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How to perform a Chrome virus scan

Did you know that you can scan your entire device by using Google Chrome browser? If you are a Windows user, it is pretty straightforward. Just be aware of the privacy concerns.

Paul Black

Sep 20, 2019 · 2 min read

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Google Chrome virus scan usually runs automatically if you download a file or if it suspects some malicious activity. However, it does not perform real-time background checks like more advanced anti-malware software – it just scans your system when asked.

Using this tool is easy, but are there any risks involved? Find out below.

How to run a virus scan on Google chrome

1. Open Google Chrome;

2. Click the three dots in the top-right corner and choose Settings;

3. Scroll to the bottom and click Advanced;

4. Scroll further down and pick Clean up computer;

5. Click Find. We recommend that you untick the Report details field below to avoid giving additional info to Google;

6. Wait for Google to report whether any threats were found. If Chrome finds any malicious software, it will prompt you to remove it;

7. Just click Remove to get rid of malicious items. You might need to restart your computer afterwards.

This tool looks for threats that do not comply with Google’s unwanted software policy. It’s Windows-only, too, so if you have MacOS, be sure to check our articles on how to deal with bloatware on Mac.

Privacy issues

While it might seem as a convenient tool, we know that Google is always hungry for any data they can get. In this case, they can obtain an unprecedented access to the depths of your system and see its vulnerable areas. There is also a high chance that this info might be used to bombard you with ads or passed to third-parties.

Thus, we recommend you get proper antivirus software that doesn't track your data and provides full functionality. Your privacy is a price not worth paying.

How to clean your Chrome browser

Maintaining your browser's hygiene is essential for its proper performance. If it is acting slow, try clearing the cookies or cached info. Just do the following:

1. Open Google Chrome;

2. Click the three dots in the top-right corner and choose Settings;

3. Scroll to the bottom and click Advanced;

4. Click on Clear browsing data in the Privacy and security section;

5. Tick everything you want to clean under the Basic or Advanced sections, choose the Time range for the data wipe, and click Clear data.

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Paul is a technology and art enthusiast who is always eager to explore the most up-to-date issues in cybersec and internet freedom. He is always in search for new and unexplored angles to share with his readers.