ClamWin: Get the Open-Source Virus Scanner for Windows

ClamWin is a volunteer-built antivirus for Windows that uses the ClamAV engine, the same open-source scanner widely used on mail servers. Its source code is published under the GNU GPL, so anyone can inspect how it works.

A scanner, not a shield

ClamWin’s own site states plainly that it does not include an on-access, real-time scanner. Files are only checked when you scan them yourself or when a scheduled scan runs. That makes it a second-opinion tool or a choice for very low-risk machines, not a replacement for a real-time antivirus such as the Microsoft Defender protection built into Windows.

Features

• Scheduled scans: Set ClamWin to scan folders or drives at regular times.
• Automatic database updates: Virus definitions download automatically.
• Right-click scanning: Scan any file or folder from the Windows Explorer context menu.
• Outlook add-in: Can remove infected attachments from Microsoft Outlook email.

Installing ClamWin

1. Click Download to open the download page on clamwin.com.
2. Run the installer and allow it to fetch the latest virus database when asked.
3. Right-click a folder and choose the ClamWin scan option to test it.

Compatibility

The project lists support for a long range of Windows versions, from Windows 98 through Windows 10, plus Windows Server 2003, 2008 and 2012. Newer Windows releases are not named on the site, so check the project’s news page if you are on Windows 11.