Need a quick second scan of a PC you think is infected, without installing another antivirus? Trellix Stinger, formerly McAfee Stinger, is a free portable scanner that hunts for specific known threats and rootkits and removes them in a single run.
What does Stinger scan?
Stinger checks running processes, the Registry, boot sectors and WMI, and can hunt for rootkits. Scan settings also offer options for checking subdirectories and files inside ZIP and RAR archives. These targets let the scan examine several system locations associated with malware, as well as selected folders or drives.
Scan controls and results
The main interface organizes work into Scan, Quarantine, and Log views. Start a scan from the Scan view, or use the customization controls to adjust targets and scan options. During a scan, Stinger displays progress; afterward, the results and log provide details about detections and actions taken.
- Repair attempts to clean a detected file.
- Quarantine isolates a file that cannot be repaired.
- Rename changes a detected file's name; Report records a detection without taking action.
Portable, on-demand use
Stinger runs without a full installation, so it can be kept in a folder or carried on removable storage for a scan when needed. Its threat signatures are included with the executable and are updated periodically. Trellix GTI sensitivity settings control how aggressively the scanner uses its file-reputation service to assess suspicious files.
Pros
- Scans processes, the Registry, boot sectors, rootkits, and WMI
- Can scan subdirectories and ZIP or RAR archives
- Offers Repair, Quarantine, Rename, and Report-only responses
- Includes separate Scan, Quarantine, and Log views
Cons
- Does not provide real-time protection
- Targets selected known malware families, not every threat
System requirements: Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, Windows 11 · Internet Explorer 8 or above
Is Trellix Stinger the same as McAfee Stinger?
Yes. It was renamed after McAfee's enterprise business became Trellix.
Does Trellix Stinger run continuously?
No. It scans on demand and does not provide real-time protection.
How do I get the latest virus definitions?
Download a fresh copy; the signatures are built into each new release of the program.
Is Stinger free?
Yes. Trellix offers it as a free tool.