Looking for a free antivirus that can even update PCs with no internet connection? NANO Antivirus scans files and monitors system activity for malicious behavior. Its features include real-time protection, a console scanner, heuristic analysis, and controls for scheduling or mirroring updates.
NANO Antivirus monitors system activity
Real-time protection watches for threats as the system runs, while the web traffic scanner checks network activity. NANO Antivirus also uses heuristic analysis to identify suspicious files that may not match known malware signatures.
For a scan started from the program, the console scanner provides a separate way to launch scanning. System protection settings control the actions taken on infected or suspicious objects.
NANO Antivirus supports scheduled and offline updates
Virus databases update automatically by default, and users can also start an update manually or create custom update tasks. The update schedule can be changed to suit a computer’s routine.
For computers without direct internet access, NANO Antivirus supports offline updates and update mirroring. A connected computer can copy update files to a shared folder, which another installation can use as its update source.
- Game mode suppresses sound alerts while it is active.
- The program includes quarantine for detected files.
NANO Antivirus separates system protection from scanning
The main window provides access to scanning and manual updates, while settings include system protection, network options, and appearance controls. Sound alerts are disabled by default and can be enabled in the appearance settings.
Running NANO Antivirus alongside another vendor’s antivirus is not guaranteed to work correctly. The developer advises against running two antivirus protection features at the same time.
Pros
- Real-time protection and heuristic analysis
- Console scanner for launching scans
- Custom update tasks and update mirroring
- Game mode and web traffic scanning
Cons
- No built-in firewall
- May not run correctly alongside another antivirus
System requirements: Windows 10, Windows 11 · Minimum processor: 2 GHz with SSE2 support · Minimum RAM: 2 GB · Minimum free disk space: 3 GB · Internet connection for online updates
Can NANO Antivirus update a computer without internet access?
Yes. Use offline update files or point the program to a folder where another computer mirrors its updates.
Can I schedule virus database updates?
Yes. Automatic updates are enabled by default, and custom update tasks can be configured.
Does NANO Antivirus include a firewall?
No. It includes a web traffic scanner, but not a firewall.