Anti-Virus

[bhg481]

|I've just bought a new Windows PC; what's the current best  free anti-virus?

[bookbinder]

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

[bhg481]

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.

[tommy39]

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

[Old_Geezer]

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.

[Atheist]

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.

 

[Atheist]

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.

[barry1010]

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.

[drmorgans]

 

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

 

[Maydup]

I leave it to Windows Defender too now. 

[Buenchico]

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.

[bhg481]

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.

[SlackAlice]

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

[barry1010]

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

[davebro3]

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!