Our verdict: Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool is a capable second-opinion scanner for cleaning a PC that is already infected. It runs without installation next to your antivirus. It has no real-time protection, and Kaspersky's Russian origin and the US sales ban may matter to you.
About Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool
Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool (KVRT) is a free on-demand scanner from Kaspersky, a security company headquartered in Moscow. You download a single file, run it and scan; it needs no installation, can run from a USB drive and removes itself from the system when you close it.
KVRT finds and removes viruses, trojans, rootkits, adware and riskware, including malware that blocks a regular antivirus from running. You can choose the scan areas, such as startup objects, boot sectors, system memory and drives. Before the first scan you must accept the license agreement, privacy policy and Kaspersky Security Network statement. The US government banned sales of Kaspersky software in the United States in 2024.
What it does well
- No installation. A single file that runs from any folder or a USB drive.
- Active infection cleanup. Built to remove malware that is running and blocking other security tools.
- Selectable scan areas. Startup objects, boot sectors, system memory and individual drives.
- Works next to your antivirus. Scans on demand without replacing or conflicting with installed protection.
- Fresh signatures in the download. Each download contains current detection databases.
Who it is for
Good fit
Home users and helpers who need a quick second scanner to clean an infected Windows PC.
Look elsewhere
Anyone who wants always-on protection, or who avoids software from Russian vendors.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free and portable, no installation
- Cleans active infections that block other antivirus tools
- Can run alongside any installed antivirus
Cons
- No real-time protection, scans only when you start it
- Kaspersky is a Russian company and its software sales are banned in the US since 2024
- Large download of about 120 MB that you need to fetch again for new signatures
How to install Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool
Close other programs, then run the downloaded KVRT.exe. If it does not start, rename the file and try again, as Kaspersky suggests. Read the license agreement and Kaspersky Security Network statement before accepting. Download a new copy before every scan, because the file does not update itself.
Questions about Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool
Is Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool free?
Yes. Kaspersky offers it free of charge as an on-demand scanner.
Does it replace an antivirus?
No. It runs only when you start it and gives no background protection. Use it next to your regular antivirus.
How do I update it?
Download the latest file from the official page again before each scan; the download already contains current detection databases.
