Can New Antivirus Software Remove Existing Viruses?

Have you recently discovered a computer virus has taken hold of your device? What if you have antivirus software now but think your computer still got attacked by malware? Many people wonder if a new antivirus program will remove an existing virus, and the answer is — that depends.

Not all antivirus programs offer the same level of malware protection. Some programs can remove an existing virus as soon as you install them, but not all will. New malicious software can be sophisticated, so if you have a computer virus, you need to know how to get it off your device quickly. 

In this article, we explore antivirus software and elaborate on the limitations and security features to consider. Plus, we cover the best AV solutions for Windows and macOS, so you're protected across all your devices. 

Can antivirus software remove existing viruses?

Yes, antivirus software can remove some existing viruses. Antivirus software is typically designed to prevent your device from getting a virus, so you need to know what features come with the security software. If you want to know how to remove existing viruses, the first step is to run a full antivirus scan.

An antivirus program will scan through your device’s files and folders. Most programs allow full and quick scanning options. A full system scan is a thorough check of the whole system, while a quick scan just checks the areas most susceptible to malware. Depending on the security software you buy, antivirus programs can protect you from malware threats like ransomware, spyware, Trojans, worms, phishing, and more.

Antivirus programs scan your device for suspicious activities and can remove infected files once found. But virus removal may be trickier if you have an existing virus. Sophisticated malware can bypass some software and remain hidden on your computer. This is where anti-malware software comes in handy, as it works to prevent and remove malware, including the more modern varieties like keyloggers and phishing.

What is the difference between antivirus software and malware removal?

First, it’s necessary to understand that computer viruses are just one type of malware, which is a broad category encompassing any malicious file or software. So, a virus is malware, but malware isn't necessarily a virus. 

Malware type	How malware works	Example of malware attacks
Adware	Sends unwanted pop-ups for ads	Fireball
Bots/botnets	Launches a flood of various attacks	Echobot
Fileless malware	Changes native OS files	Astaroth
Keyloggers	Monitors users’ keystrokes	Olympic Vision
Logic bombs	Activates malware from a specific trigger	Siemens spreadsheet issue 2016
Ransomware	Disables user access until a ransom is paid	RobbinHood
Rootkits	Allows remote access to the user’s device	Zacinlo
Spyware	Collects data from users without consent or knowledge	DarkHotel
Trojans	Disguises invasions as real programs	Emotet
Viruses	Executes code when an app runs	Stuxnet
Wiper malware	Erases data that cannot be recovered	WhisperGate
Worms	Spreads through a network, replicating itself continuously	SQL Slammer

Antivirus software is built to protect your device against established threats, such as traditional computer viruses, Trojans, and worms. However, some security software may not be able to detect newer, more complex threats. This is why your antivirus program must include anti-malware features. Malware prevention and removal is necessary because newer threats like zero-day infections and replicating files, e.g., polymorphic viruses, are good at hiding from antivirus software.

The good news is that you don’t have to choose between reliable antivirus and anti-malware software. Top antivirus programs have both, so investing in comprehensive security software is important.

What antivirus software is best for removing viruses?

Many antivirus programs are effective, but your level of protection depends on your needs. Some users prioritize ease of use and want a simple interface that won’t take much time to learn. Others may enjoy a more intricate system that allows for customization. If you’re wondering how to choose the best security software for removing viruses, here are some specs you may want to remember when browsing antivirus programs:

• Real-time protection that checks for malware threats while you work
• Manual and scheduled system scan capabilities
• Phishing and ransomware protection to secure your data
• Advanced online protection features like safe browsing, an ad blocker, and a VPN
• Coverage for multiple devices, like smartphones, computers, and tablets

The best antivirus software for Windows or macOS

If your computer has a Windows operating system, you need antivirus protection. Because Windows is the most popular operating system, hackers are likelier to target Windows users. Historically, Windows users must manually download applications from websites instead of a secured app store. As a result, users may unwittingly download malware directly from their browsers, making the system more vulnerable to malware attacks. 

But your best bet is to invest in real-time antivirus software that protects your devices across operating systems. That way, even your Apple devices are covered against dangerous malware threats like spyware, ransomware, and more. Look for reputable programs that include anti-malware tools and important extras like webcam and network protection, a secure VPN, a password manager, an ad blocker for safe browsing, and parental controls (if you need family protection).

Featured antivirus products compared

How to check for computer viruses

If you think you have a virus, run a manual scan on your device. We recommend running a full system scan because it’s more thorough and will check drives and folders that the quick scan may not.

When you want to conduct security maintenance but don’t necessarily suspect a threat, you can run a quick virus scan as a precaution.

In more extreme cases, like your operating system not launching, you may need to reboot your computer and enter safe mode. That will launch your necessary basic startup programs.

How to run antivirus software on Windows

Running an antivirus scan on Windows is straightforward. There may be changes depending on the antivirus software you use, but these are the basic steps:

1. Open your antivirus software.
2. Go to Scans and click on Full Scan or Quick Scan.
3. Click Go or OK.

How to run antivirus software on macOS

Using an antivirus to scan your Mac is similar to using one for Windows. In this example, we’ll show you how to use MacKeeper to detect and remove malware threats:

1. Open your antivirus program.
2. Click Start Scan.
3. If you want to scan a specific area, you can choose Custom Scan.

How to uninstall antivirus software

If you already have antivirus software but want to download a different one, uninstall or disable the old program first. You shouldn’t use two antivirus programs simultaneously because they can slow down your device.

Antivirus software can take up a lot of RAM on your computer, and you don’t need to double that space. In some instances, the entire computer may crash from both programs running at once. In other cases, one antivirus program might interfere with the other, adversely affecting your device's performance.

Here’s how to disable antivirus software to avoid these issues.

Removing antivirus software on Windows or Windows 10

1. On the taskbar, choose the antivirus program to uninstall.
2. Right-click on the program and select Shut Down Protection.
3. Click Yes if prompted.

Removing antivirus software on macOS

1. Press the Command button and spacebar together.
2. Type the antivirus program’s name in the search window.
3. Open the program’s interface.
4. Select Stop, Turn off, or Disable.
5. Click OK or Yes to confirm if prompted.

FAQs

Bottom line

New antivirus software can remove existing viruses, but it depends on what kind of malware infection you have and what your specific software protects against. Not all antivirus programs offer the same cybersecurity features.

Only use one antivirus program at a time, as having two running programs can cause system crashes. More is not always better, especially in this case. With so many new modern threats, you want to use the best antivirus software for your device.