Windows malware scanner
A practical ClamAV GUI for Windows
Chowder gives Windows 10 and 11 users a clear interface for ClamAV-powered second-opinion scans. It is designed to run alongside Microsoft Defender—not replace or disable it.
Quick, Full and Custom scans
Start with a focused Quick scan, examine all configured locations with Full scan, or select a specific folder with Custom scan. Progress, unreadable files and detections remain distinct so an incomplete result is never presented as clean.
A companion to Microsoft Defender
Chowder does not turn off Defender, create exclusions or claim kernel-level endpoint protection. It adds an independent ClamAV-based view when you want a second opinion.
Local history and controlled actions
Review scan outcomes locally. Quarantine, restore and permanent deletion require explicit confirmation; Chowder never silently deletes a detected file.
Windows download details
Version 0.1.0-rc.28
Pre-release
Architecture: x64. The installer is currently unsigned and intended for testing.
Verify the installer
SHA-256:
93ce2cdc97aff4d063733471283f35bc6933a15f9ff8766bf5da5c540d7de0a8Standard and Pro use the same installer
Standard works without an account or activation. A verified Clarity activation unlocks Pro automation, monitoring and advanced scan controls in the installed application; there is no separate Pro download.Windows ClamAV GUI questions
Does Chowder replace Microsoft Defender?
No. Chowder is a companion and second-opinion scanner designed to run alongside it.
Is Chowder Standard free?
Yes. Standard includes manual scanning, manual updates, history and manual quarantine without an account or licence. See the feature comparison.
Where can I learn what ClamAV scans?
Read what ClamAV is used for and the history of ClamAV.