single download or a whole folder without running a full device scan.
Minimal impact on performance
Scans only use system resources while they’re actively running — nothing extra in the background.
Detect and remove malware
Compares your files against a threat database and helps you quarantine or delete what it finds.
Works alongside real-time protection
On-demand scans add an extra layer, without replacing the protection already running.
Easy-to-use Antivirus interface
Start any scan in a couple of taps, right from the Antivirus tab.
Want to test it out first? Start with a Surfshark Antivirus free trial and see the app in action on your device.
Common use cases
There are several moments when a manual Antivirus scan just makes sense.
Unfamiliar downloads
Scan a file before opening it if it came from a source you don’t fully trust.
USB drives and external storage
Check a flash drive or external hard drive as soon as you connect it.
Routine check-ins
Run a full scan every so often as a quick peace-of-mind check.
Unusual device behavior
If your device is suddenly running slower or acting strangely, a scan can help rule out malware.
See why millions trust Surfshark
Teshir Jennifer
@memesfordigital
All the VPNs you mentioned are good. But Surfshark is the one I recommend in person for the best overall.
1:08 PM · Jul 28, 2024
Morgan Leggett
@YouBettaLeggett
I’ve had SurfShark for years. It’s amazing.
12:28 AM · Aug 14, 2024
Eakan
@eakangk
Trialling out @surfshark’s IP rotation. It is doing it pretty well. Seamless in the background.
3:20 PM · Oct 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.
The reviews quoted on this page 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
The reviews quoted on this page 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.
“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.”
“I’ve been using Surfshark for 4 years on Android and ChromeOS with zero issues, it’s an absolute bargain”
“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..”
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.
FAQ
Run an on-demand scan after downloading a file from an unfamiliar source, right after connecting a USB drive or external hard drive, or if your device suddenly seems slower or is acting unusual. A routine scan every so often works well too, as a general check-in.
Yes — when a scan detects a threat, Surfshark Antivirus lets you quarantine or delete it directly from the app. Quarantined items are automatically cleared after 60 days if you don’t act on them sooner.
