How to Check Downloaded Files for Malware Without Installing Antivirus

You don’t want to install a full antivirus just to scan one file.
Good news: you don’t need to.

Here’s how to check any downloaded file for malware — with no antivirus required.

---

✅ 1. Use VirusTotal (online scanner)

Go to: https://www.virustotal.com

• Upload your file

• It’s scanned by 70+ antivirus engines

• You get immediate results

✅ Free, fast, no installation needed.

---

✅ 2. Drag-and-drop directly from browser

• If your browser downloaded the file, go to the Downloads list

• Open VirusTotal → Drag the file right in

✅ Works even before you open the file on your PC.

---

✅ 3. Check suspicious URLs too

You can paste:

• A download link

• A software website URL

VirusTotal will analyze the domain and warn you about malicious behavior.

---

✅ 4. Understand the results

• 0–2 detections: likely safe

• 3–5: caution — check engine names and reasons

• 6+: avoid or delete

✅ Focus on known names like Kaspersky, Bitdefender, ESET.

---

✅ 5. Other online scanners

• Jotti’s Malware Scan

• Metadefender

• Hybrid Analysis

These offer deeper behavior analysis.

---

Key points to remember

• You don’t need to install antivirus to scan one file

• VirusTotal = #1 online scanner (trusted by pros)

• Upload or drag-and-drop instantly

• Scan links before downloading too

• If in doubt, delete it — better safe than sorry