Typically, Windows users feel surprised during their first encounter with ClamAV. This antivirus does not operate conventionally with constant pop-ups. Instead, it stays quiet and runs only when you choose to use it. Most people install ClamAV out of necessity. You might receive a suspicious email attachment, or a USB drive may come from an unknown source. In those situations, you want a second opinion without removing your main antivirus.
The installation process is straightforward. The program does not try to impress you with a fancy welcome screen. You download the package, extract the files, and update the virus database. The first update requires some patience. The progress bar moves steadily but silently. Nothing dramatic happens on the screen. Some users even pause and wonder if the program is working. Once the database update finishes, you can run your first scan using the command line or the simple graphical interface.
Until recently, many people relied only on real-time protection from other security software. After installing ClamAV, they often use it as a manual scanning tool. For example, users right-click their downloads folder and scan it before opening any files. It feels like adding an extra lock to the door. The experience is calm and focused. You tell it what to scan, and it does exactly that.
How to feel with the tool day-to-day
ClamAV does not really bother you. It does not show warnings while you browse normally. You decide when to run it. Many users build a routine around it. For example, they scan email attachments before forwarding them to colleagues. They also scan backup folders before restoring files. Every action feels intentional, not automatic.
When a scan starts, the program displays each file name as it analyzes it. You can watch the file paths scroll across the screen. This creates a strong sense of transparency because you know exactly what the software is checking. If it detects malware, it clearly marks the file in the results. There are no dramatic alert sounds. The message appears plainly in the scan report. You then decide whether to delete the infected file or quarantine it.
Some people used to avoid opening old archives because they felt unsure about them. After running a few scans with ClamAV, that fear often fades. The quick verification builds confidence. The application does not slow the system much during targeted scans. However, full scans on large drives take more time. Many users run those overnight. Overall, it feels like a quiet and reliable utility that stays in the background until you truly need it.