Best Nrton System Worls Free Download

Katarina Glamoslija Katarina Glamoslija
Updated on: February 1, 2022
6 Best (REALLY FREE) Antivirus Software for Windows [2022]

Short on fourth dimension? Here's the all-time free Windows antivirus for 2022:

  • 🥇 Avira: Excellent free antivirus protection that includes real-time malware scanning, a prophylactic shopping extension, a privacy + performance optimizer, and a free VPN.
    • Download Avira Free Security for Windows here.

I tested every free antivirus I could notice against thousands of old and new Windows malware files. Running virtual environments for various PC operating systems from Windows 7 – Windows 10, I non only looked at each antivirus'south malware protection capabilities, but also its user interface and its reputation for safeguarding user privacy. This wasn't an easy job, and I learned that there are but a few free antiviruses out there that offer decent protection for Windows computers.

Only there are too some really adept free antivirus programs that offer improvements over Windows's built-in protections. I was ultimately able to find 6 complimentary downloads that each offer free virus protection alongside a decent ready of free internet security tools.

That said, every free antivirus is going to include a few frustrating limitations. That's why I always recommend investing a little bit every month into premium antivirus software that includes protection against all types of malware — with extra features similar a VPN, password manager, parental controls, and dark spider web monitoring (Norton 360 has all of these features, is ranked as the best antivirus software for 2022, and is very affordable).

I tested and ranked each free antivirus listed here for malware detection, ease of utilise, and boosted cybersecurity features. Unfortunately, no free antivirus includes all of the features yous need for complete protection, but it's meliorate to protect yourself with the all-time free antivirus than no antivirus at all!

Quick summary of the best free Windows antiviruses for 2022:

  • ane.🥇 Avira — Best overall free antivirus for Windows in 2022.
  • two.🥈 Panda — Stiff virus protection with proficient additional features (like a gaming mode).
  • 3.🥉 TotalAV — Unproblematic free antivirus with an intuitive interface (recommended for beginners).
  • 4. Kaspersky — Free extras like a VPN, dark web monitoring, and a password manager.
  • 5. Malwarebytes — Minimalistic antivirus with on-need scanning.
  • six. Sophos — Expert existent-time scanning with remote access for 3 PCs.
  • Bonus. Norton — Best Windows antivirus on the market (with a 60-day money-dorsum guarantee).
  • Comparing of the Best Free Antiviruses for Windows in 2022.
  • Yep, Y'all Already Have a Gratis Antivirus on Your PC, But It Isn't Good Plenty.
  • Free Antivirus vs. Paid Antivirus.
  • How to Choose the Best Free Windows Antivirus for Your Needs.
  • Tiptop Brands That Didn't Make the Cut.
  • Frequently Asked Questions most Free Antiviruses for Windows.

UPDATE (2022): 1 of the elevation antivirus providers, Norton, recently removed its costless package, but I've kept it on this list as a paid alternative considering it really is one of the best internet security providers out there. If you don't desire to bargain with the hassles of a free antivirus, a depression-cost premium antivirus like Norton 360 is e'er a good choice. (Read the full Norton 360 review hither.)

🥇i. Avira Costless Security for Windows — Best Free Antivirus in 2022

🥇1. <a href="https://www.safetydetectives.com/go/vendor/free-windows/191/?post_id=320&alooma_btn_name=Affiliate+Link+-+349981" title="Avira" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-btn-name="Affiliate Link - 349981" data-btn-indexed="1">Avira Free Security for Windows</a> — Best Free Antivirus in 2022

Avira Free Security for Windows is my favorite free Windows antivirus in 2022 — it has ane of the all-time anti-malware engines on the market, includes more free features than any other competitor, and is really easy to utilize.

Avira'south virus scanner operates in the cloud — then its detection and analysis don't actually take identify on your PC — making Avira extremely fast, lightweight, and low on system resources. During my testing, Avira's anti-malware engine detected all of the malware files I previously downloaded to my computer, and I was able to run CPU-intensive programs during scans with well-nigh nada slowdown.

Avira's free antivirus too comes with some excellent extra features, such as:

  • Condom Shopping browser extension.
  • Privacy & operation optimizer.
  • VPN (500 MB monthly limit).
  • Password director.
  • Game booster.
  • Firewall.
  • File shredder.
  • And more…

The Safe Shopping browser extension for Firefox and Chrome is actually practiced — information technology blocks suspicious phishing sites, web trackers, and unwanted advertisements. The extension also automatically recommends links to better deals when shopping online. I was actually able to find a lot of expert deals, but information technology didn't work 100% of the time (however pretty good though!).

I'm too a large fan of Avira's privacy and performance optimization tools — they cleaned out my cookies and junk files, and too stock-still hidden privacy settings that were leaking personal data on the web.

That said, I think the VPN that comes with Avira's free antivirus is non that adept. Information technology's limited to just 500 MB per month, which is barely enough to lookout a couple of actually short videos, and it simply lets you connect to 1 server location.

If you want a fast and reliable VPN with unlimited information, multi-device support, and advanced organisation optimization tools, you should consider upgrading to Avira Prime number , which costs SGD81.26 / yr — it's a scrap pricier than some competitors, simply it's one of the best antivirus suites of 2022.

Lesser Line:

Avira'due south cloud-based, free virus scanning engine is one of the best on the market — information technology's lightweight, fast, has perfect detection rates, and is 100% free. I'm also a large fan of Avira's Safe Shopping browser extension and privacy optimizer, both of which offer significant improvement over Microsoft'due south built-in protections. To get more than advanced internet security protection, you'll demand to upgrade to one of Avira'due south paid plans, which commencement at SGD62.29 / yr — but in terms of free Windows antiviruses, it doesn't become better than Avira.

Download Avira Free Now

Read the full Avira review hither >

🥈two. Panda Gratis Antivirus for Windows — Skilful Virus Protection with Decent Extras

🥈2. <a href="https://www.safetydetectives.com/go/vendor/free-windows/206/?post_id=320&alooma_btn_name=Affiliate+Link+-+349985" title="Panda" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-btn-name="Affiliate Link - 349985" data-btn-indexed="1">Panda Free Antivirus for Windows</a> — Good Virus Protection with Decent Extras

Panda Free Antivirus for Windows is lightweight, secure, and easy to utilize — during my tests, Panda'due south antivirus scanner detected significantly more than adware, spyware, and ransomware files than Windows Defender. Panda'southward real-time protection also performed really well, blocking most of the malware files I tried downloading to my PC.

I also similar that Panda has a gaming manner in its free antivirus — whenever you lot're playing a game or watching a video in full screen, Panda automatically suspends notifications.

Another thing that makes Panda a good choice for Windows users is the Rescue Kit feature, which allows you lot to download a bootable version of Panda to a USB drive and then use the USB bulldoze to clean an infected PC and go it upwardly and running again.

Panda's free antivirus likewise comes with a secure VPN. It provides fast connectedness speeds, but it only lets yous connect to 1 server and has a data limit of 150 MB per day — this is a big improvement over Avira'due south 500 MB per month, but information technology's withal non nearly enough data for streaming or file sharing. If you lot're interested in unlimited streaming or torrenting, you'll need a better VPN (check out our list of the best antiviruses with VPNs here).

You tin just get unlimited VPN data (and access to select various worldwide servers) on the Panda Dome Premium program, which also offers extra features like a firewall, anti-ransomware protection, anti-phishing protection, avant-garde system tune-up tools, a password manager, and parental controls, for SGD90.74 / year. All of Panda's premium plans come with a 30-solar day coin-dorsum guarantee.

Bottom Line:

Panda'south free antivirus is a good, easy-to-use antivirus, offering 100% free real-time malware protection. With lightweight malware scanning, an automatic gaming mode, a Rescue Kit, and a VPN, Panda is an fantabulous free cyberspace security product. However, the VPN is limited to 150 MB per mean solar day on a single server. If you desire unlimited VPN access — and other extras like a firewall, anti-phishing, password manager, and parental controls — you'll need to upgrade. Panda offers four unlike pricing tiers for paid users, which offset at SGD38.59 / twelvemonth, then it's easy to discover the correct programme for you — or you can just give Panda Gratuitous a effort and upgrade after.

Download Panda Free Now

Read the full Panda review hither >

🥉three. TotalAV Costless Antivirus — Most Intuitive Costless Antivirus

🥉3. <a href="https://www.safetydetectives.com/go/vendor/free/318/?post_id=320&alooma_btn_name=Affiliate+Link+-+838153" title="TotalAV" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-btn-name="Affiliate Link - 838153" data-btn-indexed="1">TotalAV Free Antivirus</a> — Most Intuitive Free Antivirus

TotalAV Free Antivirus provides excellent virus and phishing protection — during my tests, TotalAV's cloud-based malware scanner detected and removed more malware samples than most antivirus programs, successfully identifying even very tricky ransomware and cryptojacking files.

TotalAV's phishing protection is besides very skilful. It uses a huge blacklist to identify known phishing sites as well as an AI-powered phishing detection system to detect new threats. In my testing, the anti-phishing tool scored a near-perfect detection rate, stopping me from entering more than malicious sites than Chrome'south native phishing tool.

TotalAV is as well the most intuitive free Windows antivirus on this list, with easy-to-use and easy-to-understand features and functions within a minimalistic, well-designed dashboard. I had no problems navigating TotalAV's dashboard, and I plant it very simple to access and use all of the provided tools.

That said, unlike Avira, TotalAV's free programme for Windows doesn't come with a lot of protections. The biggest drawback of TotalAV Free Antivirus is that it doesn't accept real-time protection, meaning you won't go notified in case a malicious file attempts to make changes to your PC in real time.

Upgrading to one of TotalAV's premium plans brings you real-time malware protection besides as useful extras similar device optimization tools, a VPN with unlimited data, a password manager, and more. TotalAV's paid plans start at SGD25.74 / year, and they're all backed by a risk-free money-back guarantee for xxx days.

Bottom Line:

TotalAV's complimentary Windows antivirus is excellent at removing malware and blocking phishing sites. It's also one of the virtually intuitive antivirus programs on the market place, which makes information technology an ideal choice for beginners. However, TotalAV Free doesn't come with existent-time protection and it doesn't include any extra features. To go real-time scanning, PC optimization tools, and a VPN with no limitations, you lot'll demand to upgrade to i of TotalAV's low-cost premium plans, which start at SGD25.74 / year.

Download TotalAV Free Now

Read the total TotalAV review here >

4. Kaspersky Security Cloud (Free) — Good Range of Free Features

4. <a href="https://www.safetydetectives.com/go/vendor/free/202/?post_id=320&alooma_btn_name=Affiliate+Link+-+27528" title="Kaspersky" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-btn-name="Affiliate Link - 27528" data-btn-indexed="1">Kaspersky Security Cloud (Free)</a> — Good Range of Free Features

Kaspersky Security Cloud — Free is good at detecting and removing malware, and it also comes with plenty of extras — including:

  • VPN (200 MB daily limit).
  • Countersign manager (15 entries limit).
  • Data breach monitoring (only 1 business relationship).
  • Basic system cleanup tools.
  • File shredder.
  • Virtual keyboard.

Kaspersky's free antivirus provides adept existent-time malware protection, but its boosted features are very limited.

Kaspersky's VPN provides admission to i server location and 200 MB per day — more daily data than Panda or Avira — but still not plenty for streaming or other data-heavy tasks.

And Kaspersky's gratis countersign manager merely saves a total of 15 entries — this includes both logins and sensitive documents (like credit cards or passport details). I can't say I'm likewise impressed with Kaspersky'due south information breach monitoring either — free users can but check the email associated with their Kaspersky account (and they have to do it manually, unlike paid customers who go automated information breach checks).

If you similar Kaspersky's interface and you want access to its unlimited VPN, password director, parental controls, and web protections, and so you lot'll have to upgrade to ane of Kaspersky's paid plans, which commencement at SGD40.62 / yr. All Kaspersky purchases include a 30-twenty-four hour period money-back guarantee.

Lesser Line:

Kaspersky's costless antivirus comes with a proficient malware scanner and a ton of boosted features, but most of them are very limited in functionality. Kaspersky's VPN has a daily cap of 200 MB, the password manager lets y'all store up to fifteen logins and credit cards, and the data breach monitoring only checks 1 e-mail accost. Upgrading to one of Kaspersky'southward paid plans gets you all of these features without any limitations, plus extras like parental controls, advanced spider web protections, and more.

Download Kaspersky Free At present

Read the full Kaspersky review here >

5. Malwarebytes Gratis — Minimalistic Virus Scanner

5. <a href="https://www.safetydetectives.com/go/vendor/free-windows/394/?post_id=320&alooma_btn_name=Affiliate+Link+-+838159" title="Malwarebytes" rel="sponsored noopener" target="_blank" data-btn-name="Affiliate Link - 838159" data-btn-indexed="1">Malwarebytes Free</a> — Minimalistic Virus Scanner

Malwarebytes Free is a adept choice for users looking for a elementary antivirus scanner that they can install and forget near. Malwarebytes'due south virus scanner uses a virus database as well as heuristics to catch all types of malware — and information technology performed pretty well in my tests, detecting effectually xc% of the malware files I hid on my PC. However, it did miss a few well-hidden files that competitors like Avira and TotalAV detected.

Autonomously from the scanner, Malwarebytes Gratis likewise comes with a browser extension that protects confronting a wide range of threats, including malware, ads and trackers, scams, and PUPs. Ane of the things I similar the about about this extension is that all of the protections are turned on by default, so there'due south cipher for you to practise (but you lot can easily turn off one or all of the protections).

In my tests, Malwarebytes's browser extension blocked the majority of risky sites I attempted to visit, scoring a 90% phishing detection charge per unit. Nonetheless, the extension wasn't as accurate at blocking ads — I visited dozens of sites filled with ads, and Malwarebytes blocked but around a third of the ads.

Malwarebytes'due south free plan is a uncomplicated virus scanner with a good phishing tool, but it unfortunately doesn't have real-time malware protection. To get real-time scanning, you'll demand to upgrade to Malwarebytes Premium, which provides coverage for up to v devices and starts at SGD54.17 / twelvemonth. Malwarebytes Premium + Privacy too adds a good VPN for SGD135.43 / year. Both of Malwarebytes's premium plans are covered by a generous sixty-mean solar day money-back guarantee.

Bottom Line:

Malwarebytes Free is a minimalistic antivirus scanner with good virus detection and removal rates. It also comes with a browser extension that blocks malware, phishing sites, ads, and trackers. Upgrading to Malwarebytes Premium brings you real-time protection and coverage for upward to 5 devices, whereas Malwarebytes Premium + Privacy also adds a VPN.

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Read the full Malwarebytes review >

vi. Sophos Domicile Free — Easy Remote Management

6. <a href="https://www.safetydetectives.com/go/vendor/free-windows/209/?post_id=320&alooma_btn_name=Affiliate+Link+-+349989" title="Sophos" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" data-btn-name="Affiliate Link - 349989" data-btn-indexed="1">Sophos Home Free</a> — Easy Remote Management

Sophos Home Free offers pretty good costless anti-malware protection. It as well includes some helpful web protections and covers up to three PCs (all within its free antivirus package).

In my antivirus testing, Sophos was able to detect a decent amount of virus and malware threats, but information technology missed all of my examination ransomware files — that'due south because Sophos's gratis version doesn't include ransomware protection, which I think is a pretty large problem. And while Sophos besides offers basic anti-phishing protections (they're better than Chrome'southward built-in protections) they're non nearly as as skillful equally Avira's free anti-phishing tools.

I thing I actually like most Sophos is its remote management feature — you tin log into Sophos's online dashboard and admission antivirus scanning and real-time protection updates on up to iii devices.

In add-on to multi-device protection and remote management, Sophos is also a decent choice for families because it has gratuitous parental controls. However, Sophos'southward parental controls are pretty basic — you can just choose which categories of sites to cake. If you're looking for avant-garde parental controls like app scheduling and location tracking, you should consider a premium antivirus like Norton 360 Deluxe.

Sophos Home Free is pretty good, and Sophos Dwelling house Premium adds advanced malware and ransomware scanning, additional web protections, and coverage for upwards to 10 devices, for SGD60.94 / yr — and it has a xxx-day money-back guarantee.

Bottom Line:

Sophos offers pretty adept antivirus scanning and remote management for up to 3 devices — which is pretty generous for a gratis antivirus. Sophos'southward free version as well has basic parental controls (just content filtering) and anti-phishing protection.Users looking for coverage on up to 10 devices, advanced malware and ransomware protection, and advanced web safety tools should upgrade to Sophos Home Premium.

Download Sophos Free Now

Read the total Sophos review hither >

Bonus. Norton — Best Overall Windows Antivirus in 2022

Bonus. <a href="https://www.safetydetectives.com/go/vendor/free-windows/210/?post_id=320&alooma_btn_name=Affiliate+Link+-+1561165" title="Norton" rel="sponsored noopener" target="_blank" data-btn-name="Affiliate Link - 1561165" data-btn-indexed="1">Norton</a> — Best Overall Windows Antivirus in 2022

Norton is past far the best Windows antivirus in 2022 — and while it doesn't currently have a gratuitous plan, it offers a run a risk-free 60-day money-back guarantee, which gives you 2 months to try it out and see if it'southward right for you.

In improver to providing perfect malware detection confronting all known and emerging cyber threats, Norton also has excellent phishing protection, a smart firewall with tons of customization options, and online cyberbanking and shopping protection.

It likewise comes with a wide range of quality extras, including:

  • VPN (unlimited data) — maintains fast speeds, works with streaming sites like Netflix, and has extras like Tor back up and split-tunneling.
  • Countersign manager — generates, saves, and automobile-fills logins, audits password security, and has an automatic password changer (only height standalone brands like Dashlane offer this functionality).
  • Parental controls — filters inappropriate content, limits device usage, and monitors YouTube and Hulu usage (Norton ranks #one on our listing of the best antiviruses with parental controls).
  • Organisation optimization tools — removes unwanted files from Windows and web browsers, improves kick time, and defragments difficult drive.
  • Dark spider web monitoring — scans dark web forums, data breach databases, and credit reports in real-time.
  • And much more…

Norton is also very piece of cake to use across all operating systems, offers coverage for upwardly to 5 devices, and doesn't cause any system slowdown — it even has a gaming mode, so you tin uninterruptedly play games while it runs in the groundwork.

There are several plans to choose from, but Norton 360 Deluxe offers the all-time value — plus, with our special 61% discount, you lot can become information technology for only SGD54.17 / twelvemonth. US users can besides check out Norton's LifeLock plans that start at SGD134.74 / twelvemonth and add identity theft protection with up to $1M in insurance payouts and legal assistance. All of Norton's plans are covered by a sixty-day coin-back guarantee.

Bottom Line:

Norton offers unparalleled malware protection, a wide range of loftier-end security features, and affordable plans for up to 5 devices. It also has a ton of extras, including a fast VPN, a secure countersign director, and the best parental controls around. While information technology doesn't have a free Windows plan, it provides the best value on the market, and information technology comes with a threescore-mean solar day money-back guarantee, so you can try information technology out risk-free for 2 whole months.

DOWNLOAD NORTON Take chances-Free NOW

Read the full Norton review here >

Comparison of the Best Free Antiviruses for Windows in 2022

Antivirus Paid Version (Starting Price) Real-Time Protection Spider web protection Extra Features
i.🥇 Avira SGD62.29 / yr Yes Yes Basic system melody-up, VPN, and password managing director
two.🥈 Panda SGD38.59 / yr Yes No Rescue kit and basic VPN
iii.🥉 TotalAV SGD25.74 / yr No Yes /
iv. Kaspersky SGD40.62 / yr Yes No Basic system cleanup, VPN, password director, and data breach monitoring
5. Malwarebytes SGD54.17 / year No Yes /
vi. Sophos SGD60.94 / year Yep Yes Remote direction & protection for three PCs
Bonus. Norton SGD54.17 / year Yeah (paid version) Yes (paid version) VPN, password manager, parental controls, nighttime spider web monitoring (paid version)

Yes, You Already Accept a Free Antivirus on Your PC, But It Isn't Good Plenty

Your Windows computer already comes with Windows Defender (some newer Windows 10 computers call it "Windows Security" or "Microsoft Defender") — which, equally we saw in our full review, is a decent free antivirus. But the trouble with Windows Defender is that it'southward rarely updated, information technology doesn't include additional internet security protections, and it frequently has vulnerabilities that don't go stock-still (sometimes for several years!). Plus, Windows Defender consistently ranks below the meridian antivirus scanners in our independent lab testing. That'due south why I always recommend keeping your PC equally condom every bit possible with third-party antivirus software.

All of the complimentary antiviruses listed here are significantly ameliorate than Microsoft'south Windows Defender antivirus. The gratuitous downloads on this listing are from summit-notch cybersecurity companies that are offer their premium antivirus protection for free. These are some of the top antivirus and anti-malware engines in the world — and our independent lab tests accept confirmed that these antivirus engines are much stronger, faster, and better than Microsoft's Windows Defender.

And some of the free programs on my listing also include additional cybersecurity protections. My #one free Windows antivirus, Avira Gratuitous Security for Windows, is particularly generous with its gratuitous offerings, but fifty-fifty Avira's free plan has some annoying limitations that don't be on its paid plans.

In general, cybersecurity companies try to entice you with their costless products, but they're ultimately looking to catechumen you into a paying customer. If you lot're looking for the all-time protection for all of your devices, you'll need to pay for premium antivirus software. Unfortunately, in that location'southward no way around this.

Still, if you're only looking for a simple free malware scanner with a couple of decent web protections that can improve on Microsoft'southward Defender, then all of the products on this list will exist skilful enough for you lot.

Free Antivirus vs. Paid Antivirus

Free antiviruses similar Avira and TotalAV are pretty good, just their paid versions are way amend — to brainstorm with, they come with all of the internet security protections you need to stay as safe as possible online. And I'm not just talking most anti-malware protection here.

Premium antivirus software for Windows besides includes extras similar a VPN (to ensure y'all're anonymous online), a countersign managing director (to protect your sensitive data, including financial data), and parental controls (to make sure your child is protected on the internet). Together with a malware scanner, these tools are crucial to edifice a good online defence force against hackers, scammers, and predators.

What's more than, paid antiviruses also include better customer support, so yous know yous can become help removing malware, accessing a feature, or solving whatever other event with your antivirus at all times. Free antiviruses, on the other mitt, don't include alive conversation and phone support, so the only manner to get assistance is to read a knowledge base, postal service a question on a forum, or send a ticket.

Y'all tin can read more about paid antiviruses for different operating systems here.

How to Cull the Best Free Windows Antivirus for Your Needs

  • Malware detection. The primary purpose of an antivirus is to protect you lot against malware, so you want to brand sure the programme you're running on your device has a skillful malware scanner that is able to identify both known and new malware, including trojans, spyware, ransomware, rootkits, and keyloggers. All of my acme choices have perfect or well-nigh-perfect malware detection rates.
  • Minimal slowdown. An antivirus may slow downwards your system, making it hard to stream content, play games, or even browse the web, peculiarly during a full system browse. But programs like Avira and TotalAV are pretty lightweight, so yous won't even notice they're there.
  • Features. While well-nigh free antiviruses are pretty limited in terms of features, some gratuitous programs include a couple of extras. For example, Avira has a basic free password manager, Panda has a free VPN (150 MB/twenty-four hour period), and Kaspersky has data breach monitoring.
  • Ease of employ. Windows Defender is already pretty easy to utilize (it's ever running), so a free antivirus has to exist very like shooting fish in a barrel to apply and offer the aforementioned splendid user experience that Microsoft has built into its native PC antivirus. All of the products on this list have user-friendly dashboards, intuitive features, and decent client support.
  • Genuinely free. Many cybersecurity brands attempt to trick you into purchasing a premium product by offering a free trial and and then making y'all pay to keep using the product. I've personally checked to make sure that all of the brands listed hither offer free protection. I also included Norton on the list as a bonus in case you're interested in learning more well-nigh the all-time paid alternative (plus, it comes with a 60-twenty-four hour period money-back guarantee, so you can effort it out for free).

Summit Brands That Didn't Brand the Cut:

I've spent a long time compiling and revising this list to guarantee that I'm offer you a high-quality resources. You may be surprised to encounter that some of the meridian antivirus brands didn't brand the top five. Hither are a few of them:

  • Avast. While Avast — and their subsidiary antivirus visitor AVG — continue to offer two pieces of widely used costless antivirus software (Avast Free Antivirus and AVG AntiVirus Free) their repeated privacy violations accept acquired too many concerns. You can read more hither.
  • McAfee. McAfee is one of my favorite antiviruses of 2022. It comes with an advanced anti-malware engine, excellent spider web protections, and a VPN with unlimited data. But unfortunately, McAfee doesn't take a free plan. Even so, if y'all need a loftier-quality antivirus, McAfee's low-cost internet security packages are some of the best on the market.
  • Bitdefender. Unfortunately, Bitdefender recently discontinued its free plan for Windows, but information technology offers one of the almost comprehensive internet security suites on the market, with perfect malware detection rates, high-end security features, and extras like a countersign director, a VPN, and parental controls.

What's the catch with free antiviruses?

There is no such thing as a truly gratis antivirus. You're always going to "pay" with something. Nigh antivirus companies limit the free version of their software to only offer basic protection. This leaves a lot of holes in your calculator'due south cybersecurity defence. The antivirus company hopes you'll recognize yous're non well-protected, and they'll attempt to get y'all to upgrade to the paid program by sending you a ton of notifications and advertisements.

Some other antivirus companies even sell complimentary users' information to big corporations for marketing purposes — the pop free antivirus Avast (who also owns AVG) was just accused of doing this verbal matter.

If yous're only using your device for simple online browsing or give-and-take processing, you're probably fine with a gratis antivirus (and the ones on this list are the best free antiviruses out there). But, in general, if you store any kind of sensitive information on your Windows device, it's always better to invest in a total-featured cyberspace security suite than it is to trust a free antivirus.

Why should I use another gratis antivirus instead of Windows Defender?

Windows Defender is not a bad antivirus — information technology even ranks a little bit ameliorate than some tertiary-party free antiviruses. But it just can't compete when summit cybersecurity companies similar Avira and Panda are handing out fantabulous free antivirus software, well-nigh all of which offer free protection against threats Windows Defender doesn't protect against (like phishing sites, malicious spider web trackers, information breaches, etc.).

Indeed, virtually of the products on this listing have substantially better free antivirus protection than Microsoft'southward built-in Windows Defender antivirus.

You lot can read this blog post if y'all'd like to learn more nigh why Windows Defender isn't good enough to proceed users rubber in 2022.

Is it safe to use a gratuitous antivirus?

If you choose an antivirus programme from a trustworthy visitor, then yes. All of the brands on this listing here are perfectly rubber to utilize — the only difference between their gratis and paid versions is that the paid software includes boosted features, like a VPN, a password director, and parental controls, as well as improve client back up options.

What's the best costless antivirus?

Avira is my #1 choice for the best complimentary antivirus in 2022. Information technology has one of the best antivirus scanners on the market, it's very easy to utilise, and it has a keen range of additional features (web protection, performance optimization tools, a countersign manager, a game booster, and a VPN).

While Avira Gratis is a really adept antivirus, it does have some limitations — you tin only use information technology on one device, it doesn't provide ransomware protection, and the arranged VPN is limited to but 500 MB per month (barely enough to watch a few videos).

If you lot want full virus protection, a VPN with no limitations, and coverage for upwardly to 5 Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices, I recommend yous accept a look at Avira Prime.

Is Avast complimentary?

Yes, Avast does have a free antivirus, merely I don't recommend yous use information technology, as Avast has been accused of collecting and selling user data for profit — you can read more most what happened here.

If yous need a costless antivirus, take a look at our list of the best free antiviruses in 2022 or just download Avira Free. Just delight proceed in mind that all free antiviruses have some limitations — for example, Avira'due south excellent gratuitous antivirus doesn't accept ransomware protection, and you can but use it on 1 device.

If you want the all-time protection for all of your devices, you need to pay for a premium antivirus program like Norton or Bitdefender.

What are the most common types of viruses that affect Windows computers?

While in that location are literally billions of malware attacks reported annually, trojans and adware are consistently the nigh common types of malware constitute on Windows computers.

Trojans look like other files with extensions like .exe and .doc — but one time downloaded, trojans can initiate a backdoor attack to steal user data, to incorporate a Windows device into a botnet, to give a hacker direct admission to a computer, or to simply crash and erase the entire Os.

Because hackers are constantly developing new malware for Windows, it's crucial that your antivirus uses a malware database that'due south consistently updated. Avira's malware scanner is based in Avira's deject, so its malware database is always upwards-to-engagement, with no need for users to worry about downloading or installing database updates.

Will Windows permit me to install a free antivirus?

Absolutely! Windows volition automatically turn off Microsoft'due south built-in virus protection when a new third-party antivirus software is installed. If you determine to uninstall your 3rd-political party antivirus, your PC will automatically ask you to reactivate the Windows Defender antivirus.

That said, if you're going to replace Defender, you should consider investing a piddling bit into premium cybersecurity protection. Gratis antivirus software but isn't as good as paid antivirus softwares — you really practise get what you pay for, and when it comes to keeping all of your devices and digital data safe, a paid antivirus like Norton 360 is definitely worth the investment.

If you're looking for advanced protection and a lot of other great cybersecurity features, check out this list of the best premium antivirus products on the market place.

If PC security is important to you, check out SafetyDetectives's best premium antiviruses for Windows (Updated 2022):

If PC security is important to you, check out SafetyDetectives's best premium antiviruses for Windows (Updated 2022):

SGD27.08 - SGD406.18 / year

If PC security is important to you, check out SafetyDetectives's best premium antiviruses for Windows (Updated 2022):

SGD32.49 - SGD101.57 / year

If PC security is important to you, check out SafetyDetectives's best premium antiviruses for Windows (Updated 2022):

SGD25.74 - SGD79.91 / year

If PC security is important to you, check out SafetyDetectives's best premium antiviruses for Windows (Updated 2022):

SGD47.39 - SGD115.12 / yr

If PC security is important to you, check out SafetyDetectives's best premium antiviruses for Windows (Updated 2022):

SGD62.29 - SGD81.26 / year

If PC security is important to you, check out SafetyDetectives's best premium antiviruses for Windows (Updated 2022):

SGD54.17 - SGD135.43 / year

Katarina Glamoslija

Updated on: Feb 1, 2022

About the Author

Katarina is a tech enthusiast specializing in cybersecurity products, data protection, and maintaining stiff practices for full general online safety. When she's not a "Safety Detective", she likes to play with her ii cats, binge watch crime dramas, sample fine wines, and read about the origins of the universe.

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