There are many options available, but Norton is my favorite.
Its scanner is just as effective as the main antivirus suite and removed all malware from my old computer.
In my tests, Norton consistently removed all threats, from trojans to cryptojackers and ransomware.
The real-time protection is just as effective as the scanner.
Norton significantly outperformed the protections included with Chrome, Edge, and all major browsers.
It covers 5 devices for IDR508,460 / year.
Bottom Line:
Nortons Bootable Recovery Tool has a flawless scanner that can find and remove all malware.
Its scans are also faster than any other USB bootable antivirus, though it does lack custom scans.
If you stick with Panda, youll find plenty of options.
The different plans offer many features, so finding one that meets your needs or budget is easy.
Whichever plan you choose, you get access to Pandas malware scanner and real-time protection.
This blocked upwards of 95% of malware in my tests, which is pretty good.
Panda has flexible pricing, with plans starting at IDR423,690 / year.
PandaDomeincludes features like real-time protection, ransomware protection, a password manager, parental controls, and more.
Plus, its backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pandas Rescue Kit is a reliable USB bootable antivirus that is easy to set up even without technical expertise.
Once your Windows computer is running again, youll need to get a regular antivirus.
The scanner also gets frequent updates to keep up with the newest threats.
On that note, Aviras Rescue System can do more than scan for malware.
Advanced users can use its hard drive partitioning tool to optimize their computers performance, for example.
It also has basic features like a web net surf tool, a text editor, and more.
Luckily, Avira offers traditional antivirus products, includingone of the best free cybersecurity tools on the market.
Theres also excellent privacy and performance optimization tools, which you might easily access by running a smart scan.
All paid plans come with a generous 60-day money-back guarantee so you might try them risk-free.
The Avira Rescue System has a good balance of customization options and ease of use.
Avira also offers a great free antivirus and excellent premium products with all the essentials.
All paid plans come with a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Rescue Disk isnt as easy to set up as the other options on this list.
The features dont quite measure up to what you get withNorton, but its a great option.
If you want to protect yourself today, Id recommend KasperskyPlusfor complete security.
It also consists of a fast, unlimited-data VPN.
Note that government orders have halted sales and downloads of Kaspersky in the US.
Kaspersky Rescue Disk is a really good USB bootable antivirus.
In any case, you need a tool to get a broken PC up and running again.
I had to adaptour antivirus testing methodologyto fit the unique circumstances of boot-level antiviruses.
What Are Bootable Antiviruses For?
Bootable antiviruses are for saving your unit when nothing else can.
For one, your motherboard decides which piece of hardware will boot up.
In normal circumstances, this will always be your primary hard drive.
Its always helpful to have a bootable antivirus on hand.
It might seem intimidating if youve never interacted with BIOS or UEFI, but the steps are relatively straightforward.
This guide will focus on showing you how to create a rescue disk without explaining how everything works.
Step 1.
I recommend getting Rufus as it is safe and very easy to use.
Step 2.
Step 3.
When that is done, open Rufus or whichever ISO-writing tool youve chosen.
Once youve sorted that, click theSELECTbox next to theDisk or ISOfield.
A new window will open up.
Navigate to the ISO file you downloaded containing the bootable antivirus.
Once youve selected the file, clickSTARTat the bottom of the window.
You will be asked whether to write the antivirus as an ISO or DVD image.
Confirm that youre okay with losing all data on the USB stick/DVD, and the process will begin.
It could take more than 10 minutes, so be prepared to wait.
Step 4.
Youll need to click a specific key as soon as the computer manufacturers logo appears.
This could be theF1,F2, F10,F12, or theDeletekey.
If you wait until the Windows logo appears, youre too late.
Youll know youve reached the BIOS when you see a basic interface.
How your BIOS looks depends on the motherboard of the PC.
Your goal in BIOS is to change your PCs boot order.
By default, your rig will boot from the hard drive.
These boot order options may or may not be visible from the BIOS home screen.
You may have to look around for anything referring to boot order.
You will see your Windows hard drive at the top of the boot order list.
To boot from a USB, ensure that USB machine is at the top of your boot order.
PressEnterwhen your hard drive is highlighted and find the option to replace it with your USB stick.
In the BIOS, this could be called USB, USB CD/DVD, or something similar.
Step 5.
Boot From Your Antivirus
If all goes well, your system will boot directly into your antivirus.
Run a scan and remove any malware that it detects.
Step 6.
Find the boot order control and put your hard drive back at the top of the boot order.
When you reset your machine again, it should go to Windows rather than the bootable antivirus.
The only way to do this is to download a plain old, non-bootable antivirus and run a scan.
There are many options, but I recommend you chooseone of the best Windows antiviruses.
If you keep it installed, youll likely never need to repeat this complicated process.
TheNorton Bootable Recovery Toolis the best USB bootable antivirus for Windows.
It uses Nortons flawless scanner to find and remove any threats buried deep in your equipment.
However, it doesnt work on most modern hardware.
If your PC was made after about 2015, youll likely need something else, likeAviras Rescue System.
Are USB bootable antiviruses free?
Yes, theUSB bootable antiviruses on this listare all free products.
Do I need a premium antivirus if I have a free USB bootable antivirus?
The short answer is yes.
However,premium antiviruses offer several security featuresto prevent malware from infecting your files in the first place.
Are there USB bootable antiviruses for Macs?
All ofthe best USB bootable antivirusesonly work on Windows.
It is possible to create such a tool, but it works quite differently from Windows tools.
None ofthe best Mac antivirus providersput out anything like the options on this list.
