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10 free antivirus programs for Windows
Wait - free? Don't companies like Norton make a good business out of selling antivirus protection? Why would someone give it away? Developers of free antivirus solutions like Avast and AVG are counting on a couple of things. First, that you'll like the free offering enough to want to buy an upgraded version of their product. Second, that if enough home users talk about how much they love it that their "computer guy" at work might want to use it on the company's systems.
The free options listed after the break offer the same kind of protection as the boxed software you can buy at the store.
Two things to keep in mind:
First, as with other free software, some of the developers ask for support in the form of a toolbar install. They're all optional, so make sure to un-tick the checkboxes during the install if you don't want the toolbar.
Second, a number of the developers offer a non-free version on the free version's download page via a service called TrialPay. The totally free version is normally on the left, the TrialPay offer on the right - make sure you're clicking the link you actually want.
I see Avast's little blue sphere in a lot of system trays, and with good reason: it's one of the most recommended free Windows antivirus options. One nice thing about Avast is that the installer only installs the antivirus program – there's no toolbar or anything else to dodge. Definitions update automatically, scans can be scheduled, and the boot-time scan tool does a good job at uprooting even stubborn infections.
You do need to register for a product key, though Avast will never email you anything other than the confirmation message.
Get it from: Avast | FileHippo | Softpedia
AVG has been a popular free antivirus option for Windows users for a number of years. It provides solid protection against viruses and other malware, and there's no registration required. Virus definition updates are automatic, and scheduled scanning is supported. Version 8 ships with the optional AVG Security Toolbar, which may be a good idea for some users. It provides security ratings for known websites and provides a little added protection in your browser – a place some users desperately need it.
Be sure to watch for the toolbar install and opt out if you don't want it. Also pay attention on the download page: free link on the left, TrialPay on the right.
Get it from: Download.com | FileHippo | Softpedia
Avira's offering is third on the list alphabetically and that's where it falls popularity wise on Download.com, just behind AVG and Avast. It's rated highly for fast and accurate scanning, and is easy on system resources. AntiVir's simple interface and solid protection make it a good choice for novice users.
One bothersome aspect is the nag screen that appears periodically to remind you about Avira's paid product. Also, on Avira's download page look on the left side for the completely free link - the right side is a TrialPay offer.
Get it from: Avira | FileHippo | Softpedia
Another lesser-known (but solid) option is BitDefender. In addition to virus and malware defense, BitDefender also includes a privacy protection feature that monitors web traffic and outbound mail for possible breaches. Its scanning engine is fairly speedy and detection rates are on par with more well-known software.
The download page is a bit like Avira's, so make sure you don't use the TrialPay offer on the right unless you really want to. The free download is on the left side.
Get it from: BitDefender | FileHippo | Softpedia
Unlike other programs on this list, Clam is not a realtime virus scanner, meaning it won't notify you the instant an infected file gets saved to your hard drive. Because of this shortcoming, ClamWin is probably not a good choice for novice users. It does, however, support scheduled scans and integrates with Windows Explorer so you can manually right-click and scan files. It also integrates with Microsoft Outlook and can remove infected attachments automatically.
You can get on-access protection with ClamWin by integrating it with WinPatrol or Spyware Terminator.
Get it from: ClamWin | FileHippo | Snapfiles
Comodo's free antivirus application comes as part of their Internet Security suite. Comodo's firewall software has always been very well-respected, but you can choose to only install the antivirus during the install if you prefer. It's a solid performer, with good scanning speed and detection rates, and few false positives.
Like AVG, Comodo packages a toolbar (called safe surf). It'll also prompt you to change your homepage, so just make sure to uncheck the boxes if you want to opt out.
Get it from: Comodo | Download.com | Softpedia
Immunet ProtectRecently launched, Immunet pushes the same advantages as Panda: low resource utilization (CPU/ram), no need to download giant definition updates, and the collaborative power of community cooperation.
It's worth noting that only application installs are monitored in realtime by default. To activate application launch protection, open the program's main window and head to the settings screen.
Get it from: Download.com
The latest addition to this list, Security Essentials is the free follow-up to Microsoft's popular OneCare. While it's a very basic antivirus program, it provides a very good level of protection without bogging down your system. Like the other titles on this list, SE updates automatically and it can also perform scheduled scans as often as you like.
It's still a beta release, but is very stable and I've not noted any problems with it so far.
Get it from: Softpedia
PC Tools are the same people that produce Spyware Doctor, one of the most popular anti-spyware applications around (though not my personal choice). Its interface is simple and easy to understand for novice users, though advanced users are likely to be frustrated by the lack of more sophisticated options that are available in other free programs. Scheduled scanning is supported, as are automatic definition updates.
Get it from: PC Tools
Even with the regal lion face logo, Rising hasn't garnered a lot of respect yet. Still, those who do use it seem very pleased with the protection it provides and also report that it's easy on system resources. A complete scan with Rising is a bit more sluggish than with more popular options, but most of you probably run scheduled scans when you're AFK anyway – so it's not a big downside.
It's regarded as a good choice for non-technical users.
Get it from: Rising AV | Snapfiles | Softpedia
Spyware Terminator isn't an antivirus program on its own, but you can choose to integrate ClamWin during the setup process. Unlike installing Clam on its own, pairing the two applications provides realtime virus protection. It's regarded as a very good anti-spyware application, though reviews are mixed on its ability to handle antivirus duties.
As with AVG and Comodo, a toolbar install will be offered during the setup process.
Get it from: Spyware Terminator | FileHippo | Softpedia
If you're not sold on the idea of free antivirus and are looking to test drive some paid options, there are plenty available for download. Just about every major developer of antivirus software offers at least a 30 day trial of their product. Here are three solid choices you can take for a test drive.
NOD32 is the choice of a number of Download Squad crew members. It's very well-respected by system admins and technicians and one of the best programs available to protect your PC from infection. Downloading the current version gets you 30 days to try it out.
If you're so inclined, you can download beta versions or release candidates as well - and you'll get up to 6 months of free protection.
Another option held in high regard by experienced users, the Kaspersky scanning engine is licensed by a number of other companies that provide antivirus software. Trial versions last 30 days.
Trend has been a truster choice in coporate environments for a long time, though their PC Cillin software for consumers isn't as popular as some other tites. It's still a solid choice and provides good protection. Again, 30 days to try it out.
Comments
40
Subscribe to commentsmvpFeb 23rd 2009 3:02PM
You're kidding right?
You only need one av at a time. Having numerous av's running all at the same time will just leave you with a ton of annoying alerts about each other.
Lee MathewsFeb 23rd 2009 6:27PM
No, it's because users want choice.
There are dozens of screenshot applications, yet Windows can do that on its own. Why? Because different people like different things.
Companies see a need and try to produce a compelling product with unique features in order to make a profit. That's why you end up with a number of different applications.
And how does a free antivirus app make you desperate? Some of the best software out there is free.
nicbotFeb 24th 2009 1:02PM
If you took from this article that it's stating that you need more than one AV program running at a time or that free software can never be on point with paid, read again please.
And enough already with Mac fan boyz.
mvpFeb 26th 2009 10:24AM
Samuel I had a feeling you were a mac-boy. Any software regardless of its maker is bound to have a security flaw or virus, including mac software. The only reason why you rarely hear of a mac virus is because there is no point to it. If you were a hacker would you rather infect the tremendous majority of the world that is windows, or would you rather go for the small percentage of mac users. When it comes down to it, the only reason why mac has so few viruses is because no one gives a damn to create them, it's a waste of time.
By the way, next time you make a comment like that read up a little before hand.
http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/01/22/surprise-mac-users-pirated-iwork-download-contains-a-trojan/
http://www.heise.de/english/newsticker/news/69862
Lee MathewsFeb 26th 2009 1:26PM
So the facts listed here: http://www.spamlaws.com/mac-virus.html are totally unfounded?
Also, there appears to be a list at the bottom with 5 antivirus options for Mac. Why would a company produce such software if there was no need for it?
PaoloFeb 23rd 2009 11:25AM
If I'm not mistaken, BitDefender 10 Free Edition does not offer real-time scanning/protection. The same is said on the product's Web page, though I haven't verified by installing. As an on-demand scanner it might be good, but there will be users hoping for/needing real-time protection.
RayFeb 23rd 2009 11:34AM
While I think it's great that everyone can get some form of protection, I firmly believe you get what you pay for.
Also, keep in mind, no antivirus makes a computer idiot proof.
BrianFeb 23rd 2009 11:39AM
You can also pay a lot of money for AV and still get not a lot.
Have to agree that until they stop producing idiots some people will need AV.
RayFeb 23rd 2009 11:51AM
Too true... it just depends on what you go with, and if you practice safe web surfing habits. In my experience the paid applications (most of them) do better than their free counterparts, but the free ones sometimes uninstall more cleanly. I have been highly impressed with Norton's '09 product refresh. Extremely speedy... and on the other hand McAfee is horrible.
Jon NiolaFeb 23rd 2009 11:52AM
Another good one that should be mentioned is ThreatFire. I run it along with a commercial copy of Symantec and there have been times where ThreatFire intercepted/detected something that Symantec did not even acknowledge.
AnthonyMar 6th 2009 12:49PM
lol cuhz symantec is weak ass virus program that plants its files and sleeps like an old man in a rocking chair
ComputorialFeb 24th 2009 11:07AM
I hope soon computer user will go MORE ADVANCED by using HIPS instead of Anti-Virus apps. Anti-virus programs alone (without hips) are always one step behind malware writers, because they simply react to new viruses. This means that before AV-vendors discover new form of virus the latter has been circulating web for a while. During this period everyone is vulnerable.
But if you have pretty strong hips, you are safe.
There are so many trojans than none of AV-s can discover and maybe never will. Do yourself a favour and compliment your av with hips.
www.computorial.blogspot.com
DentonFeb 23rd 2009 12:10PM
"Ray said 11:34AM on 2-23-2009
While I think it's great that everyone can get some form of protection, I firmly believe you get what you pay for."
antvira, avast, and avg are right near the top actually...
antvira has higher detection rates than many other pay antivirus programs.... with independent tests (http://www.av-comparatives.org i'd link you closer but evidently that might be illegal) (http://www.virusbtn.com/news/2008/09_02)
RayFeb 23rd 2009 12:36PM
Assuming the free alternatives are better at catching things, then I'd have to say most clients whose computers are infected and have those apps must not have very good surfing habits, lol! I'd have to say about 80% of the computers I remove viruses off of have a free virus program on them. I try to educate all of my clients about safe browsing as well as keeping their AV/AS up to date, but some people just don't get it...
WolvenSpectreFeb 23rd 2009 12:38PM
I cannot recommend the free version of AVG anymore.
I have watched over the years as support and features and even the definitions for AVG Free have been comprimised until false positives that disrupt computer operations for people using some reputable and commonly used software.
One case I know of personally I and at least 10 other people tried to get a false positive for a hardware ID tool changed for almost a year and a half before I finally left.
I also got infected by a zero day exploit through a banner ad on a commercial site that had been hacked. The pay version had the definition and removed it the next day from someone who was infected the same way. The same definition was not supplied to me for over 2 weeks.
I changed to AntiVir, and not only got full customer service, but when I found a false positive and reported it, they examined it, kept me up to date, contacted me with the results and had it rectified by the next day. I then thought I found another false positive from a program I had used for years and had originally gotten from Download.com, but they examined it and then told me that it was fine, when it wasn't and they had correct that in less than 12 hrs, and when I asked them why, they told me and asked me to help them by resubmitting just incase there was a problem! Turns out they were right, a spyware problem I had blamed on another peice of software I installed was actually caused by this updated version of that piece of software.
For its service alone I am considering buying a licence for AntiVir, but it will be a cold day before AVG feels the warmth of my money.
sjs2626Feb 23rd 2009 4:47PM
I used AVG Free, same as you, but I switched because AVG was giving my computer bluescreens. After I restarted because of the bluescreen, it would say my antivirus caused the problem. I am using Windows Vista Home Premium 32-Bit, and after I switched to AntiVir, there have been no problems.
InsomnicFeb 23rd 2009 12:36PM
The Antivir nag popup can be removed with a simple registry edit.
As far as "getting what you paid for" - that doesn't necessarily hold water in this case. There have been many comparisons performed and there isn't a very noticeable difference between the paid and free versions at catching virus infections. A big difference though is the support and extra protection some of the pay versions do offer such as 24/7 phone help, spyware protection, parental controls and so forth.
RayFeb 23rd 2009 12:48PM
Good point. Your average internet user could benefit from most of those extra features you listed though, making the paid application worth the money.
KamalFeb 23rd 2009 12:45PM
I have used AVG in the past and still recommend it to my family and friends but ever since User Account Control (UAC) on Vista+, I have never needed AV software on any of my PCs.
DentonFeb 23rd 2009 12:52PM
lol, yes safe browsing is always key. the firefox noscript add on is a huge plus that i push onto people.
Lol I had to clean a pc that was running for years with only a firewall. It was quite a mess.
I actually find most people tend to only go with 1 defense method. They tell themselves "i have an anti-virus why bother with anti spyware or a firewall", or another of the combination.
I set up most computers with Avast (because it's anti-virus and spyware combo as apposed to Antivir and avg) and comodo. I've been a McAfee suite guy (when i'm actually in windows and not linux), still am (free with my provider). But i must admit i'm impressed with the tandum. The past couple years i've discovered the free/ open source community is catching up.
You ultimately need to be smart with what you do however.