Antivirus software is an essential tool for protecting our computers from malware, viruses, and other malicious software. However, what happens when our computer is already infected, and we can't access the installed antivirus software? This is where a bootable USB antivirus comes in handy. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of using an antivirus on a bootable USB drive and how to create one.
What is a bootable USB antivirus?
A bootable USB antivirus is an antivirus program that is installed on a USB drive and can be used to scan and remove viruses and malware from a computer. This type of antivirus is particularly useful when a computer is infected, and the installed antivirus software cannot be accessed or is not working correctly.
The bootable USB antivirus works by booting the computer from the USB drive, allowing the antivirus software to run before the operating system starts. This way, the antivirus can scan and remove any viruses or malware that may be present on the computer without interference from the infected operating system.
The benefits of using a bootable USB antivirus
Using a bootable USB antivirus has several advantages over traditional antivirus software installed on a computer. Some of the benefits include:
1. Accessibility
A bootable USB antivirus can be used to scan and remove viruses and malware even when the installed antivirus software on the computer is not working correctly. This makes it an essential tool for troubleshooting and resolving malware-related issues.
2. Portability
A bootable USB antivirus can be carried around and used on any computer, making it an ideal tool for IT professionals who need to diagnose and fix malware issues on multiple computers.
3. Effectiveness
Since the bootable USB antivirus runs before the operating system starts, it can detect and remove viruses and malware that may be hidden from the installed antivirus software on the computer. This makes it a powerful tool for removing stubborn malware that may be difficult to remove using traditional antivirus software.
How to create a bootable USB antivirus
Creating a bootable USB antivirus is a straightforward process that can be done using various antivirus software tools. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Download an antivirus software
The first step is to download an antivirus software that offers a bootable USB option. Some popular antivirus software tools that offer this feature include Avast, AVG, and Kaspersky.
Step 2: Create a bootable USB drive
Once you have downloaded the antivirus software, create a bootable USB drive using the software's instructions. This involves selecting the USB drive and choosing the bootable option.
Step 3: Install the antivirus software on the USB drive
After creating the bootable USB drive, install the antivirus software on the USB drive following the software's instructions.
Step 4: Boot the computer from the USB drive
Insert the bootable USB drive into the computer you want to scan and turn on the computer. Before the operating system starts, press the key that corresponds to the boot menu (usually F12 or Esc) and select the USB drive as the boot device.
Step 5: Run the antivirus scan
Once the computer has booted from the USB drive, run the antivirus scan and remove any viruses or malware that may be present on the computer.
Conclusion
A bootable USB antivirus is a powerful tool that can be used to scan and remove viruses and malware from a computer. It is particularly useful when the installed antivirus software on the computer is not working correctly or cannot be accessed. Creating a bootable USB antivirus is a straightforward process that can be done using various antivirus software tools. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a bootable USB antivirus and use it to protect your computer from malware and viruses.
