13 best free antivirus software for windows (PC)

Free antivirus software protects your computer from viruses. It scans data and information from your business computer, which then identifies the threat and eliminates it.

Still, there are some differences in focus, function, and extent of the protection a given free antivirus software provides you. Which then is the best free antivirus software for you? Read our reviews below to decide for yourself.

If you are a professional, an entrepreneur or if you have a small business, you may have delicate and valuable information on your computer that needs protecting. There are viruses, phishing attempts, trojans, and malware of all kinds. Protecting your data will avoid serious consequences and disruptions to your livelihood and peace of mind.

Thankfully, there are numerous anti malware programs to choose from. Even better, many of them offer a free version. To make it easy for you to consider your options, we’ve listed and reviewed the leading antivirus software for this year.

Our review of the top free antivirus software

Don’t worry about costs, there are many excellent options for free antivirus programs that we are going to discuss. It doesn’t matter if you are using Windows, Mac, or pc, here you will find the perfect one.

First, its important to identify your needs, ask yourself what type of software are you looking for? This will help narrow down your decision. We can safely say all of these are going to protect your system.

let’s go over what makes each option unique…

1. Bitdefender antivirus free edition

The regular free version of Bitdefender is one of the best antivirus programs with the free version you can effectively protect your computer. For some,the basic version is all they need. Using behavioral detection to monitor your active apps.

Key features

• Simple and easy to run
• Protects against malware, phishing, and fraud
• Runs automatically and quietly in the background
• Great for beginners
• Helpful support forums and FAQs
• Available for Windows, Mac, and Android

Disadvantages

• VIP tech support costs extra
• The installation takes longer than expected

New to antivirus programs and need something simple, then Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition is an excellent choice.

2. AVG antivirus free

This free antivirus program provides an effective defense against malware and phishing. As a result the free verison of the sofware can perform scans whenever you want and it comes with many loaded features.

Key features

• Highly-effective protection against malware
• Provides a “Do Not Disturb” mode
• Conducts in-depth scans
• Offers real-time protection
• Actively scans for performance issues
• Available for Windows, Mac, Android, and iPhone/iPad

Disadvantages

• It slows down your computer more than other antivirus programs
• Only email and phone support; no live chat

If you want an incredibly thorough scan AVG Antivirus Free is the optimal choice for you.

3. Kaspersky security cloud free

The free version of Kaspersky comes packed with a lot of features that have plenty of virus protection options. We love the interface and ability to schedule scans.

Key features

• Effective protection against malware
• Minimal impact on performance
• File shredder option
• Scans emails for threats
• Support forums and FAQs
• Ability to reverse ransomware
• Available for Windows, iOS, and Android

Disadvantages

• Password manager is limited in the free version
• VPN is limited in the free version

Kaspersky is a great comprehensive all-in-one suite protection software. If you are looking for an all-in-one free anti-virus software this is your best bet!

4. Microsoft windows defender

This anti-virus software protects data in real-time and comes with windows by default. This software is considered to be one of the best with its widespread antivirus protection and features.

Key features

• Excellent protection against malware
• Already included with Windows
• Parental controls
• Gaming mode
• Edge and Internet Explorer browser protection
• Barely noticeable effect on performance
• Ransomware reversal
• Scan scheduler
• Phone and email support anytime

Disadvantages

• Only available for Windows
• it has a lower protection score compared to other antivirus programs

Are you using a Windows operation system? It’s a great option if you can’t be bothered with downloading and installing anything.

5. Avira antivirus

Avira’s free antivirus software is very simple and easy to use. Even the most inexperienced PC users will have no problems with it. This antivirus offers an incredibly deep scan of your system.

Key features

• Incredibly high level of threat detection
• Protects against ransomware, viruses, trojans, keyloggers, worms, and other malware
• Sends potentially malicious files to the cloud
• Protects from, and removes, different kinds of spyware

Disadvantages

• Much slower compared with other free competitors
• The scan function will always scan all files over and over again.
• Only available on Windows

No malware is a match for this antivirus option. Cloud-based threat neutralization is the direction antivirus software is heading. You might as well go with one that already offers it.

6. 360 total security

The free version of 360 Total Security is quite comprehensive. It can monitor threats 24/7, giving you peace of mind. It has loads of additional features that make this software more appealing.

Key features

• Anti-ransomware tools
• Document protection feature
• Automatic backups of critical data
• Data shredder
• Scheduled system cleanups
• Internet protection
• Privacy protection

Disadvantages

• Only available for Windows 7 and 10
• Not as robust as other free versions

Users of the latest Windows operating systems have a great ally here. Round-the-clock monitoring ensures your system is always kept safe.

7. ZoneAlarm free antivirus

ZoneAlarm has been offering a free antivirus option for a long time. that aims to protect your computer against viruses, malware, spyware, and other cyber threats. In addition, you can get a firewall that protects against ID theft and data loss.

Key features

• Solid malware protection
• Cloud-based backup services
• Cloud-based encryption services
• Excellent firewall
• Credit monitoring tools
• Low system performance

Disadvantages

• Only available for Windows
• Low malware detection rate

ZoneAlarm offers a reliable cloud-based backup with encryption services. Plus free firewall.

8. Malwarebytes anti-malware free

Malwarebytes offers seldom-seen comprehensive protection in free antivirus. It is usually the go-to for tech support as a diagnostic tool. There is anti-malware and anti-exploit protection that works very well.

Key features

• Automatic scans
• Shields from ransomware attacks
• Stops vulnerabilities in apps and systems
• Prevents loading of malicious and fake websites
• Free extension for Chrome
• Available for Windows and Mac

Disadvantages

• it’s more of a remediation tool than a live defense measure
• Real-time protection is only in the paid versions

Do you want to use the tool that tech support uses, this is the one you will want to get.

9. Avast free antivirus

Avast is a long-time champion in terms of being the best free antivirus” program. It’s not just an anti-virus software, it has several built-in tools, like a secure browser, makes this an excellent choice.

Key features

• Excellent antivirus protection
• Network security scanner
• Password manager
• Avast Secure Browser
• Passive mode in case you run another antivirus programs
• Browser-independent protection
• Many more security features
• Available for Windows, Android, iOS, and Mac

Disadvantages

• Limited password management features
• Opting out of data sharing is difficult

Not just an antivirus program, it’s got a secure browser as well. This thwarts threats coming through the main door exploits come through.

10. Sophos home free

Businesses often use Sophos’ premium version, the free version works very well for home use. If you want enterprise-level protection, this is a great option.

Key features

• Manage protection using a remote online console
• Available for Windows, Android, iOS, and Mac
• Advanced network protection
• Server protection
• Enduser protection

Disadvantages

• Lacks in phishing protection
• Only three installations allowed per subscription

Big companies use Sophos, which means you can trust it. Enjoy peace-of-mind knowing you can control it remotely.

11. Total av free

This antivirus is used by over 25 million people. It has an easy-to-use interface and a robust malware scanner. The free version offers plenty of effective protection.

Key Features

• Minimal impact on system performance
• Available for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS
• Real-time protection
• Anti-phishing protection
• Solid system cleanup
• In-house VPN
• Monitors data breaches
• Identity theft monitoring

Disadvantages

• Password manager could be improved
• Ad blocker is not very effective

If you need all the power you can get, use this antivirus itt won’t bog down your system while you use it for your business.

12. Adaware antivirus free

This free antivirus installs very quickly. It can identify threats as they come and neutralize them, Adaware has come a long way since only scanning for adware.

Key features

• Minimal impact on system performance
• Can run in tandem with other antivirus software
• Silent mode limits distractions and resource-hogging
• Schedules scans are possible
• Protects against ransomware, spyware, and viruses

Disadvantages

• Some features are only unlocked in the premium version
• Does not have real-time email scanning

Protecting yourself against all sorts of malware is key to exploit prevention, that is what makes this option very appealing.

13. McAfee security scan

McAfee software specializes in malware protection and has been around for ages. The only factor is that it’s limited in features in comparison to the McAfee Total Protection.

Key features

• Uncover security vulnerabilities
• Schedule scans
• Quick scanning identifies threats within minutes
• Available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android

Disadvantages

• Very limited
• No cloud backup

The grandfather of antivirus programs delivers excellent protection, you may already even have it on your system.

Final Thoughts

• You now have 13 great options for the best free antivirus software. Every small business needs to protect its systems, they are essential for the operation of your business.
• There is no need to have custom software developed to protect your systems. A startup or small business can take advantage of these top options. We have found that any one of these will provide essential protection.
• There is only one main issue you need to consider is if you are using Windows or Mac for your business. There are several options for each system just need to search.
• You may want to put digital antivirus protection on your end-of-year checklist. You can’t afford to have any problems with the systems you rely on.