Microsoft – How to check if a file is clean before downloading

Microsoft – How to check if a file is clean before downloading

Problem

A computer user wishes to check if a file they want to download is safe and free of malware before downloading it.


Applies to

  1. Windows
  2. Mac OS

Resolution

A frequent dilemma for users browsing the internet is knowing whether a file they wish to download is clean and does not contain malware or viruses.  For applications it is always best to obtain directly from the developer's website or the Windows Store app, but in cases where you are not sure or just want to check before running use the steps below.

  1. Open your browser to the page you wish to download the executable or document file.
  2. Right click on the link for the executable or document, then click the context menu item as appropriate to your browser.

    Copy Link Address – Google Chrome
    Copy Link – Microsoft Edge
    Copy Link - Firefox
    Copy Link - Safari

  3. With the link copied click the plus sign in the top of the browser window to create a new tab.
  4. Then click the browser address bar and go to:  www.virustotal.com
  5. On the Virus Total website click the URL link.
     
  6. Then right-click the edit box and choose Paste on the context menu, the URL for the executable file or document link will be pasted, then press ENTER.
  7. A results page will then be displayed.  The link will then be analysed by a number of Anti-Virus products and if found click will show a green tick and show the word clean next to them.  The greater number of ticks seen generally the greater confidence one has the file is safe to download.