HouseCall - Free Online Virus Scan

Don’t let your system get infected

Start your free scan for

Detect and fix viruses, worms, spyware, and other malicious threats for free

Easy-to-use interface

Easy-to-use interface

Scanning your system is a snap.
 

Custom Scan options

Custom Scan options

Choose the extent of the scan - quick, full, or custom.

No compatibility issues

No compatibility issues

Stand-alone, browser-independent application eliminates compatibility issues.

Smart Scan

Smart Scan

The latest antivirus protection plus reduced download times.

Review and Restore

Review and Restore

Check and compare scan results and recover files.

Enhanced Detection and Cleanup

Enhanced Detection and Cleanup

Address sophisticated threats – even rootkits – on all your home network devices.

Free scan for your Android device

Free scan for your Android device

HouseCall Mobile is a free app scanner within Trend Micro Mobile Security – Personal Edition. The free tool download also includes a 30-day trial of premium features available with Trend Micro Mobile Security.

Go beyond virus detection

HouseCall cleans up threats but does not prevent them. Trend Micro™ Maximum Security includes all the functionality of HouseCall, plus automatic virus updates personal firewall, spyware detection and removal, spam blocking, protection against identity theft, and Wi-Fi network protection.

AVTest

Need more information?

Getting Started

  1. Start your scan. Please note that HouseCall requires a small download before it can scan your computer. 
  2. You can choose to save a copy of the launcher (HousecallLauncher.exe) and use it to quickly start your antivirus software scan. Remember to visit this page occasionally to get the latest copy of the launcher. 
  3. It is recommended that first-time users select the Quick Scan option, which is available in addition to the Full Scan or Folder Scan options. 
  4. Enabling the Smart Feedback setting helps increase the strength of the Smart Protection Network by sharing malware and threat data as part of our global neighborhood watch program. No personally identifiable information is gathered as part of participation.

FAQs

With version 7.1, you can perform three types of antivirus scans:

  • Quick scan—targets critical system areas to detect and remove active malware; these scans are designed to focus on active threats and can complete within several minutes. HouseCall 7.1 ensures that there are no active threats by checking running processes and important registry and disk sections. It also checks for malicious browser plug-ins and rootkits.
  • Full system scan—checks all system areas, including all files and folders; these scans take the longest, but are able to check everything on the computer for threats.
  • Custom scan— checks specified folders only; to scan specific files on a computer, select the folder that contains the questionable files.

"Active malware" refers to malicious programs that have been installed on computers and are capable of launching themselves after the computer restarts. These programs typically perform malicious activities, including contacting a "command & control" center, logging keystrokes, copying personal data, and sending spam.

A dormant malware file is typically not considered an active threat, unless it is actually running and has installed.

Trend Micro has offered the free HouseCall on-demand virus scanning service for more than twelve years. We feel it is important to protect not only paying customers but also the general public.

The threat landscape is changing dramatically, and users are more at risk today than at any time in the past. Threats are harder to detect and harder to clean. HouseCall is a great on-demand security option, whether or not it is used as a supporting scanner with another security solution, because of its strong ability to detect and fix threats.

The standalone application model frees HouseCall from browser dependencies. HouseCall users will not have to worry about browser compatibility issues or having ActiveX or Java enabled. The new model uses a local application launcher to start the main HouseCall application. When starting HouseCall from the landing page, users basically download and start the launcher. They can choose to save the launcher and open it whenever they want to perform a scan.

When a user starts HouseCall 7.1 for the first time, a small executable (1.4MB) is downloaded. This launcher application runs locally and manages the download of local scanning components, such as the scan engine, configuration files, and pattern files. On subsequent scans, the launcher checks for existing scanning components and downloads them only when they are outdated.

If you save a local copy of the launcher, you can use it to open HouseCall anytime.

Because HouseCall 7.1 uses our latest technologies, we are anticipating frequent updates. To help ensure that users have the latest version, HouseCall will check for a new version every time it is used. If a new version is available you will be directed to visit the HouseCall landing page and download the latest version. 

To speed up scans, HouseCall performs quick scans by default. It focuses on key system areas to address active threats and reduce the total scan time. Manually copying infected files leaves inactive copies of threats and does not simulate real-world infections. Real malware programs drop copies into key folders and take advantage of system settings to autostart and operate effectively.

To check a specific folder for threats, whether or not they are active threats, run a custom scan and specify the folder.

By default, HouseCall 7.1 performs a quick scan, which can identify and scan areas that are most likely to contain active threats. By looking only at critical areas of the computer, HouseCall 7.1 reduces total scan times from hours to minutes, but is still very effective at fixing infections.

HouseCall 7.1 detects active malware and spyware, or basically file-based threats. It can detect web threats that have already been downloaded to infected machines. However, HouseCall 7.1 does not support malicious URL blocking, which can proactively protect against web threats.

HouseCall 7.1 provides an easy, on-demand check for active viruses and other malware. It complements, but is not a substitute for, existing security software that provides proactive protection and continuously scans and monitors for threats.

For always-on real-time protection, Trend Micro recommends that users install Internet security software, such as Trend Micro Maximum Security, which provides the most comprehensive protection available for your personal and financial information—whether you are at home or on the road.

Initially HouseCall 7.1 will be available in English only. Regional language support of HouseCall 7.1 may be offered depending on requirements.

System Requirements

Hardware
  • At least 300MHz IntelTM PentiumTM processor or equivalent
  • At least 256MB memory
  • At least 200MB available disk space
Operating System
  • WindowsTM XP (32-bit) Home or Professional with SP2 or SP3
  • Windows VistaTM(32-bit, 64-bit) Ultimate, Business, Home Premium, or Home Basic with SP1 or SP2
  • Windows 7 (32-bit, 64-bit)
  • Windows 8 (32-bit, 64-bit)
  • Windows 8.1 (32-bit, 64-bit)
  • Windows 10 (32-bit, 64-bit)
Display
  • At least high-color (16-bit) and a minimum resolution of 1024x768 pixels
HouseCall 8.0 is browser independent.