Check for Virus in Single File Including Zip or Other Compression

If one downloads a file using a browser they receive a download dialog to save or open a file.
Questions:

1) Does Windows Defender check this file for viruses while it is being downloaded?
2) Does this check include compressed formats such as Zip or 7Zip open?
3) Once the file in on my system, is there anyway for me to check that "single" file
for viruses on my system -- ie NOT having to go out to a separate file checker site?

Hi DW,

Most AV's add to the right click context options, - scan with MSE/Malwarebytes/ etc
Once you have >>SAVED<< it to the destination folder or desktop -right click shows ALL options
Its to late if you have run it
(mine shows scan with Bitdefender and Malwarebytes)

AV's dont scan during the download allthough they do advise against dodgy sites, and offer a get me out of here option.
It doesnt matter if its a Zip file or not

note
the right click option is allways available


Roy

Hi Roy:

Since Windows Defender is part of the OS, doesn't give right click option
to run against specific file.

Maybe just third party depending on AV chosen.

The problem is a lot of malware comes down as a clean file so av let's it through then when run it downloads the virus or malware

dw85745 said:

1) Does Windows Defender check this file for viruses while it is being downloaded?

No, but AV software can do that (depending on how good the real-time protection the AV has). I've tested 7 AV's in total for this, but only one of them had this feature.

dw85745 said:

2) Does this check include compressed formats such as Zip or 7Zip open?

I don't know if you're talking specifically about if Windows Defender can do that, so I answer - Windows Defender can't do that. Windows Defender can't even check the file while it is being downloaded. But again - AV software can do that, although not much AV's can do that.

dw85745 said:

3) Once the file is on my system, is there anyway for me to check that "single" file for viruses on my system -- ie NOT having to go out to a seperate file checker site?

Yes, use AV software to scan it. Keep in mind that Windows Defender is software for protection against spyware or adware, this is not AV software.

Thanks for all input:
MSClin: Care to share which of the 7 AV's will check while doing download.

Checking for Malware on an unpacked ISO, RAR or Zip files is for the most part useless. The file really needs to be unpacked. As posted above, checking with MSE/Defender isn't a simple right click option. I put the download into a folder usually named Test either in Downloads or on My Desktop then open the Defender GUI and click on Custom Scan. you'll have to goto C: > Users > Your Name > etc. and find the "Test" folder, then click OK and Defender will scan that folder only. Better options for right click scans are SuperAntiSpyware http://www.superantispyware.com/ and Malwarebytes https://www.malwarebytes.com/ *Always be sure to update Definitions on the Free versions before scanning. Another Good option when dealing with unknown programs is running your PC in a Sandbox. https://www.sandboxie.com/DownloadSandboxie

I was once very active in Warez and torrents Sites so some people who see My Tag and Avy might be surprised that I recommend so strongly Against the use of unauthorized Games and Program Apps. As samurai posted there's some extremely dangerous Malware that can detect if it's being run in a Sandbox or Virtual Machine and may take Days or even Weeks before it starts infecting the OS.

Bat 1 and Layback Bear:
Thanks -- good information to have.

IMHO this thread should be a sticky in "Security".

dw85745 said:

MSClin: Care to share which of the 7 AV's will check while doing download.

"Advanced SystemCare Ultimate", but I don't recommend you installing or trying it, it can mess your system if not used properly. I am saying this because it isn't only AV.