-->
Home
How to

How to Use Avast Boot Scan to Remove Malware from PC

Sometimes Windows 11/10 PCs are infected so that the usual scanning technique cannot remove them. These viruses find a way to survive when tempted to remove them using the standard method. This is where the boot scan is required so that viruses can be removed before the operating system loads. In this article, we will explain how you can use Avast Boot Scan to remove malware.




What is Startup Scan or Startup Scan?

Boot-Time Scan is an advanced feature in which the system is scanned before the operating system loads. It scans for known types of malware and removes threats before the operating system and other services start. Think of it as a small tool that scans files using the minimum functionality required for the software to run, scans and removes the threat.

Most antivirus solutions offer this feature and perform scans at regular intervals, but they can also be started manually.

How to Use Avast Boot Scan to Remove Malware from PC

Avast, like all the others, offers the possibility to schedule and run a startup scan. Users can schedule a scan to start, configure how the scan works and what actions to take based on sensitivity. You can also set the startup scan to automatic actions, but manually set the type of actions to take when a threat is detected.

Avast Boot Scan

  1. Launch Avast Antivirus and go to Protection > Antivirus scans.
  2. Click the gear icon or the settings icon in the right corner of the screen.
  3. Select the Startup Scan tab and make sure to install the latest definitions.
  4. Scroll down a bit to find the option to Perform automatic actions during this scan . Check the box next to it. Next, select the actions:
    • Fix automatically (recommended): It will first try to fix or repair the file. If that doesn't work, it moves the file to Virus Chest or Quarantine. If that doesn't work either, the file is deleted.
    • Move the file to Virus Chest: Instead of repairing, you can move the file to quarantine. The files here cannot infect the PC.
    • Delete File: Deletes the file from your PC.
  5. Each time the Boot-Scan occurs, it will take these actions. If you do not configure it, you will be informed of each action.
  6. Restart the Windows PC and when the computer boots, a startup scan progress screen will be displayed.
  7. The scan usually takes several minutes, and at the end you will receive full details about the result, actions taken, number of infected files, etc.
  8. Post this; Windows will start regularly.

Avast Boot Scan Actions

What are advanced startup scan settings?

  1. Sensitivity sliders allow you to quickly set the level of antivirus to detect a threat in a file.
  2. Look for potentially unwanted programs known to perform unwanted activities.
  3. Scan the archive files that Avast unpacks to scan.
  4. Scan all hard drives or just the system drive, which can save time.
  5. Scan for programs that start automatically when you turn on your computer.

How to run Avast Boot Scan from command prompt?

  1. Start Windows in Safe Mode with Command Prompt
  2. Then navigate to C:\Program Files\Avast Software\Avast using the CD command
  3. Type sched /A:*or sched.exe /A:*and press the Enter key. You can also run hourly to see more options.
  4. Restart the computer usingshutdown /r
  5. Post this boot scan process and the computer will boot normally when complete.

How do I create and use Rescue Disk in Avast Antivirus?

If you want to scan your PC when the system is not running, you can use the Rescue Disk to scan the system offline. This gives a significant advantage in detecting and removing the malware as it will not thwart.

  1. Launch Avast Antivirus then go to Protection > Virus scans
  2. Click on Rescue Disk available on the right side of the screen
  3. Enter an empty USB drive, then select Create USB drive on the Rescue Disk screen
  4. After that, a small window will appear and create the rescue disk.
  5. Now connect the USB stick to the PC
  6. Boot into PC BIOS or UEFI and change boot order to USB
  7. Restart the computer and the PC will use the USB drive to boot.
  8. It will show Start Scan option, where you can choose all hard drives or selected folders or drives.
  9. Choose to repair automatically or manually.
  10. After that, you will see the scan of the result.

What is the difference between Boot-Time and Full Scan?

Although Full Scan is better than Boot-Time, both serve different purposes. At the same time, the full scan runs on Windows and is very easy to scan and operate. The startup scan is used when the full scan does not work because malware can thwart the scan. Since the startup scan works when the operating system is not loaded, it becomes easy to remove the virus.

I hope the post was easy to follow and you were able to use Avast Boot Scan to remove malware.