F5F Stay Refreshed Software Operating Systems Using a virus scan via USB device

Using a virus scan via USB device

Using a virus scan via USB device

J
JustinvdNL
Junior Member
16
02-28-2025, 10:07 PM
#1
Hey everyone, I've been working on fixing and repairing my friends' computers a lot. I'm thinking about starting a small local service. My main question is: can I install antivirus or anti-malware software onto a USB flash drive? That way, I could plug it into an infected machine for a quick scan to tackle most issues before risking more infection. P.S. If this topic isn't covered here, let me know. =)
J
JustinvdNL
02-28-2025, 10:07 PM #1

Hey everyone, I've been working on fixing and repairing my friends' computers a lot. I'm thinking about starting a small local service. My main question is: can I install antivirus or anti-malware software onto a USB flash drive? That way, I could plug it into an infected machine for a quick scan to tackle most issues before risking more infection. P.S. If this topic isn't covered here, let me know. =)

L
LoveKnights
Member
82
02-28-2025, 11:54 PM
#2
I believe there are portable downloads for Spybot Search & Destroy and AntiMalware Bytes.
L
LoveKnights
02-28-2025, 11:54 PM #2

I believe there are portable downloads for Spybot Search & Destroy and AntiMalware Bytes.

_
_SrBiels_
Junior Member
29
03-01-2025, 07:32 AM
#3
Consider trying a bootable Linux distribution on the USB stick, which can identify and eliminate malware in a Windows setting.
_
_SrBiels_
03-01-2025, 07:32 AM #3

Consider trying a bootable Linux distribution on the USB stick, which can identify and eliminate malware in a Windows setting.

U
UniPopCorn
Member
210
03-12-2025, 05:49 AM
#4
Create a bootable USB with Linux and then run a sudo command after booting.
U
UniPopCorn
03-12-2025, 05:49 AM #4

Create a bootable USB with Linux and then run a sudo command after booting.

K
KablooieKablam
Posting Freak
908
03-16-2025, 08:26 PM
#5
They mention a product utilizing Bitdefender signature.
K
KablooieKablam
03-16-2025, 08:26 PM #5

They mention a product utilizing Bitdefender signature.

_
_NinjaSam_
Member
170
03-17-2025, 12:24 AM
#6
Find various resources like this one to understand more. Try searching for "linux live antivirus" or related terms.
_
_NinjaSam_
03-17-2025, 12:24 AM #6

Find various resources like this one to understand more. Try searching for "linux live antivirus" or related terms.

D
60
03-24-2025, 03:55 PM
#7
Thanks all for the answers! It's time to try it out.
D
Doctor_Fallout
03-24-2025, 03:55 PM #7

Thanks all for the answers! It's time to try it out.

T
TheSnipeFox
Member
185
03-24-2025, 08:21 PM
#8
You can also install Clamwin on your USB drive. It runs smoothly under Windows without any installation steps. Just get the "installer" file—this one mainly unpacks the files instead of setting up anything. ClamWin captures many items that AVG, Avast, Avira and MSE often overlook. It’s my preferred antivirus for handling other users’ computers.
T
TheSnipeFox
03-24-2025, 08:21 PM #8

You can also install Clamwin on your USB drive. It runs smoothly under Windows without any installation steps. Just get the "installer" file—this one mainly unpacks the files instead of setting up anything. ClamWin captures many items that AVG, Avast, Avira and MSE often overlook. It’s my preferred antivirus for handling other users’ computers.

L
Lapeluche
Member
211
03-24-2025, 10:26 PM
#9
I installed the entire Linux system onto a 32GB flash drive and used Clamtk for scans—it performed perfectly. Appreciate the alternative methods too!
L
Lapeluche
03-24-2025, 10:26 PM #9

I installed the entire Linux system onto a 32GB flash drive and used Clamtk for scans—it performed perfectly. Appreciate the alternative methods too!