The Best Free Antivirus for Windows 11 in 2024

You could protect your computer or other device for free 20 years ago, 10 years ago, and last year. In this article, we offer you the best, powerful and reliable antivirus software for Windows 10, available in 2024, that you can install on your computer for free.

Free antiviruses: Top choice for Windows 11

Your antiviruses need to absolutely have the capability to root out existing malware, however its continuous job is to avoid ransomware, botnets, Trojans, and other kinds of nasty programs from getting a foothold.

NamePros vs. ConsRating
#1. Avast Free AntivirusPros: Very good ratings from independent testing laboratories and our hands-on tests. Network security inspector. Password manager. Many useful, security-related bonus offer functions. Free.
Cons: Password supervisor features limited. Some benefit includes require different purchase.
Bottom Line: Avast Free Antivirus integrates an anti-virus engine that scores effectively in screening with a surprisingly extensive collection of bonus offer features.
9/10
#2. Kaspersky FreePros: Perfect ratings from four independent screening laboratories. Perfect score in our phishing protection test. Good scores in our malware-blocking and destructive URL blocking tests. Free.
Cons: No direct tech assistance.
Bottom Line: Kaspersky Free uses full-blown malware protection that gets perfect ratings from the independent labs, and it will not cost you a penny.
8/10
#3. AVG AntiVirus FreePros: Very good ratings in multiple independent laboratory tests and our own hands-on tests.
Cons: Initial scan slower than average. No longer provides web defense browser extension.
Bottom Line: AVG AntiVirus Free offers precisely the exact same anti-virus security engine as Avast Free Antivirus, however lacks the remarkable collection of bonus offer features that you get with Avast.
7.5/10
#4. Bitdefender Antivirus Free EditionPros: Same antivirus defense as for-pay Bitdefender. Outstanding scores from independent screening laboratories. Leading antiphishing score.
Cons: Lacks all functions of the for-pay Bitdefender beyond core anti-viruses security.
Bottom Line: Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition consists of precisely the exact same anti-virus innovation discovered in the commercial Bitdefender Antivirus, without the paid edition’s lots of useful bonus functions.
7/10
#5. Check Point ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus+Pros: Antivirus protection licensed from Kaspersky. Hard, effective two-way firewall program. Free. Bonus functions.
Cons: No antivirus laboratory test outcomes. Does not have some anti-viruses functions. No security for malicious or deceitful websites. Behavioral detection tars good and bad programs in testing. Individual data defense stops working in testing.
Bottom Line: Check Point ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus+ combines Kaspersky-powered antivirus with an effective firewall program, but it does not have protection against malicious and deceitful websites, and some of its benefit functions do not work.
6.5/10

However even if the looming tax filing due date cramps your capital, you can still set up one of the exceptional complimentary anti-viruses energies for Windows 10 we’ve gathered for you. If you’re getting a refund, you’ll still want to keep your security tight, to keep cyber-crooks from siphoning off that tax benefit prior to it gets to you.

Many of these products are totally free only for noncommercial use; if you wish to protect your business, you have to pony up for the paid edition. At that point, you need to most likely think about updating to a full security suite. After all, it’s your business’s security on the line. And if you’ve grown beyond SMB status, purchasing a SaaS endpoint defense system will let you keep an eye on and manage security throughout your whole organization.

Yes, it’s true that Windows 8 and Windows 10 and 11 have actually anti-viruses built right in, but in our tests and the majority of independent lab tests, Windows Defender hasn’t done effectively. There have actually been some signs of improvement in several tests last year, which is encouraging.

Your antivirus must certainly have the ability to root out existing malware, however its ongoing task is to avoid ransomware, botnets, Trojans, and other kinds of nasty programs from getting a foothold. All of the antivirus programs in this collection offer real-time protection versus malware attack. Some take the fight upstream, striving to guarantee you never ever even browse to a malware-hosting site, or get tricked into turning over your qualifications to a phishing site.

Top Rated Free Antiviruses You Should Know

… and try on your Windows 10 and Win 11 if needed.

Our recommendation for you is shown in the list below (10 free antivirus programs for windows that work in 2024):

  1. Total AV Free Antivirus
  2. BullGuard Free Antivirus
  3. Panda Free Antivirus
  4. Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition
  5. ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus
  6. Avira Free Antivirus
  7. Avast Free Antivirus (recommended by our chief administrator)
  8. AVG Antivirus Free
  9. Kaspersky Free (Updated)
  10. Sophos Home Free

Independent Antivirus Lab Test Results

Around the globe, scientists at independent antivirus checking laboratories invest their days putting anti-virus tools to the test. A few of these labs regularly release public reports on their findings. I follow 6 such laboratories closely: AV-Comparatives, AV-Test Institute, Dennis Technology Labs, ICSA Labs, Virus Bulletin, and West Coast Labs.

Security business typically pay for the benefit of being included in screening. In return, the labs supply them with in-depth reports that can help enhance their items. The number of laboratories that include a certain vendor acts as a step of significance. In each case, the laboratory thought about the product crucial sufficient to test, and the vendor felt the price was beneficial. The laboratories don’t necessarily test a vendor’s totally free item, but the majority of vendors load complete security into the free product, improving premium versions with additional functions. I’ve exercised a system for accumulating lab outcomes, yielding a lab score from 0 to 5, or N/A if there just isn’t really enough information.

2024 Free Antivirus Test Results

In addition to carefully perusing arise from the independent laboratories, I likewise run my own hands-on malware blocking test. I expose each antivirus to a collection of malware samples, consisting of a range of different malware types, and note its response. Generally the anti-viruses will wipe out most of the samples on sight, and detect a few of the staying ones when I attempt to introduce them. I derive a malware blocking score from 0 to 10 points based upon how thoroughly the antivirus protects the test system from these samples. Avast Free Antivirus holds the current top score in this test, tied with among our Editors’ Choice paid antivirus energies.

Because I utilize the exact same samples month after month, the malware-blocking test definitely does not determine an item’s capability to identify new hazards. In a different test, I try to download malware from 100 very new destructive URLs provided by MRG-Effitas, usually less than a day old. I note whether the antivirus obstructed all access to the URL, wiped out the harmful haul during download, or not did anything. McAfee and Symantec, both paid products, hold the best ratings in this test, though some complimentary anti-virus utilities have actually done fairly well.

Beneficial Features

Practically every antivirus item scans files on access to make sure malware can’t launch, and also scans the whole system on demand, or on a schedule you set. As soon as that cleaning and scheduling is done, obstructing all access to malware-hosting URLs is another great way to prevent trouble. Many items extend that security to likewise steer users far from deceptive sites, phishing sites that try to take login credentials for financial sites and other sensitive sites. A few rate links in search results page, flagging any hazardous or undecided ones.

Behavior-based detection, a function of some anti-virus products, is a two-edged sword. On the one hand, it can detect malware that’s never ever been seen before. On the other hand, if it’s not done right, it can baffle the user with messages about perfectly genuine programs.

One simple method to keep your PC secured is to set up all security updates, both for Windows 10 and for browsers and other popular applications. Beginning with Windows 10, Windows updates aren’t optional for customers, however there are plenty of security holes in popular apps and add-ons. Scanning for vulnerabilities through missing updates is a function usually containeded in industrial anti-virus items, however it does show up in some free ones. In the chart above you can see which items consist of these useful features.

What’s Not Here

This article reports only on free anti-virus products that received at least a good score in our reviews– three stars or much better. Among those that didn’t make it is Microsoft Security Essentials/ Windows Defender. All the independent labs I follow do consist of Microsoft in testing, however most use it as a baseline. If an item cannot do better than the standard, it’s got real issues.

Avira Antivirus 2015 is amongst the many people antivirus energies that do not receive inclusion. I mention Avira’s application in certain since some among its fans appear to believe it has been left out as the outcome of some sort of conspiracy. The truth is that the last variation simply didn’t determine up. I’m wanting to examine the latest variation of Avira soon. The factor I have not done so currently could not be even more from dubious, however. In fact, I’m still waiting — on the company’s suggestions — until a couple of final features are contributed to the latest variation. I wish to make certain the software application gets a fair shake.

Moreover, I’m aware that my evaluation of Bitdefender’s Free Antivirus is getting long in the tooth, however the company simply does not upgrade its free energies as frequently as its premium ones. Feel confident, I’m in close contact with Bitdefender and I’ll evaluate its brand-new offering as quickly as it’s available.

There are likewise numerous totally free anti-viruses utilities that work exclusively to tidy up existing malware infestations. You bring out these cleanup-only tools when you have a nasty malware infestation. When the problem’s gone, they have no more use, because they provide no continuous defense. Our Editors’ Choice in this category is Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 2.0, and it’s definitely one you need to attempt if you’ve got a malware issue. But because they’re free, you can keep trying others if the first one doesn’t get the job done. When the scare is over, you’ll need a full-blown antivirus for ongoing defense.

What’s Best Free Antivirus for Windows 11?

Our current Editors’ Choice items free of charge antivirus utility for Windows 10 are Avast Free Antivirus, AVG AntiVirus Free, and Panda Free Antivirus. All three get excellent scores from the independent labs, and in our own tests too. All three consist of some useful bonus features. Avast in certain packs a password manager and a network security scanner in its toolkit. If you do have a little money in your budget for security, the best paid anti-virus products do tend to provide more and better defense. If not, attempt a few of these totally free tools and see which one you like best.

Summer tests (July-August) showed the relevance of the following anti-virus programs in 2024:

Avast Free Antivirus 2024

Avast Free Antivirus 2024 ratings high in independent laboratory tests and in our own tests, especially our antiphishing test. Bonus functions like the brand-new password manager and innovative router security scan make it an exceptional option free of charge antivirus security. Check out the full testimonial”.

AVG AntiVirus Free (2024)

The current version of AVG AntiVirus Free ratings high with independent testing labs, as well as fares well in our hands-on tests. Once once more, AVG is an Editors’ Choice totally free antivirus.

Panda Free Antivirus (2024) for Windows 10

While Panda Free Antivirus doesn’t exceed the best industrial anti-virus tools, it’s way much better than the rank and file of for-pay options. It stays our Editors’ Choice for no-fee antivirus.

Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition (2024) for Windows 10

You’ll barely understand Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition (2014) is present on your system, unless it quashes an issue. Its small primary window and inconspicuous style are excellent if you want a strong, silent, and complimentary antivirus option.

Check Point ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus + Firewall 2024

ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus + Firewall 2024 combines the majority of Kaspersky’s effective antivirus defense with a first-class individual firewall program. It’s an outstanding option if you do not want to install a full security suite.

Lavasoft Ad-Aware Free Antivirus+ 11 for Win 11

Lavasoft Ad-Aware Free Antivirus+ 11 concentrates on the job of rooting out malware and warding off future attacks, without frills. It does a great job, though it does not provide all the power of the paid edition.

Sophos Home for Windows 11

Sophos Home brings the company’s advanced business-grade antivirus technology to the home user, totally free. It scores extremely well with the independent laboratories, and in most (however not all) of our own tests.

Qihoo 360 Total Security Essential for Win 11

Qihoo 360 Total Security Essential scores extremely well in our hands-on tests and in tests by independent labs, however only if you alter its default setup to make it possible for all antivirus engines.

Comodo Antivirus for Win 11 (2024)

Comodo Antivirus 9 offers good anti-virus defense and a whole raft of advanced security features. Nevertheless, those sophisticated features are probably too intricate for the typical user.

FortiClient 6.0 for Win 11

Although it’s created to deal with a network device, FortiClient 6.0 also works as a standalone anti-viruses, with parental control and VPN client included. And it’s free!

Conclusion

We must admit that these free antivirus programs added to our list last year. And this is not surprising: it is not easy to earn the trust of customers, so experts and ordinary users choose proven ways to protect their data. It would be unfair to single out one specific antivirus for a Windows 10 computer. Each of the above is good in its own way and ready to protect your system in 2024. However, antivirus protection will not be sufficient if you yourself do not follow the basic methods of caution.

Questions and Answers

Which free antivirus is best for laptop?

Answer: Antivirus programs on desktops and laptops operate on the same principle. The same applies to system requirements. Therefore, the choice of a free antivirus for desktop and laptop is the same. This article describes the main characteristics of the best free software for protecting your laptop. Choose any one that meets your requirements and everything will be fine.

Which free antivirus is the best for Windows 7?

Answer: Although in the articles we discussed the operating system running on Windows 10 or 11, in your case, the choice of a free antivirus will be the same. All the offered antivirus programs are compatible with Windows 7, so it will not be difficult to choose.

Can I get free antivirus protection?

Answer: Yes, the offered antivirus options give you full protection of your PC or laptop. In the absolute majority of cases, these programs offer paid features that in most cases are not necessary.

Can’t uninstall Avast free antivirus. What should I do?

Answer: Free antivirus from Avast is one of the best ways to protect your computer. However, if you decide to delete it for some reason, you will need a special utility that can be downloaded from the official antivirus website. Standard deletion via the Windows Control Panel does not help.

Where to download Kaspersky free antivirus?

Answer: I recommend to download the installation program only from the official websites of the Antivirus. You can download the free version of Kaspersky anti-virus here: https://www.kaspersky.com/free-antivirus

Are free antivirus good enough?

Answer: This is a good question. We have considered it in sufficient detail in this article. To sum up the verdict, Yes, a free antivirus for your windows 11 or OS is enough. Free antivirus software can provide high-quality protection of your computer from external interference, scan the system and files for infection, and update them in a timely manner. However, if your work on the computer involves constant money transfers, or the information on the device is confidential at a high level, you can consider the paid versions. However, I repeat, for most users who do not download unfamiliar SOFTWARE to a laptop or PC, do not visit suspicious sites, and follow the recommendations of the antivirus program – the free version of the antivirus is enough.

Which free antivirus uses the least resources?

Answer: On modern computers, it is difficult to notice the difference in the speed of the antivirus. It is often enough to disable additional optional scanning or automatic updates from any antivirus program to make the laptop or PC work faster. But, in General, we will highlight Avast and AVG as fairly fast antivirus programs. The slow ones are Kaspersky and Panda.

Comments: 3
  1. Sara Flick

    For many years I have been using AVAST antivirus – the free version provides good protection. In addition to making my Windows 10 truly secure, I use CCleaner and free utilities to scan my computer. If I do not write down (intentionally) any infection on my computer, there should be no problems.

  2. Debby Orah

    Any antivirus other than Kaspersky. Very difficult, problematic. It seems that you are not running your laptop, but Kaspersky anti-virus.

  3. Alex Grigoric

    Since 2019, I have been using Bitdefender Antivirus (the free version) and so far I have not been let down for these 13 months. Before that, I used the Panda, but after reinstalling the system, I decided to try something new (friends have long advised) and now I do not regret it.

Comments are closed.