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bhg481 | 16:40 Sun 22nd Dec 2024 | Technology
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|I've just bought a new Windows PC; what's the current best  free anti-virus?

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Here's a few suggestions. I've never used any of them, so I can't offer an opinion:

https://www.antivirussoftwareguide.com/best-free-antivirus

Question Author

Thanks BB - I'm really looking for people's personal experience but It's good of you to take the trouble to answer. The machine came with a free trial of McAfee;I've been using Avast on the old PC (since 2015) but just wondered if current thinking is that there is a better one.

widows defender does a good job,and it could already be on your pc,just need to install it.i have used it for the last few years and nothing has got through

Unsure how many will have experience of multiple AVs, but I'm informed that the one supplied as part of Windows is a decent enough option anyway.

I don't bother any more, I just rely on the Windows protection.

I do have an old Spybot Search and Destroy which I occasionally use if I have any suspicions, but it never finds anything so I reckon Windows is doing a good job.

There are better people here to advise you (one with a huge IQ); no doubt they'll show up soon.

 

PS my reference to 'better people' was written before I saw bhg and tommy's posts, so I do not regard them as not better.

I used to be one of those that was fanatic about the firewall, antivirus, malware blockers, popup blockers and all the rest of it.

Now I let Windows take care of it and use mainly Brave as my browser.   Works for me.

 

I use the free version of Avast which has a built in limited VPN, and it has paid-for options.

 

I leave it to Windows Defender too now. 

The anti-virus software which came with older versions of Windows wasn't particularly good.  (Even if it did is job of blocking viruses effectively, it had a nasty habit of 'getting stuck in a loop' when installing updates, resulting in people's computers slowing to a crawl).

However Windows Defender, which is built into Windows 11, is now just as good as any of the third-party freebies and all that I ever use.

Question Author

Thanks to everybody for your input. I'd heard that Windows Defender was as good as anything around but it's nice to have it confirmed by people I consider to be friends. I can't really nominate a BA but all your comments are appreciated.

Just use Windows Defender, its a much better product than it used to be. Not used anything else for a few years now.

I think the biggest threat to our devices these days is clicking on malicious links in emails and the like.  

I've been using (free) Advanced Systemcare for ages. Lots of utilities in the suite for different functions. Not had any infections that I know of.

No doubt others won't recommend it!

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