Having an antivirus installed gives peace of mind—but how can you be sure it’s actually doing its job? In 2025, cyberthreats are evolving faster than ever, and even the best antivirus solutions need occasional checks to ensure they’re functioning properly. Whether you’re using AVG, Norton, Bitdefender, or any other security software, it’s important to test your antivirus from time to time to confirm it’s actively protecting your system.
This guide walks you through safe and simple ways to test your antivirus—no real viruses involved, no risk to your device. Let’s explore how to ensure your antivirus is not just installed, but truly working.
1. Use the EICAR Test File – Industry-Standard Safe Test
The most recommended method to test your antivirus is by using the EICAR test file. Created by the European Institute for Computer Antivirus Research, this is a harmless file that mimics the characteristics of a real virus—but it cannot harm your system.
How to Use the EICAR Test:
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Open Notepad or any plain text editor.
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Paste this exact string into the file:
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Save the file with a
.comextension (e.g.,eicar.com). -
Your antivirus should immediately detect and quarantine the file.
If it doesn’t, that’s a red flag that your antivirus isn’t actively scanning files or isn’t working properly.
2. Download the EICAR Test File from an Official Source
Instead of manually creating the file, you can download the EICAR test file from the official site:
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Visit https://www.eicar.org
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Choose different test file types (e.g., zipped versions) to check how your antivirus reacts to compressed malware simulations
Make sure your antivirus:
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Blocks the download or
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Quarantines the file immediately
This confirms that your antivirus is scanning real-time downloads and file activity.
3. Check Real-Time Protection Status
Even if your antivirus installed correctly, real-time protection can sometimes be disabled due to software conflicts, expired subscriptions, or accidental settings changes.
To verify:
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Open your antivirus dashboard
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Locate real-time protection settings
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Ensure it’s enabled and running
Some antivirus programs show this clearly on their home dashboard with a green checkmark or alert icon if protection is off.
4. Use Simulated Phishing Emails
Most modern antivirus solutions also protect against phishing and malicious websites. To test this:
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Use phishing simulation tools like https://www.knowbe4.com/phishing-security-test (free for personal or business use)
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Send a simulated phishing email to your inbox
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Click on the link and see if your antivirus or browser extension blocks it
This verifies that your antivirus is also protecting you while browsing or checking emails, which is a common source of threats.
5. Try a Safe Malware Simulation Tool
Some cybersecurity companies, like AMTSO (Anti-Malware Testing Standards Organization), offer interactive tools to test various features of your antivirus.
Visit: https://www.amtso.org/security-features-check/
You can test:
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Drive-by download protection
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Cloud-based protection
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PUA (Potentially Unwanted Application) detection
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Web protection and more
This is a great way to confirm whether your antivirus covers all aspects of digital threats, especially in 2025 where cloud-based and behavioral detection are essential.
6. Test Scan Functionality with Known Malware Samples (Advanced Users)
Note: Only do this if you’re experienced and have a safe, isolated testing environment (e.g., virtual machine).
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Visit malware sample repositories like MalShare, VirusShare, or TheZoo (for educational use)
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Download a non-destructive test sample and run a full system scan
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See if your antivirus detects it
Again, never try this on your main computer. This is only for cybersecurity professionals or researchers.
7. Monitor System Notifications and Logs
Good antivirus software logs every action it takes. If you’ve never seen a notification or alert from your antivirus, it might not be running actively.
To check:
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Open your antivirus > View History or Reports
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Look for logs like:
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Scans completed
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Threats found/quarantined
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Real-time protection events
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If logs are empty for weeks, it may not be functioning properly—even if the icon appears in your taskbar.
8. Run a Scan and Observe Behavior
Manually initiate a quick or full scan and observe:
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How long the scan takes
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CPU and RAM usage during scan
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Whether it finds any issues
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Post-scan recommendations
Antivirus software that performs scans silently, misses threats, or doesn’t provide results could be outdated or misconfigured.
Conclusion
Antivirus software is your first line of defense against the growing number of cyberthreats in 2025—but it’s only effective if it’s actually working. By performing safe tests like the EICAR file, phishing simulations, or checking real-time protection settings, you can verify that your antivirus is doing its job.
Don’t wait until malware strikes—test your antivirus regularly and stay proactive about your digital security. Whether you’re using a free tool or a premium suite, make sure your protection is more than just a checkmark in the taskbar.
