2022 The best free antivirus software for windows 10 and windows 11
7 min read2022 The best free antivirus software for windows 10 and windows 11
2022 The best free antivirus software for windows 10 and windows 11.
Actually you’d better to pay for real protection and security if you want the best rich functions on antivirus.
Any free antivirus software will admit to lacking some key features like fraud protection or link blocking.
While some antivirus software costs money, there are plenty of free options out there, and they’re pretty awesome.
However, you can find free antivirus software which don’t come with some strong functions as paid version, but still powerful enough for general uses.
Best free antivirus software with good reviews as below:
- Avira Free Antivirus
- Bidevon Antivirus Free Edition
- AVG Antivirus Free Edition
- ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus
- Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free Edition
- Avast Free Antivirus
- Kaspersky Security Cloud
- Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition
- Microsoft defender
Avira Free Antivirus
Avira’s streamlined free antivirus is one of the best options for getting exactly the security features you want without any unnecessary extras or annoying bloat.
Download options are available for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS – and Mac/iOS compatibility is particularly good, making it a solid choice for Apple users.
The free version of Avira Antivirus comes with virus scanning and blocking, infected file repair, real-time updates, Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA) protection, ad blocker and tracking blocker.
The Pro version is $45 per year and comes with email protection (Windows only), additional ransomware protection, and cyber protection for shopping and banking.
Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition
Bitfender Antivirus Free Edition is an antivirus that revels in a minimalist design that keeps it low-maintenance.
While the program doesn’t have any configuration, it automatically scans your machine in the background using cloud-based detection, followed by a more in-depth scan if it encounters any malware or red flags.
The bundled real-time virus protection also uses behavior-based detection to prevent potential threats. Newer features include anti-fraud and phishing options, using more advanced filters to warn to block and protect you from any known identity-stealing sites.
In addition to excellent malware blocking and removal, this lightweight program also acts as an excellent anti-rootkit and anti-phishing tool. It performs the latter task by detecting and blocking fraudulent websites.
Download Bitdefender Free version
AVG AntiVirus Free
AVG has two main selling points.
First, this free antivirus option has an impressively broad coverage.
Not only does the software search for viruses and malware, but it also helps block suspicious links, prevent suspicious downloads, and keep suspicious email attachments from being used.
This makes the app a better option for families or older users on a budget.
The second benefit is AVG’s affinity with Google’s platform as it has a better Android download.
In addition to antivirus, the Android version of the software has a phone tracking feature that can track the location of a lost phone, remotely lock your phone, remotely enable alarms to go off, and even remotely wipe your mobile device so that your data isn’t exposed to Identity thieves or other personal information you don’t want to see.
ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus
ZoneAlarm provides firewall and antivirus scanning, but goes one step further to address two growing security concerns: identity theft and data loss. Daily credit monitoring tools prevent identity theft, and there’s a “credit education expert” to help you with any alerts or issues.
If you don’t already have a service that helps protect your identity and data, this may be the option for you.
If you choose to download this free software, you need to know three things.
You will get a beta version of the software, the free license to use the software only lasts about a year, and on top of that, if you choose to uninstall it later, it may be difficult to completely remove it from your system because during the installation process , some features such as its browser extensions are not necessarily removed and may not be easily disabled.
Download ZoneAlarm Free version
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free Edition
Malwarebytes offers some of the best and most comprehensive virus removal software out there, often making it one of the go-to sources for tech organizations and support groups.
The only caveat with the free version of Malwarebytes is that it’s more of a remediation tool than a living shield.
Once you’ve been infected, the scan tool will find and remove anything — and it works well — but doesn’t prevent the infection from happening in the first place.
For this, you need the premium version or one of the other tools on this list. As a second layer of defense, though, the free version of Malwarebytes is a must.
Malwarebytes also has a free extension for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browsers (Browser Guard), which provides web protections such as blocking third-party ads and trackers, blocking web pages with malware, and blocking online scams.
Download Malwarebytes Free version
Avast Free Antivirus
Avast is one of the best antivirus programs out there when it comes to basic protection.
It scored one of the top marks in the most recent AV Test’s protection test.
The latest free antivirus suite from Avast is an impressive package.
With Avast, you can expect an antivirus program that can spot and block a variety of threats, including viruses, spyware, ransomware, and phishing.
And two other features, Wi-Fi Checker and Smart Scan, can help you spot flaws in your security so you know what you need to fix to protect yourself.
The software also includes a Do Not Disturb mode that completely eliminates alerts and pop-ups while you’re watching a movie or playing a game.
A 2019 report on Avast revealed that it collected customer web browsing data (including Google searches, visits to LinkedIn pages and visits to pornography sites) and sold it through its parent company Jumpshot.
In a CNET report, Avast said Jumpshot does not receive “personally identifiable information, including names, email addresses or contact details,” and that it allows users to opt out of sharing data.
Since it’s a free program, you’ll miss out on some features exclusive to the premium plan, including remote hacking protection and the ability to protect up to 10 devices.
Those wanting such upgrades will need to opt for a subscription plan, which is about $40 per year for a Windows PC or Mac for the first year and $70 per year thereafter. Still, sticking with the free version will keep you well-protected.
Avast also offers another newer security suite. Avast One. It has three versions.
Avast One Essential (free version) and premium versions (Avast One Individual and Avast One Family).
Avast One Essential offers more protection and performance features than Avast Free Antivirus, and it’s still free.
Features include a firewall, VPN, and tools to speed up your PC.
If you want more features for free, Avast One Essential might also be worth looking into.
Kaspersky Security Cloud
Kaspersky’s Security Cloud is just a version of its security software that syncs across all your devices via the cloud so you can manage everything at once, from smartphones to desktop computers. The cloud also makes it easier to keep all your security software updated, and pushes any alerts to your device so you always know what’s going on. Although it’s a bit of a hassle to find, Kaspersky does offer a free version of the software.
However, the free version is very limited. You’ll get protection against malware and antivirus threats. You’ll also get (limited) access to features like VPN and password storage, where you can store up to 15 passwords in a “secure online vault”.
Download Kaspersky Security Cloud
Microsoft defender
Microsoft defender comes with Windows 10 and windows 11 and is set as default antivirus tools.
It provide essential antivirus function, good enough for most users, but some studies complained Microsoft defender didn’t work so good.
How do you know which free antivirus is right for you?
It all depends on your security needs. Some free antivirus software only focuses on detecting and removing malware, but others may offer more protection, such as anti-phishing and ad-blocking features.
If you frequently browse the web or frequently download email attachments, you may want to consider an antivirus option that provides web protection and email protection.
If you want to be able to monitor and protect all of your devices (phone and computer) at the same time with the same program, you should pick up a free antivirus that is available on all platforms your device is running on.
The best antivirus software for Windows 11
Currently, no antivirus software company has announced that its products are exclusively compatible with Windows 11.
Most Windows 10-compatible antivirus options should work fine on Windows 11 as well.
If you’re trying out Microsoft’s new operating system, make sure to install one of these.
Sum up:
- It’s better to use paid version antivirus software for more functions and protection.
- Any free antivirus software in this article is good enough for general uses.
- Don’t install untrusted software even antivirus software installed.
- Backup important data often even antivirus software installed.
