#Best free antivirus programs for free#
#Best free antivirus programs install#

There was a time when we wouldn’t even consider Windows Security (also known as Windows Defender) for an article like this. Windows Security IDGįinally, we come to Microsoft’s built-in security solution. Bitdefender’s free edition includes anti-phishing, and anti-fraud protection. There are no password managers, PC tools, or VPN. If you like, you can exclude certain files or folders to speed up scan times. You can click the System Scan button to initiate a scan, or you can drag-and-drop particular files in need of scanning. Instead, it offers a stripped-down antivirus program with minimal options instead of the full interface of Bitdefender Total Security.īitdefender’s free antivirus scans your PC only. This approach lets you see all the fun stuff the full suites offers, in the hopes you’ll subscribe to unlock the paid features.īitdefender doesn’t take that approach. The difference being that all the premium features have some kind of lock icon over them to indicate that you can’t use them.

Most antivirus suites use the same desktop interface as their pro versions. Plus, you only have to uninstall one application instead of the multiple uninstalls required with something like Kaspersky.

#Best free antivirus programs install#

Avira used to install multiple applications by default, but now it’s much simpler with many features operating out of a single window. Installation with Avira is easy, with no attempts to sneak in other software, and no requirement for creating an account. It does, however, provide basic ransomware protection.

#Best free antivirus programs for free#

What you don’t get for free is the phishing protection, the sandbox to separate suspicious files from your system, the Avast firewall, webcam shield, password protection, and a sensitive data shield. The trick with those advanced issues, however, is that to supposedly fix them you need to start paying for Avast Premium Security for about $36 per year. Most of the key Avast protections are also available, such as scanning new files added to your system, watching for malicious behavior from installed programs, a web browsing shield, and an email shield.Īvast Free even allows you to inspect your network and see the devices currently connected to your home router.Īvast Free uses a so-called smart scan to look for a variety of problems including browser threats, outdated apps, viruses and malware, and “Advanced issues” such as whether your webcam is protected from hijacking and the status of your firewall. With the free version of this suite you can run all the various virus scans. Avast Premier is a very highly rated antivirus program.