Security computer virus protection

Together with a malware scanner, these tools are crucial to building a good online defense against hackers, scammers, and predators. Here are a few of them:.

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

Paid programs like McAfee and Norton are equally effective at detecting malware, but their full disk scans will slow down your system much more than Avira will. The Safe Shopping browser extension for Firefox and Chrome is really good — it blocks suspicious phishing sites, web trackers, and unwanted advertisements. The extension also automatically recommends links to better deals when shopping online. Download Avira Free Now. Another thing that makes Panda a good choice for Windows users is the Rescue Kit feature, which allows you to download a bootable version of Panda to a USB drive and then use the USB drive to clean an infected PC and get it up and running again.

With lightweight malware scanning, an automatic gaming mode, a Rescue Kit, and a VPN, Panda is an excellent free internet security product. Download Panda Free Now. It uses a huge blacklist to identify known phishing sites as well as an AI-powered phishing detection system to detect new threats.

TotalAV is also the most intuitive free Windows antivirus on this list, with easy-to-use and easy-to-understand features and functions inside a minimalistic, well-designed dashboard.

Kaspersky Security Cloud — Free is good at detecting and removing malware, and it also comes with plenty of extras — including:. All Kaspersky purchases include a day money-back guarantee. Download Kaspersky Free Now. Malwarebytes Free is a good choice for users looking for a simple antivirus scanner that they can install and forget about. Apart from the scanner, Malwarebytes Free also comes with a browser extension that protects against a wide range of threats, including malware, ads and trackers, scams, and PUPs.

Malwarebytes Free is a minimalistic antivirus scanner with good virus detection and removal rates. Windows Security continually scans for malware mal icious soft ware , viruses, and security threats. In addition to this real-time protection, updates are downloaded automatically to help keep your device safe and protect it from threats. Some features will be a little different if you're running Windows 10 or 11 in S mode. But don't worry—the built-in security of this mode automatically prevents viruses and other threats from running on your device, and you'll receive security updates automatically.

Windows Security is built-in to Windows and includes an antivirus program called Microsoft Defender Antivirus. If you have another antivirus app installed and turned on, Microsoft Defender Antivirus will turn off automatically.

If you uninstall the other app, Microsoft Defender Antivirus will turn back on automatically. For info on how to uninstall an app, see Repair or remove an app in Windows. To change your user account to an admin account, see Create a local user or administrator account in Windows. Some of these options are unavailable if you're running Windows 10 in S mode. Account protection - Access sign-in options and account settings, including Windows Hello and dynamic lock.

You'll have exploit protection and you can customize protection settings for your devices. Device security - Review built-in security options to help protect your device from attacks by malicious software. Open Windows Security settings. Yellow means there is a safety recommendation for you. Red is a warning that something needs your immediate attention.

Here's what to look for. Antivirus software runs virus scans for known viruses and malware, of course, and can offer real-time protection. And it watches for shady websites and suspicious links to keep you out of trouble. It can also offer ransomware protection and monitor unexpected behavior that may be a sign of new and not-yet-identified viruses and malware.

You want antivirus software that can successfully identify these unknown online threats without flagging too many false positives. Light on system resources. You don't want antivirus software that taxes your PC's resources. If after you install the program, websites open slowly, apps download or open sluggishly or file copies take longer than expected, you may want to try another service. The good news is, all our picks offer a free trial to let you try out the antivirus program, so if your system feels sluggish after installation, you may want to keep looking.

Cost and discounts. Don't just pay the sticker price for antivirus protection. Before you buy, check for discounts on a company's website. Another way to save: The prices we list above are for 10 devices -- if the company offered that package -- but you can trim your cost with antivirus packages if you need to cover three or five devices.

You may also find discounts on an app's Amazon page. To be effective, antivirus software needs to monitor what's going on with your PC, check in with company servers about unusual behavior and should provide sound banking protection. The companies say they anonymize this technical data as much as possible to protect your privacy.

But if you want to know more, the security companies on our list post privacy policies on their websites, so read their privacy statements to learn what the companies do with the information you share. Protection for other platforms. Microsoft is by far the biggest target for viruses and malware. While the Mac does come under attack via side-loaded apps, it's rare, and if you download apps only from the Mac and iOS app stores and keep your guard up when clicking links and download files, you should be OK without an antivirus app on Apple devices.

CNET editors pick the products and services we write about. When you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Best free Windows antivirus Microsoft Defender. Jump to details. See at Microsoft. See at NortonLifeLock. See at Bitdefender. Best on-demand Windows malware removal Malwarebytes. See at Malwarebytes. Solid subscription antivirus alternative McAfee Total Protection.

See at McAfee. Another good subscription option Trend Micro Maximum Security. Edge online privacy Tracking prevention helps you manage how websites track you and gives you control over your privacy settings. Set it and forget it Windows PCs can automatically backup precious files to the cloud in OneDrive—allowing for selected files to be made recoverable in the event of a cyberattack.

Empower and protect Stay connected with your loved ones, develop stronger safety habits, and create a safer online space with the Microsoft Family Safety app. Learn more. Say goodbye to passwords with Windows Hello Windows Hello allows for more secure and personal sign-ins with biometrics, like your face or fingerprint.

Facial recognition Face scans are faster and more convenient. Fingerprint Fingerprint ID data is encrypted. Microsoft Edge helps keep your data yours Tracking Prevention gives you more control over how websites track your data. Your digital life—secured OneDrive keeps your files backed up and protected with ransomware detection and file recovery options.