A reliable antivirus program is a vital component of keeping your Windows PC or laptop safe. It will scan for malware on your device and block harmful threats, protecting you from viruses, ransomware and adware. A good antivirus should offer other beneficial features like setting up your system and managing your passwords. Many premium choices offer a variety of customizations and add-ons, but free ones can identify malware at a high rate without these additional features.
Microsoft’s built-in antivirus program is easy to use and is free. It does an excellent job in securing your PC from new malware strains. It’s not as effective as the top third-party solutions and can cause issues on some systems.
AVG AntiVirus Free is a very popular choice that has received top marks from independent tests by AV-Comparatives. Its user interface is simple and easy to navigate, with quick and clear results from all kinds of scans. Its privacy-oriented and anti-phishing features are great, as is the shredding and encryption of files functionality. It’s an excellent choice for Windows users looking for a lightweight and stable antivirus. Avira is a different option. It’s a little more costly, but it has powerful tools to keep your laptop or computer secure. Its system optimizer and software updater along with its password manager and other security-related features are especially impressive.