Windows 10 Antivirus
- Windows 10 Antivirus Good Enough
- Windows 10 Antivirus Free
- Windows 10 Antivirus
- Windows 10 Antivirus Microsoft
- Windows 10 Antivirus Compatibility
- Windows 10 Antivirus Free Download
- Windows 10 Antivirus Vs Norton
Want the latest free virus protection of 2019 to protect your computer from viruses and malware. Use these best free antivirus software for Windows 10 PC.
Everyone wants the best antivirus for Windows 10 computer in order to make their PC safer than ever but only very few people know what they are actually looking for between best free antivirus for PC and real-time Windows 10 virus protection software.
Award-winning antivirus for Windows 10. Avast has earned many accolades, but the best reward is the loyalty of our 435 million users. We enjoy serving the largest community of any antivirus company in the world — and we’re thrilled to continue protect you when you upgrade your PC to Windows 10. Windows Defender for Windows 8.1, Windows RT 8.1, and Windows 10 provides built-in protection against malware. You can't use Microsoft Security Essentials, but you don't need to—Windows Defender is already included and ready to go. Jul 07, 2017 Windows 10 has built-in real-time antivirus named Windows Defender, and it’s actually pretty good. It automatically runs in the background, ensuring all Windows users are protected against viruses and other nasties. Here’s how it works. RELATED: What’s the Best Antivirus for Windows 10?
If you use the Internet regularly then it is important to have good and reliable antivirus software on your PC because the World Wide Web is filled with hackers, attackers and the Microsoft Windows 10 operating systems are susceptible to viruses.
All the utilities listed in this feature are Windows antivirus apps. If you're a macOS user, don't despair, however; PCMag has a separate roundup dedicated solely to the best Mac antivirus software.
Although, Windows 10 has a built-in real-time virus protection software called Windows Defender Antivirus, and it’s genuinely pretty good. But if you want to have even more powerful and multitasking antivirus software for Windows 10 computer then this tutorial is quite helpful for you.
If you will search for “free antivirus software for Windows 10” on Google, you will come across countless of results and it might get extremely confusing and difficult for you in selecting the right antivirus program, which is why we came up with this Windows 10 virus protection tutorial.
Windows 10 Antivirus Good Enough
Today in this article, we are going to share top 14 best free antivirus software for Windows 10 to use in 2019 to protect your PC and keep your devices fully viruses free.
Top 10 Best Free Antivirus Software for Windows 10
Unlike other premium software and services (data recovery software, video editing software, or VPN Software), you don’t need a very exclusive and paid virus protection software for Windows 10 to protect your computer from viruses hackers and spies.
All you need is a best free antivirus software which is positively reliable and loaded with great performance, real-time malware detection, virus protection and removal, and various other features. So without any delay, let’s check out the list of top 14 best free antivirus software for Windows 10 to use in 2019:
Avast Free Antivirus
If you are looking for the lighter, more powerful and absolutely free antivirus protection then Avast Free Antivirus is the most appropriate choice for you. Avast is a well-renowned and the best free antivirus software for Windows 10 which will help you in detecting viruses and malware, scanning for the security and performance issues, analyzing unknown files in real-time which are present on your computer.
This award-winning free virus protection software is packed with the largest threat-detection network, machine-learning protection, easy password management and home network security that won’t slow down your Windows 10 PC.
Avast Free Antivirus Lighter, more powerful – and absolutely free.
Avast bought AVG which is another well-known free antivirus software and have now brought up an advanced malware-detection engine which comes both in Avast free antivirus and AVG free antivirus.
The software comes with a beautifully intuitive interface, advanced application protection, a new passive mode for running multiple security products in parallel. It is compatible with all versions of Windows operating systems and also available for Mac and Android devices.
This is the best antivirus software available for free which we would recommend our users. So, just download Avast free antivirus for Windows 10 PC and enjoy intelligent threat-detection and real-time protection features.
Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition
If you want powerful antivirus protection for free then Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition should be on the top of your priority list for making your computer super secure. Bitdefender is a very popular free antivirus for Windows 10 where you will get all the necessary features which will make your computer secure.
This lightning-fast free antivirus is capable of almost everything from real-time threat detection to virus scanning and malware removal as well as free protection against internet fraud.
Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition Powerful antivirus protection, the light way.
In simple words, Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition is blazing fast, absolutely free to use, and loaded only with the bare-bones protection features that every fast computer needs. One of the best features of this antivirus protection software is that it consumes very fewer resources which ensure that systems with less powerful hardware can also use it.
If you are newbie computer user, you might find the interface of Bitdefender a bit complicated as it is filled with several interesting features and it takes time to get familiar with all features. If you are one of those users who want to set the security scans and forget about them then you need to give a try to free Bitdefender Antivirus for Windows 10 computers.
Download Bitdefender antivirus free edition for your PC and enjoy award-winning protection against existing or new e-threats.
AVG Antivirus Free
The next virus protection software which is the best antivirus for Windows 10 operating system is AVG Antivirus Free. AVG free antivirus software now includes real-time security updates, scans for both malware and performance issues, and even catches malicious downloads before they reach your PC.
Both AVG and Avast free antivirus are using a similar malware-detection engine for tracing and deleting viruses from Windows computers. But with the AVG Antivirus software, you will get few additional features which you won’t get to see with the Avast antivirus free edition.
AVG AntiVirus FREE Installs in moments. Protects forever.
The latest version of AVG Antivirus Free is now available with the all-new and refreshingly simple design that shows you exactly how your PC is protected. It comes with all the essential free protection that won’t let you down. With the help of AVG free antivirus protection, you will be able to:
- Stop viruses, spyware, ransomware & other malware.
- Block unsafe links, downloads, & email attachments
- Scan for PC performance problems
- Get real time-security updates
You get plenty of customization options in this free antivirus program to set it as per your requirements but one thing which we know you won’t be liking is that you will be asked to upgrade to premium version of AVG from time to time.
Avira Free Antivirus
If you want to go beyond antivirus with the all-new free security suite that not only blocks malware and other malicious software installation, but also anonymizes your browsing history, and wipes all your online traces clean for free then you need to give a try to Avira Free Antivirus for Windows 10 PC.
Avira Free Antivirus for PC offers you next-gen antivirus protection, stops ransomware/ Trojans /and spyware, guarantees your privacy, and also offers community support along with a free password manager and a VPN client.
Avira Free Antivirus 2019 Award-winning PC protection, Next-gen security.
If you want to get other premium protection features like phone & email support, 5 devices protection with 1 license, securing shopping/banking, protecting network & email, device control, and no ads etc. then you can go with the premium subscription of Avira Antivirus Pro for PC which we think is worth the price.
Frankly speaking, Avira Antivirus 2019 is its best version of all times, it’s intuitive, it’s more secure and it’s spending quite fewer computer resources than previous the versions. You can download Avira Free Antivirus 2019 for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.
Panda Free Antivirus
Panda Free Antivirus is another best free antivirus protection on this list which protects you while you work, play, or browse the Internet. Panda Security is the lightest free antivirus solution because all the work is done in the cloud and you won’t have to worry about updates, complex configuration settings, or anything else.
Torn is a text-based online RPG set in Torn City, a dark, murky underworld where only the sharpest survive. In Torn City you can be anyone and do anything. Build your character to infinite strengths and play it your way. Torn City is a massively multiplayer game with thousands of active players around the world. Join them, attack them, befriend them, marry them, trade with them, compete with. Even nowadays, people can still enjoy text-based games thanks to the power of the internet. There are even websites where people can make their own!But for the most part, even the most well-known games in the genre are free to play, and luckily, we've found a few (new and old) ones that you might like! Free text based game.
It provides maximum protection against the latest viruses. This free virus protection software is available for different Microsoft Windows variants as you can use it on Windows 10 to Windows 7 OS too.
New Panda Free Antivirus 2019 The lightest free antivirus solution.
Windows 10 Antivirus Free
The company has done many improvements in this software which ensured that Windows 10 users get the best experience with Panda Antivirus 2019 free download. Users can customize the antivirus program settings as per their needs as Panda Free Antivirus is highly customizable.
In order to provide better security, Panda antivirus software also takes control of your web browser’s settings and won’t allow you to disable system-data collection. These are the two features which we really don’t like when it comes to Panda free antivirus for Windows 10 computer. Otherwise, everything is impressive.
Download Panda free antivirus 2019 right now and install it on your computer to keep your system secure and safe.
Windows Defender Antivirus
Windows Defender Antivirus is the most trusted antivirus protection built into Windows 10 to keep your PC safe. As this is a pre-installed program, you don’t need to download Windows Defender setup and install it on your Windows machine. As soon as you will boot up your Windows 10 operating system for the first time, you will be able to use this real-time antivirus protection software for free.
Windows Defender Antivirus for Windows 10 delivers very comprehensive, on-going and real-time protection against malicious software threats like viruses, malware and spyware across email, apps, the cloud and the web.
Windows Defender Antivirus Comprehensive protection for your system.
Some of the most convenient thing about Windows Defender Antivirus is that you don’t have to install anything, it offers cloud-delivered protection, it uses real-time protection to scan everything you download or run on your PC, also protects your computer and network from ransomware attacks, and provides easy access to managing your children’s online experiences and the devices in your household.
On Windows 10 PC, Windows Update downloads latest updates for Windows Defender automatically to help keep your PC safe and protect it from threats.
Microsoft Windows Defender provides almost all the useful and basic antivirus protection but it lacks when it comes to protecting non-Microsoft browsers from malwares. Unlike another free antivirus for laptopWindows 10 or desktop computer, you won’t get additional virus protection features in Windows Defender.
If you don’t want to install any other third party antivirus on your Windows 10 computer and want to keep your PC safe with trusted antivirus protection then it’s a good idea to keep using Windows Defender Antivirus.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free is a complete protection tool which is going to help you out in cleaning the malware which is present on your computer. It is not exactly an antivirus program, but if there is malware present on your computer, this tool is going to help you in getting rid of that malware and getting your system back the normal state.
Malwarebytes for Windows 10 is capable of detecting and removing malware and viruses which your antivirus will miss. It will effectively protect you against malware, ransomware, and other advanced online threats that have made antivirus obsolete and ineffective.
Malwarebytes Free Anti-Malware & Malware Removal
You can use this free anti-malware and malware removal tool with any antivirus software which is already installed on your machine as it doesn’t interfere with any Windows 10 virus protection program. You can download Malwarebytes for free on any Windows operating system.
In short, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free is packed with multiple layers of malware-crushing tech having smarter detection and specialization in ransomware protection. Malwarebytes Anti-malware and malware removal software is recommended by the cybersecurity computer professionals.
360 Total Security
If you are looking for a very simple yet powerful virus protection program then you can try out 360 Total Security which provides you the option to optimize your system and make it safe from attacks and hackers at the same time.
Antivirus and Anti-malware protection, Anti-Ransomware, Multiple-Engine Protection, Sandbox, Secure online shopping, Privacy Protection, Internet Protection, System Protection, Patch Up, Wifi Security Check, Junk Clean up, Speed Up, and Network Performance Optimization are some of the most valuable features which you get with 360 Total Security.
360 Total Security Download Free Antivirus Protection Virus Scan & Removal
Using Cloud Technology, 360 Total Security takes advantage of the real-time detection and detects new ransomware variants within minutes. Using the intelligent blocking mechanism, it monitors and identifies the document hijacking of your system.
You can also keep your documents safe by using document protector. This feature will back up all your documents automatically ensuring no one can tamper them.
In simple words, you can easily speed up your system by optimizing it, clean up all the unnecessary files and also protect it from hackers using 360 Total Security free antivirus and system optimization software for Windows 10 PC.
Comodo Antivirus for Windows 10
Next up is Comodo Antivirus making to our free antivirus software list. This is one of the most compatible and complete virus protection software for Windows 10 operating system which you will get on the market right now.
Comodo Antivirus for Windows 10 free download offers a multi-layered level of threat protection to keep your system stay away from problems. Some most valuable specialties of this top antivirus for Windows 10 computer are:
- Identifies suspicious files with instant malware removal
- Proactive defense mechanism against any kind of malware
- Reliable to assure an efficient system performance
- Quick and instant Cloud-based scanning
- Instant updates on the new and up-to-date virus definitions
- User-friendly Interface and Real-time protection
- Automatic scanning of files, as and when downloaded from the internet
- Provides security while connected over the internet
These are some of the outstanding features that make Comodo Antivirus for Windows 10 unique from the other antivirus solutions available to protect Windows 10 computers.
Comodo Antivirus for Windows 10 Complete Free Protection for Windows 10
This antivirus program will automatically quarantine the unknown files it detects and will also execute them in the isolated environment which won’t allow it to interfere with the normal operations which are going in your organization.
Comodo antivirus is not only available for Windows 10 PC, but it’s also perfectly compatible with Windows XP, Vista, 7, and Windows 8 operating systems for free.
Adaware Free Antivirus
Developed by Lavasoft, Adaware is a free antivirus for PC which you can use on Windows 10 operating system. Just like other antivirus programs which we have mentioned above in this list, you are going to get real-time protection from viruses, spyware and other malicious data types with the help of Adaware free antivirus.
The Adaware Antivirus for Windows 10 safeguards your computer from online threats, so you can completely focus on the things that really matter to you. Real-time protection, on-demand scanner, and active virus control are some of the most well-known features of this free antivirus for Windows 10 PC.
Adaware Antivirus Download The Best Free Antivirus
One of the best features which we liked about this free antivirus program is that it runs silently in the background and doesn’t interfere with any processes which the user is undergoing.
If you are looking for an easy to use Windows 10 virus protection software that doesn’t need attention and also works flawlessly then Adaware antivirus is the tool you need to go with. The latest version of Adaware antivirus software is available for Windows 10, Windows 8, 8.1, and Windows 7 operating system.
Top 4 Best Antivirus for Windows 10 to Use in 2019
In the above paragraphs of this article, we have listed and explained some of the most popular anti-malware software and free antivirus software for Windows 10 computers.
Now it’s time to check out some of the most widely used virus protection programs and best antivirus for Windows 10 PC with premium features which you can use in 2019. All these antivirus programs are tested and work flawlessly on Windows 10 machines.
BullGuard Antivirus Software
The advanced features and functions which you will get in this Windows 10 antivirus software make it stand ahead from the crowd. BullGuard Antivirus 2019 is the next-gen anti-malware and antivirus protection software that protects your Windows PC (as well as MAC and Android devices) against malware, spyware, and ransomware.
It provides an extremely powerful layered protection against all types of malware such as phishing attempts and trojans designed to steal your banking data or other important files.
BullGuard Antivirus 2019 Best Antivirus Software for Windows 10
Vulnerability scanner feature keeps you safe by blocking all the access points that hackers can choose to exploit. It will automatically alert you to the missing security updates too. Addition to these things, it also prevents all the applications that could contain malware from downloading automatically and also checks applications and drivers which have valid digital signatures.
BullGuard antivirus program comes with gaming mode which will optimize all the processes running on your computer and will ensure that you are getting maximum efficiency with hardware incorporated into your system.
Smart Sense will automatically detect the problem and will ensure that it doesn’t hamper the functioning of your system. BullGuard free antivirus for PC has received maximum customer rating due to prompt customer service. You also get support for dealing with Trojans, rootkits, and spyware.
Download BullGuard Antivirus 2019 for Windows 10 computer and enjoy multiple layers of protection to keep you safe and your device running smoothly.
Kaspersky Anti-virus 2019
Kaspersky Anti-Virus is the next tool which makes to our list of best antivirus for Windows 10 in 2019. Kaspersky Antivirus doesn’t need any introduction because it is one of the top popular antivirus protection programs for any PC. And whenever it comes to the matter of simple and effective protection for your computer without slowing it down then Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2019 is the most recommended product.
Antivirus scan of files, software, and websites, аnti-phishing, protection against ransomware, control over internet traffic, vulnerability search, free automatic updates and upgrades to the latest version are some of its highlighted features.
Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2019 Simple and effective protection for your computer
Kaspersky has both Kaspersky Total Security and Kaspersky Internet Security 2019 which are the latest antivirus software versions available for Windows 10 machines. The user-friendly interface of this antivirus program will help you in accessing all the features and maintain the integrity of your system.
You can easily create a backup of all the data which is present on your system and even restore it later which means that you don’t need any other backup and recovery tool. Parental Control option will help parents in ensuring that their children don’t access sensitive data across the internet.
There is only one disadvantage of this antivirus program and that is it is available in limited countries which are Malaysia, Australia, and the United States. However, the company will launch its antivirus programs globally in September 2019.
Norton Antivirus 2019
Norton Antivirus by Symantec Corporation is the leader when it comes to virus protection on Windows computers. Norton Antivirus 2019 comes with powerful security and affordable price which helps in defending against ransomware, viruses, spyware, malware and other online threats.
Its advanced security feature helps you in protecting your private and financial information whenever you go online.
Norton security programs are available for quite a while for Windows machines. The latest antivirus suite comes in four variants which are Basic, Standard, Deluxe, and Premium. The difference in these variants is the number of devices which we can use with each package available.
Norton AntiVirus – Virus Protection Powerful security. Simply affordable.
There are many new features introduced in Norton Antivirus 2019 with some being Pulse updates, Rootkit protection, Norton Download Insight, Vulnerability Protection, SONAR behavioral protection and much more.
Unlike other antivirus programs which are launched by Symantec, Norton Antivirus 2019 consumes very fewer resources which ensure that less memory is used by the system. This ensures that there is no performance loss on the system and all the processes run the way they are supposed to run.
This antivirus tool will automatically disable all the unnecessary programs which are leading to slow startup of your machine.
The Standard and Deluxe platforms of Norton Antivirus also come with some amazing features such as locating and deleting unnecessary files, hard drive fragmentation, tuning of PC and protecting all your files over the Wireless network. You also get 25 GB of online secure cloud storage by Norton which you can use to secure all your files.
From the moment you subscribe to Norton antivirus for Windows 10 PC, a Norton expert is available to help keep your device virus-free or give you a refund.
ESET NOD32 Antivirus
ESET NOD32 Antivirus is also a very beneficial antivirus for Windows 10 operating system which protects you against all types of malware, viruses, ransomware, rootkits, worms, and spyware. It is specifically designed to protect your internet world.
Windows 10 Antivirus
Just like Norton, ESET has also launched different packages under Antivirus series. You get ESET Smart Security Premium, ESET Internet Security, and ESET NOD32 Antivirus which has an improved multi-layered security system.
ESET NOD32 Antivirus Legendary Antivirus for Windows
A new feature to consider in ESET NOD32 Antivirus is Unified Extensible Firmware Interface or UEFI Scanner which checks for any malware which is present on your system. The Connected Home Monitor Feature has also received an update which brings scanning for smart devices connected to your network.
The new License Manager will show you when your antivirus program is going to expire. You must download ESET NOD32 Antivirus for Windows 10 PC to benefit from the most effective protection which you can find to combat today’s tremendous volumes of Internet and email threats.
Conclusion
You need an effective Windows 10 virus protection software to keep your computer safe from viruses and malware attacks, and you should always choose them smartly. So, this was our list of top 14 best free antivirus software for Windows 10 to use in 2019.
Although, we know that there are plenty of other real-time protection software and free antivirus programs available in the market for Windows operating system, but these above listed Microsoft Windows 10 antivirus softwareare the most widely used antivirus solution all across the world which you can try on your computer too.
Do let us know using the comments section below – Which free antivirus software for Windows 10 are you using on your computer? According to you, which free antivirus for PC you should consider to use if you are using Windows 10 operating system?
If you found this list of the best antivirus for Windows 10 free download 2019 useful for you then feel free to share it with your family and friends on social media networks.
You might also like:Top 10 Best Free Antivirus for Android Phones and Tablets
BestAntivirus Software for Windows 10Windows Central2019
Using live malware samples, we tested and evaluated 20 antivirus programs. McAfee Total Protection is the best antivirus software for PCs running Windows 10 because of how well it stops threats before you're infected, the minimal amount of system resources it uses while running and the number of extra protections included with this program.
Best Overall: McAfee Total Protection
For many years McAfee ranked near the bottom for cybersecurity. It caused computers to drag and lots of malware to sneak through. However, since cutting ties with Intel in 2017, McAfee has worked hard to become more secure while using fewer computer resources, and it has paid off. In the last two years, security test labs, have seen McAfee become one of the best in malware detection and protection. This year we can clearly see it earns the top spot.
On top of earning a perfect 100 percent in both protection and performance - which looks at how much slowdown it causes on your computer - McAfee has a long list of advanced security tools. This list includes a firewall that keeps hackers, snoops and identity thieves from sneaking in through your network and boots off anyone trying to steal or piggyback on your internet connection. Its PC Boost scans your entire system for any vulnerabilities. It looks for outdated software programs and helps you bring them up to date, which makes it harder for ransomware to attack. It encrypts and saves your files to McAfee's online backup storage. Its robust parental controls allow you to manage when and how long children can be online and what they have access to while there. Last, but not least, McAfee's webcam monitoring makes sure no person or software accesses your computer's video camera without your permission.
Because of the sheer number of features included with McAfee Total Protection, it becomes a little overwhelming to find some of them on the dashboard. It took us a couple of hours of consistent use to become familiar enough to re-find what we needed on later occasions. Even then a few of them weren't as intuitively placed as we'd like, so it took a few tries to find them. Since most tools are already set up and enabled, there wasn't a lot that we needed to do to feel fully protected by McAfee Total Protection.
Pros:
- Perfect malware protection
- Doesn't drain resources
- Webcam monitoring
- Personal firewall
- Parental controls
Best Overall
McAfee Total Protection
Number one pick for PC protection.
McAfee earned perfect scores for both malware protection and for the limited amount of resources it uses while running. It comes with a personal firewall, password managers, safe banking tools, and parental controls. Plus, McAfee guarantees to help remove threats and restore your computer if it does become infected.
Best Value: Bitdefender Antivirus Plus 2020
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus provides fantastic protection against system-crippling viruses and other annoying malware, and for the price, Bitdefender is the best. Where other antivirus programs give you a single user license, Bitdefender gives you three to protect multiple PCs at once. It also includes several advanced protection tools that basic antivirus programs typically don't have, including a VPN, safe banking tools and a password manager.
During our tests of the best antivirus software, Bitdefender consistently stopped threats before they had a chance to start the download process, including ransomware, Trojans, and rootkits. When we attempted to visit a website that harbored malicious links and files, Bitdefender usually blocked them and displayed a warning message about what was lurking there. It did an excellent job of blocking phishing schemes, including those designed to look like social media and banking login pages. A couple of threats Bitdefender wasn't sure were completely dangerous, but instead of letting them go free, the files were placed in the quarantine folder. This folder allowed us to look at them first before allowing Bitdefender to take care of them. When Bitdefender stops a threat, it scrubs your system to make sure it is clean. It then permanently removes the malware in a way that it can't escape and re-infect your computer.
Virus and system scans take a bit longer than other antivirus solutions. Most antivirus programs take about five minutes to perform a quick scan and 20 for deep scans. Bitdefender took twice as long. However, Bitdefender doesn't use a lot of system resources, so you can still work and play online without noticing any slowdown. I was able to upload and download files, send email messages, watch videos, and play online games while Bitdefender scanned our computers. I didn't experience any slowdown or interruption from the program.
Pros:
- Real-time protection
- Extra security tools
- Multiple user licenses
Best Value
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus 2020
Excellent protection at a great price
This antivirus monitors your computer in real-time to stop malicious files before they have a chance to start downloading. It consistently scores high for malware protections and includes three user licenses at a price point where other programs charge for one.
Social Media Protection: VIPRE Advanced Security
VIPRE Advanced Security is one of my favorite antivirus programs because of how easy it is to use. Its minimal use of computer resources and how quickly it stops malware from infecting computers were also strong reasons to recommend it. In my tests of the best antivirus for Windows 10, VIPRE stopped all malware downloads before they had a chance to infect my computers. While it was doing that, it ran so quickly and lightly I could hardly tell an antivirus program was installed. Safe browsing is enabled from the VIPRE dashboard instead of requiring you to install and activate browser extensions. VIPRE also scans your Facebook timeline and lets you know if anyone has posed a malicious link or is trying to break into your account.
This program has a few extra security tools, including a firewall, a tool not many basic antivirus programs include but an important one to have. It monitors email messages and blocks and links or downloads sent in them. If you are sent suspicious messages, like phishing schemes, VIPRE sends a copy of the message to its quarantine folder. Here you can open and read messages in a secure space without worrying about anything dangerous being let out.
The biggest complaint is VIPRE has a bit of a learning curve. Even though its dashboard isn't cluttered, and it is a basic antivirus program, come of the file and features take a bit to locate. We had to relearn where some of the tools were - usually found by scrolling down further. After a day or two, we got the hang of it.
Pros:
- 99 percent protection score
- No computer slowdown
- Includes firewall
- Quarantines email messages
Social Media Protection
VIPRE Advanced Security
Scans Facebook accounts for malicious links.
VIPRE doesn't cause computer slowdown as it protects you from malware threats. It has a firewall and quarantines email messages so you can read them without worrying about threats downloading from them.
Free Security: Avast Free Antivirus
For a free program, Avast Antivirus does an excellent job. In our test of the best antivirus software, I saw Avast stop 98 percent of all threats. It did have trouble blocking a few phishing schemes, but Trojans, rootkits and ransomware were all easily stopped. Avast stops malware files as they are downloading, and before they have a chance to infect your computer. And if you try to access a dangerous website, including most phishing schemes, Avast displays a warning message and has a popup warning, too.
One impressive quality of this free program is the amount of extra security tools that come along with it. It includes a VPN and password managers. We were particularly impressed with the deep system scanner that looks for all types of vulnerabilities on your computer, like loopholes in your browsers and outdated drivers and software. These are weak spots where ransomware and hackers tend to sneak in, so we're always impressed when an antivirus solution includes them. Avast doesn't have a firewall, but its Wi-Fi monitoring tool watches out for anyone trying to steal, or piggyback on your internet connection.
Because it is a free program, you will see a lot of pop-up ads asking you to upgrade your subscription. The Avast Antivirus dashboard lists all the tools available from Avast, but clearly marks those you cannot access unless you pay for them. These include a personal firewall, data shredder, and webcam monitoring. Also, we found Avast Free Antivirus uses up a lot of computer resources that resulted in test computers running noticeably slower.
Pros:
- Free virus protection
- Wi-Fi monitoring
- Password managers
- Passive mode
Cons:
- Lots of popup ads
- Creates a little slowdown
- No firewall
Free Security
Avast Free Antivirus
The best option for free protection.
If you are on a budget and don't mind being inundated with ads, Avast is our top pick for free antivirus. It stops threats in real-time, includes a password manager and keeps a close eye on your Wi-Fi connection for anyone attempting to steal or piggyback on your service.
Resource Friendly: Kaspersky Anti-Virus
We could tell from the beginning that Kaspersky is a very light program. We didn't need to wait long for the program to set up and be ready to use. While it was performing deep scans, we were able to use our computers without experiencing any slowdown. Kaspersky Anti-Virus is a very basic program without a lot of extra security tools, but even its more advanced applications, like Kaspersky Internet Security or Total Security that have several more tools that still don't cause computer drag.
One of the features we like about Kaspersky Anti-Virus is its virtual keyboard. This digital keyboard pops up in the web browser and lets you 'type' without worrying about keyloggers or other internet snoops seeing what you are entering. This is ideal for shielding usernames and passwords as you log into online accounts. It also a good security measure when entering in bank account or credit card information while shopping online.
The biggest downfall of Kaspersky Anti-Virus is the black eye it received in 2017 when Kaspersky was accused of using its computer protection programs to gather classified information from government computers and filter that information to the Russian government. The U.S. government has since required Kaspersky removed from all its agencies' networks and has asked its workers not to use it on personal devices, especially if they do any work from home. Kaspersky's official statement claims, 'As a private company, Kaspersky Lab has no ties to any government, and the company has never helped, nor will help, any government in the world with its cyberespionage efforts.' Germany's BSI found no evidence that Russian hackers used Kaspersky, and the U.S. Government never placed sanctions against Kaspersky that would have banned its use entirely in the United States, even among private users. In short, we haven't seen any evidence that suggests Kaspersky isn't safe enough for consumer use.
Pros:
- Uses minimal resources
- Safe browsing
- Virtual keyboard
Cons:
- Lacks advanced tools
- Not recommended for government workers
Resource Friendly
Kaspersky Anti-Virus
Excellent protection without the slowdown.
Kaspersky is a top-notch security program that stops malware before it downloads and doesn't use up a lot of system resources while running. It includes a virtual keyboard to shield anything you type online from keyloggers and trackers
Virus Free Guarantee: Norton AntiVirus Plus
Norton AntiVirus Plus comes with a few extra features that aren't commonly included with basic antivirus programs, including a firewall and a password manager. Both are essential tools, beyond stopping malicious downloads, for keeping your entire computer safe and protecting your online identity. The firewall monitors your internet connection to make sure nothing is sneaking in, or sensitive information is accidentally being sent out. This is an excellent way to stop hackers and some ransomware threats. The password manager helps you create and save complicated passwords for logging into online accounts. This makes it more difficult for trackers and internet snoops to swipe your login credentials, but also lets you create passwords that are difficult to hack without requiring you to memorize them.
Another great feature of Norton AntiVirus Plus is access to 2GB of online storage. This is a great way to save sensitive documents and files in case your computer becomes infected with ransomware and to hide essential data from hackers. It's also helpful when restoring your computer after a system crash or virus attack.
In our tests of Norton AntiVirus Plus, it stopped most malware files we attempted to download. We did notice a couple of threats we were told were stopped had still downloaded completely. Norton AntiVirus found these threats during a deep scan and took care of them. It was a bit disheartening that a couple of threats got through but also encouraging that Norton was still able to recognize and clear them at some point. It is also comforting to know that if our computers had become infected to the point that the threats couldn't be removed that Norton's virus-free guarantee would have given us access to its experts to help clean and restore our systems.
Cons:
- Slows down computer
- Expensive
Virus Free Guarantee
Norton Antivirus Plus
Guaranteed to block malware or your money back.
Norton's advanced antivirus solutions come with a 100 percent virus-free guarantee. If your system becomes infected, Norton will remove the threat and restore your computer, or give you a refund. Even without the guarantee, Norton does a decent job stopping most internet threats in the first place.
Perfect Protection: Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security
Trend Micro is impressively good at stopping malware threats. In our tests, Trend Micro was only one of two antivirus programs that successfully prevent every single one of the over 350 malware samples used. And it didn't wait until after the file was downloaded entirely before snatching the threat. Instead, it stopped malware during the download process, so there was no chance of our computers becoming infected. Trend Micro also prevented us from accessing phishing schemes and other dangerous websites known to harbor malicious links by displaying a warning message with some information about what was being stopped. This is done by using web reputation technology that looks for signs of a fake site and quickly marks it as dangerous.
This antivirus program includes Pay Guard, a tool specifically designed to shield your online banking and shopping transactions so personal, account, financial and other sensitive information isn't tracked or stolen. Pay Guard lets you store credit card numbers and bank accounts in it, so you don't have to pull out your credit card every time you shop online, much like a password manager stores passwords, so you don't have to remember them. However, Pay Guard has a lot more protects to keep your information more secure from being stolen.
As impressed as we are of Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security, it did create a noticeable slowdown on our computers while installed and created a lot of lag while running virus scans. It was frustrating trying to download or upload files or even navigate the web because our mouse couldn't keep up with our movements. In between scans, the lag wasn't as bad, but it did take websites longer to load and apps more time to open.
Pros:
Windows 10 Antivirus Microsoft
- Perfect protection score
- Web reputation technology
- Pay Guard
Perfect Protection
Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security
Perfect score for malware protection.
This program uses web reputation technology to stop malware before it infects your PC. It's also very effective at blocking phishing schemes, and dangerous websites know to harbor malware. Trend Micro is one of the few program tests that earned a perfect protection score.
Fast Protection: Webroot AntiVirus
Webroot AntiVirus is impressively fast when stopping threats. Downloads were stopped and websites blocked before we had a chance to blink. And where other antivirus programs took an average of five minutes to perform deep virus scans, Webroot took under a minute. During tests using live malware, Webroot stopped 98 percent of these threats, which is above average for most antivirus programs. And Webroot didn't create any lag or drag on our computer while either installed or while scanning.
We were impressed to see Webroot AntiVirus includes a personal firewall, a tool that is incredibly important for the overall security of your computer, but not often included with bare-boned antivirus programs. This firewall watches your internet connection to make sure hackers, ransomware, or other snoops aren't trying to sneak in through your Wi-Fi. It also makes sure sensitive information from your system isn't leaving through this connection without your permission. Webroot's firewall also ensures no one is trying to steal or piggyback on your internet, which would cause your connection to run slower or use up monthly data use quotas quicker.
As great as Webroot is, we did find it a little challenging to navigate through the user dashboard. There is a lot of text, and not all of the text is links. Several tools are found by clicking on a link that then expands. And even then, a few tools redirect you to the Webroot webpage where you are taken step-by-step through the process of enabling them. Some tools can't be used from the main landing page; instead, you need to find the setting icon and click through to more links and tools. Webroot does offer other computer security programs that have more tools available to them. These are still listed on your dashboard but clicking them won't give you access to use them until you pay for them.
Pros:
- Stops threats fast
- Non-invasive
- Firewall included
Fast Protection
Webroot AntiVirus
Stops attacks in a blink of an eye.
This antivirus solution is a little tricky to navigate, but it quickly stops 99 percent of malware without causing lag to your computer. It includes a firewall and tools that protect against identity theft.
Windows 10 Antivirus Compatibility
Bottom line
Windows Defender is pretty good at stopping a lot of threats from infecting your computer, but in both our own and in other third-party lab tests, results show it isn't foolproof. We strongly recommend installing an extra pair of eyes to help stop malicious downloads before they get the chance to attack your system. We like McAfee Total Protection because of how quickly and efficiently it stops malware, the small footprint it leaves on your system, the number of extra included security tools and the overall value of the program.
If you don't need the bells and whistles of a full internet security suite, we suggest using VIPRE Advanced Security. This antivirus program doesn't use a lot of your computer's resources so that you won't experience a slowdown, plus it does an excellent job stopping malicious downloads. Though it's a basic program, VIPRE still includes a personal firewall and vulnerability scanner, two advanced tools we personally feel are essential in addition to malware protection.
Updated July 30, 2019: We refreshed this list to ensure you're still getting the absolute best options when it comes to your PC's antivirus.
Credits — The team that worked on this guide
Nicole Johnston is a staff writer for Windows Central covering internet security and privacy programs. She has a keen eye for pinpointing good solutions that comes from over 12 years of research and writing experience in both the public and private sector, including six years testing and reviewing consumer products and four evaluating antivirus software, parental controls, and identity theft services.
Cale Hunt is a staff writer at Windows Central. He focuses mainly on PC, laptop, and accessory coverage, as well as the emerging world of VR. He is an avid PC gamer and multi-platform user, and spends most of his time either tinkering with or writing about tech.
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.
USB-C meWindows 10 Antivirus Free Download
Jez Corden's essential Razer Blade 15 accessories
Windows 10 Antivirus Vs Norton
Razer Blade 15 brings all the power that my Surface Book 2 didn't, along with some nifty USB-C-enabled accessories.