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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 commentsChristianFeb 23rd 2009 1:20PM
Hey I really liked avast but is there a way that it doesn't have to scan every single thing that it pratically makes my laptop so warm when scanning or can't eject my flash drive cuz it likes to scan everything it can?
typoinkFeb 23rd 2009 2:25PM
One thing to note about Spyware Terminator: unlike most free software, it's free for business use as well. That makes it a great fit for small offices that want some basic A/V but can't justify the expense of a commercial solution and don't want to "cheat" AVG or Avast.
I can't really speak to its capabilities, seeing as I haven't dealt with any serious virus or malware issues in years, but it offers a little peace of mind to the bosses at my office knowing there's some protection running.
Lee MathewsFeb 23rd 2009 2:48PM
If anyone wonders where comment 14 went re: "just get a mac," it wasn't topical, so it went away. Post is about "windows" antivirus options.
Thanks for staying on topic!
theosFeb 23rd 2009 5:51PM
I used Kaspersky until year ago, the switched to Comodo Firewall with Defense+ turned on and Malwarebytes' Anti-malware for on-demand scanning ( and Sandboxie for REALLY suspicious files :) ) Couldn't be happier. Comodo is doing great job so far ( it is a little complicated sometimes though ), and I am waiting for next overhaul in CIS v4 to try anti-virus component too.
Heathen DanFeb 23rd 2009 6:59PM
Even though I practice "safe hex", it still doesn't hurt to use a freeware AV (I use AntiVir) cause accidents do happen.
cicom3nd3zFeb 23rd 2009 8:41PM
A couple of things I don't agree with. NOD32 v.3 is really poor on adware (the v4 beta seems much better), Spyware Doctor is a really good anti-spyware app.
Most computers today get infected with adware (rogues/fake av products etc.). This are really annoying and it is a shame that most av apps can't deal with them.
I think Norton 2009 (not free) is way better than the old versions (is not resource hungry anymore).
MollyFeb 23rd 2009 9:20PM
ClamWin does scan for for viruses and it really takes it time, so i suppose it IS a real time virus scanner, however, it does not offer on-access protection.
a-squared (really free for personal use unlike most programs you have listed here) is a far more effective solution since it is using two engines (for viruses AND malware) with an incredible high detection rate and yet it gets the job job in half the time.
even faster yet is a2cmd, a portable command line scanner (using the same two engines) but is lacking the convenience of a GUI.
http://www.emsisoft.com/en/software/free/
http://www.emsisoft.com/en/software/download/
have a look at the latest AV-Test.org bulletin (A2 is using the Ikarus engine) how they all compare:
http://www.virusbtn.com/news/2008/09_02
Molly
KevinFeb 24th 2009 11:17AM
Moon Secure (www.moonsecure.com) is also worth a look, based on the clamav core at the moment and going heuristic soon. Best part is it stays out of my way and has a live scan engine.
theosFeb 24th 2009 12:23PM
After a day or so having ESET SmartSecurity installed, I am back on Comodo Firewall with Defense+ and Malwarebytes Antimalware.
Problems :1. It doesn't have an EXIT button 2. It thinks it is a mistake to disable email, so it reminds me of it on every startup and keeps taskbar icon orange ( I don't download my emails, sorry) and I didn't find a way to disable it 3. ESET is using 50MB RAM ( Comodo - 8MB ) ... On a good side, UI is much more polished compared to Comodo, and the operation is smooth. It had much less initial pop-ups than I like, bit that that was easily fixed. Good stuff for the people who doesn't like to get thair hands dirty configuring the software .
nicbotFeb 24th 2009 1:17PM
@ samuel: "But I'm a Mac user and we don't have viruses. Looking at Windows, well, nine apps that all try to plug the sinking ship just makes me think"
Really dude?? I suggest you read and think harder. A quick google probe will help you out of your shell.
http://antivirus.about.com/od/macintoshresource/Macintosh_Viruses_and_Mac_Virus_Resources.htm
http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2009/01/another-mac-vir.html
And to help stay on topic (sorry) having options helps keep the market be competitive, productive and moving forward, which in turn benefits the end user. Weather it be free or paid, if there's just one dog, he will inevitably get fat and lazy.
Been using Avast free for years on my machines and clients. Avast coupled with Malwarebytes or SuperAnti-Spyware FTW! (Firewall Comodo or ZoneAlarm free platform depending)
setFeb 24th 2009 2:11PM
Although I've been saddened by Norton products in the past and have used free products like the ones above instead, I have been really happy with Norton Antivirus 2009. It was well worth the 20$ after rebate (at Staples, although Buy.com has deals sometimes). I don't see how their pricier Norton Internet Security 2009 product is worth it, though (considering Antivirus includes both antispyware and network intrusion protection). Norton has an imperceptible impact on system performance, and it updates every few minutes.
free anti virusFeb 25th 2009 2:03AM
I prefer to use free anti virus than the non free virsons, because both type of AV give same protection with smaller difference . AVG give more security from any kind of virus to our PC.
ryzza007Feb 25th 2009 6:37AM
Still using Comodo IC here - working great.
If I ever get a computer put on my desk with loads of nasties on it I usually turn to Malwarebytes' Anti-malware to clean it up first as well
More than once I've felt the urge to tell some computer novice in a shop to put down the expensive AV software box and go get something free. I find the that 'commercial' versions are usually the most resource intensive.
EllenFeb 25th 2009 7:58AM
Great list of programs. One thing to note. If you are a Comcast subscriber you get McAfee for free. I've had problems with with McAfee in the past but lately it has been working fine. It probably eats up more system resources but since it's free I use it.
JonFeb 25th 2009 5:11PM
I did a comparison on a few of these head to head, if anyone is interested...
http://www.dyers.org/blog/archives/2008/10/09/you-want-free-antivirus-you-got-it/
drsilverwormFeb 26th 2009 3:53AM
I swear by Avira Antivir, it's the best free anti-virus you can get. Features like anti-spyware and anti-phishing or only for people dumb enough to fall for that stuff in the first place.. For a user who has some comprehension of the internet, Avira can't be beat
VaginaFeb 27th 2009 10:56AM
Have to agree that until they stop producing idiot programmers that there will be users needing antiviruses.
BeyondRandomMar 1st 2009 10:57PM
Great post. Some of these I have not even heard about. I have been using AVG for a while and so far so good. Thanks again for the post.
tanjoe08Mar 13th 2009 4:32AM
All Antivirus here is great, but why my computer won't install it well. It's always failed in midle of installing or after installing. can anybody help me to solve this problem?. Thanks
Spyware KillerMar 24th 2009 6:05PM
I like spybot because not only is it a great remover of spyware, adware, diallers etc, it also now has real time protection and it immunises you PC therefore preventing you system being infected in the first place...