ESET Online Scanner is for Windows users who want an additional malware check alongside an antivirus they already use, such as Microsoft Defender. It runs when requested rather than continuously, so it suits occasional second-opinion scans, not users seeking protection between scans.
For a daily-use PC, ESET Online Scanner can provide a separate check without requiring a full security-suite installation. It downloads current ESET detection modules before scanning, then moves detected threats into quarantine for review.
What the scan covers
The program uses ESET’s detection engine and anti-stealth technology to look for malware, including rootkits that may be hidden from ordinary inspection. Before starting, users can choose whether to include potentially unwanted applications in detection. This setting lets the scan cover unwanted software as well as threats classified as malware.
After the scan, quarantine provides a place to inspect detections and decide whether to delete them or restore a file. Reviewing the results before taking action is useful when a detected item may need to be recovered. The scanner does not replace the antivirus already installed on the PC, and it does not monitor activity between runs.
Starting and repeating scans
Despite its name, ESET Online Scanner is a Windows program, not a browser-based scanner or a tool for checking URLs. To use it, run the downloaded file; a full installation is not required. Choose whether to detect potentially unwanted applications, then begin a full scan.
Users who want recurring checks can configure periodic automatic scans, such as a scan once a month. This is a way to establish a regular recheck without leaving the program in continuous protection mode. An internet connection is needed to download updated detection modules before a scan. After the initial module update, the scanner can work offline if its program data has not been deleted.
Quarantine and cleanup
When the scan is complete, review the quarantine and choose whether to restore or remove detected files. If another scan is not planned, the option to delete application data on closing can remove the program’s data as the scanner exits. This cleanup option is separate from deciding what to do with quarantined items, so review those results before closing the program.
ESET Online Scanner is freeware (proprietary) and is available for Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8 and 7, in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions. It works alongside an installed antivirus, but it cannot provide always-on protection. During and after use, it may offer a 30-day trial of ESET’s paid security suites; that trial is separate from the free scanner.
