Our verdict: Emsisoft Emergency Kit is a strong second-opinion scanner that you can carry on a USB stick. It runs without installation next to your existing antivirus and has a command-line version for technicians. It is free only for private use and has no real-time protection.
About Emsisoft Emergency Kit
Emsisoft Emergency Kit is a portable toolkit with the same dual-engine scanner that Emsisoft uses in its paid protection software. The download unpacks to a folder, by default C:\EEK, and runs from there or from a USB stick.
It scans for viruses, ransomware, trojans, bots and potentially unwanted programs, then quarantines or removes them and repairs changed system settings. It also includes a command-line scanner for automated scans. Emsisoft's license allows free use only by you and your household for non-commercial purposes; companies and repair shops need a paid Business or Enterprise Emergency Kit license.
What it does well
- Dual-engine scanner. Uses the full detection technology of Emsisoft's paid protection software.
- Fully portable. Unpacks to a folder and runs without installation, including from a USB stick.
- Self-updating. Updates the program and detection signatures with one click.
- Cleanup and repair. Quarantines threats and restores changed system settings.
- Command-line scanner. a2cmd.exe runs the same scans in scripts and automated jobs.
Who it is for
Good fit
Home users and helpers who need a second scanner to clean a PC that their main antivirus cannot fix.
Look elsewhere
Businesses without a paid license, and anyone looking for always-on protection.
Pros and cons
Pros
- No installation, works next to other antivirus software
- Thorough dual-engine scanning
- Command-line scanner included
- Runs from a USB stick
Cons
- Free only for private, non-commercial use
- No real-time protection
- Very large download of over 300 MB
How to install Emsisoft Emergency Kit
The download is a large self-extracting package. Run it and let it unpack to C:\EEK or another folder, then open Start Emergency Kit Scanner and click Update before the first scan. To use it on another PC, copy the whole updated folder to a USB stick.
Questions about Emsisoft Emergency Kit
Is Emsisoft Emergency Kit free?
Yes, for private use by you and your household. Business and other for-profit use requires a paid Emsisoft Emergency Kit license.
Does it replace my antivirus?
No. It is an on-demand cleanup tool with no real-time protection, meant to be used next to your regular antivirus.
Which Windows versions does it support?
Emsisoft lists Windows 10 (64-bit), Windows Server 2016 and newer.
