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SPECIFICTION
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Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool

kaspersky.com

Free plan WindowsLinux
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Spec score 7.7 #12 of 30 in Malware Removal Software

What it is

Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool is a free, on-demand utility for scanning an infected computer and removing viruses, adware, riskware, Trojans, and rootkits it finds. It runs only when started and does not provide continuous background protection, so Kaspersky presents it as a possible second opinion alongside existing security. No installation is required: it can run from a USB drive and removes itself when closed. Kaspersky says its disinfection technology targets active infections, including malware that resists removal or blocks standard antivirus software. Scan choices include startup objects, boot sectors, system memory, and hard-drive volumes. Quick Scan checks memory, startup objects, and boot sectors; custom scans can cover full systems, selected directories, system volumes, or all volumes. Kaspersky describes the utility as intended for infected Windows computers, while Linux support is listed for its unpacker and command-line options. The tool alerts users when updates are needed, and updating requires an internet connection. Online technical support and help documentation are provided.

Spec sheet

Purpose
The free on-demand tool scans an infected computer and removes viruses, adware, riskware, Trojans, and rootkits it finds.Read 7 Oct 2026 · kaspersky.com
Support
Kaspersky provides online technical support and help documentation for the utility.Read 7 Oct 2026 · support.kaspersky.com
Headquarters
Moscow, RussiaRead 23 Sep 2026 · kaspersky.com
Founded
1997Read 23 Sep 2026 · kaspersky.com
Active infections
Kaspersky says its disinfection technology is designed to target active infections, including malware that resists removal or blocks standard antivirus software.Read 7 Oct 2026 · kaspersky.com
Command line
The Linux unpacker supports command-line options including help, file integrity checking, a custom temporary directory, and unpacking without launching the application.Read 7 Oct 2026 · support.kaspersky.com
Custom scan
Users can define a custom scan scope, including a full scan, individual directories, system volumes, or all volumes.Read 7 Oct 2026 · support.kaspersky.com
Maker history
Kaspersky says the company was established on June 26, 1997.Read 7 Oct 2026 · kaspersky.com
On-demand operation
The tool runs when started and does not provide continuous background protection.Read 7 Oct 2026 · kaspersky.com
Platform
Kaspersky describes the utility as intended to check and disinfect infected computers running Microsoft Windows.Read 7 Oct 2026 · support.kaspersky.com
Portable use
It requires no installation, can run directly from a USB drive, and removes itself from the system when closed.Read 7 Oct 2026 · kaspersky.com
Quick scan
The help page says the default Quick Scan checks system memory, startup objects, and boot sectors.Read 7 Oct 2026 · support.kaspersky.com
Scan targets
Users can choose scan areas including startup objects, boot sectors, system memory, and hard drive volumes.Read 7 Oct 2026 · kaspersky.com
Second opinion
Kaspersky says the tool can be used alongside existing security as an on-demand second opinion.Read 7 Oct 2026 · kaspersky.com
Update requirement
The Kaspersky help page says the tool alerts users when an update is needed and requires an internet connection to update the utility.Read 7 Oct 2026 · support.kaspersky.com

Plans and prices

Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool Free Free on-demand scanner · no installation · no continuous background protection Read 7 Oct 2026 · kaspersky.com

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Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free on-demand scanning
  • Runs without installation
  • Can operate from a USB drive
  • Custom and quick scan scopes
  • Targets active infections

Limits

  • No continuous background protection
  • Updates require an internet connection
  • Disinfection utility is intended for Windows
  • No scheduled scans

Who it suits

It suits Windows users who need a portable, free scanner for an existing infection or a second opinion. Linux users can use the listed unpacker commands, while the disinfection utility is described for Windows computers.

Verdict

Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool focuses on portable, manual malware cleanup rather than ongoing protection. Its removable operation, selectable scan areas, and active-infection focus make it suitable for targeted remediation, provided users understand the Windows orientation and update requirement.

Where Specifiction places it

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