VirusTotal
Upload a file or paste a URL and get verdicts back from seventy-odd antivirus engines at once, along with what the file talks to.
Opens in a new tab. We do not control this site and it may have changed since we catalogued it.
How to get the most from it
VirusTotal sits in Privacy & Security under Learn, filed as a minute.
- Give it one round. There is nothing to finish and nothing lost by leaving.
- Use a laptop or desktop computer — we file it as desktop only.
- It works with the sound off, so it is fine on a train or in a quiet office.
- No account needed — you can start without signing up.
- Go in expecting something useful and brainy.
About this category: Breach checkers, fingerprint tests, throwaway inboxes and plain-English readings of terms of service. Mildly alarming, entirely free.
Good for
- A one-round break between tasks
- Getting something practical done
- Giving your brain a workout
- A quiet break at your desk
- Trying it with zero commitment
VirusTotal: quick answers
Is VirusTotal free?
Yes. VirusTotal is free to use and needs no account.
Do I need an account to use VirusTotal?
No. You can use VirusTotal without signing up for anything.
Does VirusTotal work on a phone?
Not well. We file VirusTotal as desktop only, so open it on a laptop or desktop computer.
Is VirusTotal safe for work?
Yes, we file it as safe for work. It also works muted.
How long does VirusTotal take?
We file it as "A minute": One quick round, then you can leave.
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