Dr.Web CureIt!

What is Dr.Web CureIt!?

Dr.Web CureIt! is a free, portable antivirus scanner from Russian security company Doctor Web that detects and removes malware without installation. Like Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool, CureIt! provides on-demand scanning using the same detection engine as Dr.Web’s commercial products, making it ideal for checking systems when infection is suspected or verifying cleanliness alongside installed antivirus. The tool updates virus definitions with each download and runs directly from executable without modifying system configuration.

Dr.Web has produced antivirus software since 1992 and maintains reputation for detecting threats other products miss, particularly in post-Soviet countries where it originated. CureIt! brings this detection capability in portable package that runs alongside any existing security software without conflict. The “Enhanced Protection Mode” feature is particularly valuable for dealing with active infections—it temporarily restricts system functionality to prevent malware from interfering with scanning process, enabling removal of threats that actively resist cleanup. For incident response, second-opinion verification, or cleaning already-infected systems, CureIt! provides reliable detection at no cost.

Key Features

• No Installation Required: Portable executable runs immediately without system modification.
• Dr.Web Detection Engine: Same technology as commercial products with decades of development.
• Enhanced Protection Mode: Restricts system to prevent malware interference during scanning.
• Comprehensive Detection: Finds viruses, trojans, worms, rootkits, spyware, and adware.
• Multiple Scan Options: Quick, full, or custom scan targeting specific locations.
• Automatic Quarantine: Isolates detected threats before removal for safety.
• Works Alongside Antivirus: No conflicts with installed security software.
• Free for Personal Use: Full functionality without cost for home users.
• Boot Sector Scanning: Checks MBR and boot sectors for rootkits.
• Self-Protection: Resists attempts by malware to terminate scanning process.

What’s New in 2024/2025

• Updated Engine: Latest Dr.Web scanning engine with improved heuristics.
• Windows 11 Support: Full compatibility with Windows 11.
• Faster Scanning: Optimized scanning speed while maintaining detection quality.
• Improved Rootkit Detection: Better identification of hidden system threats.
• Interface Updates: Cleaner interface with better progress reporting.
• Ransomware Detection: Enhanced capability against encryption malware.

System Requirements

Windows

• Windows XP SP2 or later (Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10, 11)
• 256 MB RAM minimum (1 GB recommended)
• Approximately 700 MB free disk space
• Internet connection for downloading current version

How to Use Dr.Web CureIt!

1. Download Fresh Copy: Get CureIt! from free.drweb.com – each download includes current definitions.
2. Run the Scanner: Double-click downloaded file (randomized filename prevents malware blocking).
3. Accept Agreement: Review and accept usage terms.
4. Choose Mode: Standard mode for typical scanning or Enhanced Protection for active infections.
5. Select Scan Type: Express scan for quick check or choose specific objects for thorough scan.
6. Start Scanning: Click start and wait for scan completion.
7. Review Results: Examine detected items and threat classifications.
8. Neutralize Threats: Click to quarantine/remove detected malware.
9. Restart if Required: Some threat removal requires system restart.

CureIt! vs Alternatives

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Enhanced Protection Mode: Restricts system functions to prevent malware interference—critical for active infections.
• Self-Protection: Resists termination attempts by malware trying to stop scanning.
• Proven Detection: Dr.Web engine has decades of development and strong detection rates.
• Free for Personal Use: Full functionality without cost for home users.
• Portable: No installation required, runs from any location.
• No Conflicts: Works alongside any existing antivirus product.

Cons

• Commercial Licensing: Businesses must pay for commercial license.
• Large Download: ~250 MB file size significant for slow connections.
• Statistics Collection: Free version sends scan statistics to Dr.Web (opt-out available).
• Enhanced Mode Intrusive: Restricts normal system use during scanning.
• No Real-Time Protection: On-demand only—doesn’t prevent future infections.

Who Should Use Dr.Web CureIt!?

• Active Infections: When malware is actively interfering with system—Enhanced Mode helps.
• Second Opinion: Verify primary antivirus detection with different engine.
• IT Professionals: Cleaning client computers (requires commercial license for business use).
• Stubborn Malware: When other scanners can’t remove persistent threats.
• Pre-Installation Check: Verifying used computers before trusting them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between standard and Enhanced Protection mode?

Standard mode scans while Windows runs normally. Enhanced Protection mode temporarily restricts system functionality—blocking other programs from running, limiting network access—to prevent active malware from interfering with scanning or reinstalling itself. Use Enhanced mode when dealing with aggressive infections.

Why does CureIt! have a randomized filename?

Malware sometimes blocks known security tools by filename. CureIt! downloads with random names (like 4h5d7f.exe) so malware can’t preemptively block it. This helps ensure the scanner runs even on infected systems.

Is CureIt! free for businesses?

CureIt! is free only for personal/home use. Businesses, organizations, and IT professionals using it on client computers must purchase commercial licenses from Dr.Web.

Final Verdict

Dr.Web CureIt! excels at cleaning actively infected systems thanks to Enhanced Protection mode and self-protection features that help it run when malware resists removal. The portable nature and proven detection engine make it valuable second-opinion scanner alongside Kaspersky VRT or Malwarebytes. While commercial licensing requirements limit business use, home users get full functionality free. For dealing with stubborn infections where other tools fail, CureIt! often succeeds.