A virus scan is the process of regularly monitoring and checking your device for viruses and other known threats to safeguard all of your sensitive information. Virus scans are an essential security practice to identify and remove dangerous code.

If you think your computer or mobile devices might have a virus, or just want to keep them running smoothly, it’s easy to do a virus scan. This process depends on the software and device you have, so we’ll go through everything you need to know to run a scan effectively and keep your computers, phones, and tablets in tip-top shape.

Do you need a virus scan?

Let’s cover a few of the telltale signs that your device might have a virus. Is your computer or device acting sluggish or having a hard time booting up? Have you noticed missing files or a lack of storage space? Are there emails or messages sent from your account that you did not write? What about changes to your browser homepage or settings? Or maybe, you’re seeing unexpected pop-up ads, or experiencing crashes and other program errors. These are just some signs that you may have a virus. Don’t get too worried yet, because many of these issues can be resolved with a virus scan.

What does a virus scan do?

Each antivirus program works a little differently, but in general the software will look for known malware that meets a specific set of characteristics. It may also look for variants of these known threats that have a similar code base. Some antivirus software even checks for suspicious behavior. If the software discovers a dangerous program or piece of code, it removes it. In some cases, a dangerous program can be replaced with a clean one from the manufacturer.

How to check for viruses

The process of checking for viruses depends on the device type and its operating system. Check out these tips to help you scan your computers, phones and tablets.

On a Windows computer

Each Windows version looks a little different, but generally you can navigate to the Settings > Updates & Security or a similar option depending on your version. From there, you can locate a “Scan Now” button.

On a Mac computer

Apple devices, due to their closed operating system, don’t allow third parties to see or scan their code for viruses. If you want to reinforce your Mac’s already-strong security model, we recommend that you invest in trusted software that can protect you from malware and other cyberthreats. Downloading free online antivirus software can be risky, as this is a good way to spread malware. Whichever program you choose, follow their step-by-step instructions on how to perform a malware scan, either by searching under “help” or looking it up on their website.

On smartphones and tablets

More mobile malware is being created, raising the chances that your device can get infected if you download a risky app, click the attachment in a suspicious text or email, visit a compromised website, or connect to another infected device. Fortunately, you can protect your devices with mobile security software.

Android’s open operating system gives you more choices for third-party antivirus products that can perform scans. Meanwhile, Apple devices don’t allow third parties to see or scan their code for viruses, but you can strengthen their built-in precautions by downloading mobile security apps only from their official App Store.

Download a free virus scanner

McAfee offers a free, limited-time antivirus tool to give you peace of mind quickly. It’s a powerful first step, as this on-demand tool is designed to perform a fast and effective malware scan to identify viruses, spyware, and other threats possibly lurking in your computer, without requiring any commitment from you. Here’s how to get started:

  1. Prepare your device: Before you begin, please save and close any important documents you are working on. Ensure your computer is connected to the internet to allow the scanner to access the latest threat definitions.
  2. Download the tool: Visit the McAfee website to download our free scanning tool. It’s a small file that installs quickly on your device. Accept the terms and click the “Scan” button to start your computer scan for viruses.
  3. Run the scan: Open the tool and start your free malware scan. The process typically takes a few minutes as it checks your files, memory, and registry for threats. You can watch the progress as it checks your system.
  4. Review the results: After the scan is complete, you’ll see a report of any malware or suspicious files found on your computer.
  5. Remove threats: Follow the on-screen prompts to quarantine or remove the detected items. The tool will safely handle the malicious files to help clean your system. This simple process allows you to scan for malware and take immediate action.

Antivirus tools and full, continuous protection

Free virus scan tools are excellent for performing an on-demand computer virus scan to check if your device is currently infected. However, you will need to be aware of their limitations. Rather than offering real-time protection, a free scan is reactive—it finds threats that are already in your device. It does not stop new malware from infecting your device.

New online threats emerge every day, putting your personal information, money and devices at risk. That’s why it is essential to stay ahead of these threats by using security software that is constantly monitoring and checking for new known threats, while safeguarding all of your sensitive information. Virus scans are an essential part of identifying and removing dangerous code. These products regularly scan your computer or device in the background, so you will only need to start a manual scan if you notice something suspicious, such as crashes or excessive pop-ups. You can also program regular scans on your schedule.

For continuous, proactive defense that blocks threats before they can cause harm, an always-on, comprehensive security product is essential to provide firewalls, identity protection, and automated scans to keep you safe around the clock. Many modern and highly capable security suites can protect computers, smartphones, and tablets from a central control center, making virus prevention a breeze.

Proactively prevent viruses

Of course, the best protection is to avoid getting infected in the first place. Here are a few smart tips to sidestep viruses and other malware:

  • Learn how to surf safely so you can avoid risky websites, links, and messages. This will go a long way in keeping you virus-free.
  • Never click on spammy emails or text messages. These include unsolicited advertisements and messages from people or companies you don’t know.
  • Keep the software on your computers and devices up to date. This way, you are protected from known threats, such as viruses and other types of malware.
  • Invest in comprehensive security software that can protect all of your devices, such as McAfee+.
  • Stay informed of the latest threats so you know what to look out for. The more you know about the latest scams, the easier they will be to spot and avoid.

Final thoughts

Running regular virus scans is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect your devices and personal data. While built-in tools offer a basic level of security, pairing them with a trusted antivirus solution provides stronger, real-time protection against emerging threats.

Whether you’re using a PC, Mac, or mobile device, staying proactive with your cybersecurity ensures smoother performance, safer browsing, and greater peace of mind. Start with a free virus scan, then consider upgrading to comprehensive protection for full coverage across all your devices.