You’ve downloaded a file.
It looks legit.
But the last thing you want is to double-click a hidden virus.
Here’s how to scan any file — free, fast, and without advanced tools — before you open it.
✅ 1. Use your antivirus (real-time protection)
If you have antivirus installed, it likely auto-scans every file you download.
But if you want to double-check manually:
On Windows:
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Right-click the file
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Select Scan with Microsoft Defender (or your antivirus app)
On macOS:
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Most antivirus apps add a right-click scan option
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If not, open the antivirus tool and run a manual file scan
✅ 2. Upload to VirusTotal (multi-engine scan)
Go to https://www.virustotal.com
Upload the file (up to 650MB), and it will be scanned by 70+ antivirus engines in seconds.
✅ Great for checking:
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EXE, ZIP, APK, DOC, PDF, MSI files
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Downloads from unknown sites or forums
✅ 3. Use hybrid analysis tools (advanced)
If you want deep inspection, try:
These simulate the file in a virtual machine and watch what it does.
Useful if:
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You’re testing software from new developers
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You’re suspicious even after a VirusTotal scan
✅ 4. Scan archives before extracting
Even if the file is in a ZIP or RAR:
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Scan the archive first
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Then scan the extracted files
⚠️ Don’t extract or open anything unless you’ve scanned it.
✅ 5. Trust source + scan before execution
Even legit-looking files can be fake.
Double protection:
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Only download from trusted domains
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Always scan before double-clicking
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Be extra cautious with installers, macros, or scripts
Key points to remember
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Always right-click and scan files with antivirus before opening
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Use VirusTotal for a multi-engine second opinion
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Don’t skip scanning just because it “looks safe”
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Scan compressed files before extracting
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Downloading is easy — scanning is smarter