Scan your files for viruses with NordVPN

The easy way to know your downloads are malware-free.

scan your files for viruses with treat protection

What can malware do to your device?

There are different kinds of malware designed to do different things. It might overtake your device’s resources and use it to make money for its creator. It could be ransomware that encrypts your files and demands a ransom. Some malware will shower you with ads, while others will wreak havoc on your device, delete every file you have, or use it to mine cryptocurrencies.

How to prevent malware

a person sitting and scanning their file to prevent malware

The best way to avoid malware is to never click on a link or download a file if you’re not 100% sure it’s safe. It’s especially important to be careful when you’re downloading executable files. Malware can be disguised as a seemingly legitimate piece of software, and it can also piggyback its way to your device with an app you’re installing. You get two for the price of one, but it’s not a very good deal.

Want an easy way to avoid getting malware on your device? Use NordVPN!

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How does NordVPN’s file scanning for malware work?

NordVPN’s Threat Protection feature scans your downloaded files in two different ways — you can pick which one you want in your app’s settings.

a person detecting and deleting virus with NordVPN

File malware

If you activate file malware scanning, NordVPN will scan every file you download to your device. It’s a quick scan, but you won’t be able to open or execute the file in the meantime. This feature works with all file types that can be malicious.

Family has internet threat protection for all internet devices

Deep file scan for malware detection

If you’re not sure the software you downloaded is safe to use, you can choose the deep file scan option. It will upload your file to the cloud and safely execute it to see how it acts and determine if it’s malicious. This feature only works for executable files rather than pictures, documents, or videos.

How to enable malware scanning on NordVPN

Want to know how to scan files for viruses with NordVPN? It only takes a few steps:

Open the NordVPN app.

Find the shield icon and click on it.

Toggle the switch next to the “File malware” for a quick scan of your files.

Toggle the switch next to the “Deep file scan for malware detection” to check executable files more thoroughly.

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Frequently asked questions

Which file types are most likely to be malicious?

The most obvious ones are executable files, like .exe, which could install any program on your PC. It’s especially dangerous to execute if you downloaded it from a third-party website, as it could contain all kinds of malware.

However, non-executable files can be just as dangerous. Cybercriminals can hide malware in all sorts of files, including DOC, XLS, PDF, JPEG, ZIP, ISO, and many more.

How do you scan a file for viruses?

Enable NordVPN’s Threat Protection feature in the NordVPN app settings. Then, toggle the switch next to the “File malware” if you want it to only quickly scan your files. If you’re after a more thorough scan of executable files, toggle the switch next to the “Deep file scan for malware detection”. That’s it! You don’t even have to be connected to a VPN server. Threat Protection will automatically scan all your downloaded files for viruses.

Is file scanning safe?

Yes. Scanning files for malware is safe, and it makes your digital life safer as well by protecting your devices from malware.

Is the file scanning feature free?

Yes. Checking files for viruses is part of NordVPN’s Threat Protection feature, and you don’t have to pay extra for it after you get the subscription.

What browsers support NordVPN's file scanning feature?

NordVPN’s file scanning feature works with most popular browsers, like Chrome, Safari, Edge, and Firefox.

How do you disable the file scanning feature?

If you no longer want to scan your files for viruses, follow these steps:

Open the NordVPN app.
Find the shield icon and click on it.
Toggle the switch next to the “File malware” to the OFF position.
Toggle the switch next to the “Deep file scan for malware detection” to the OFF position