Bootable rescue disks are helpful in situations where malware blocks you from running normal antivirus software. These disks let you check your computer for malware without having to run Windows and they will often uncover the files that antivirus software might ignore. Some even look through the Master Boot Record (MBR) of the hard drive, a feature particularly effective in eliminating persistent or difficult to clean threats.

These bootable tools typically provide a www.totalavantivirusreview.com/best-antivirus-rescue-disks-to-use-in-2021 basic text interface. However, they usually come with customization options so that you can select to scan specific folders or files, or only size or type of file, and much more. The most effective of these tools will come with a an interactive user interface that is graphical and support for advanced security threats, such as rootkits or ransomware.

AVG Rescue CD, which has a simple but robust GUI, and many scanning options, is a great example. It’s also among the few programs that can perform an entire MBR scanning which is typically impossible with a non bootable software. It’s not the fastest program on this list however, and its text-only user interface isn’t suitable for everyone.

Kaspersky Rescue Disk is another excellent choice which is fast, comes with a well-designed interface and can handle more advanced infections. It offers features that you will not discover in other bootable antivirus tools, like the capability to scan the boot sector and hidden startup objects as well as fileless and the entire drive. It can also exclude files to speed up the scanning time. It detected all the malware we sent, including those that weren’t detected by other antivirus software.