Best Antiviruses for Windows 10 & 11, Fully Tested on Our Office PC
TotalAV is our No. 1 pick for PCs due to its excellent malware detection rate, very lightweight and intuitive Windows app, and great system clean-up tool.
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Last Updated on Mar 05, 2025
- Has an excellent malware detection and protection rate
- Its Windows app is really lightweight
- Has a system clean-up tool for boosting PC performance
- Provides access to one of the best VPNs in 2025
- The antivirus and VPN are both available in the same Windows app
- Comes with webcam protection
- Passed all the malware tests we ran on our office PC
- Its Windows app is extremely lightweight
- Has a free version with real-time protection
No matter how careful you are online, you can always fall victim to advanced viruses that can go undetected by normal folks. And that’s not even to mention sophisticated social engineering scams designed to make you give up your sensitive information.
While Microsoft Defender can protect you from such threats, it’s overall pretty limited. However, that doesn’t mean that just any third-party antivirus will be able to keep your PC safe.
We tested over 20 popular antivirus programs to see which ones perform the best on Windows. We subjected them to multiple malware detection tests. We also closely analyzed how their scanning features impacted our office PC’s performance. Ultimately, we decided that TotalAV, Surfshark Antivirus, Bitdefender, Trend Micro, and AVG are the best options.
>> Read More: The Best Antivirus Software in 2025
Comparison of Best Windows Antivirus
| System |
TotalAV Antivirus
|
Surfshark Antivirus
|
Bitdefender Antivirus
|
Trend Micro Antivirus
|
AVG Antivirus
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranking | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th |
| Ratings | 9.7/10 | 8.9/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.6/10 |
| Starting Price | $29 for the first year | $72.63 for the first two years | $24.99 for the first year | $19.95 for the first year | $46.68 for the first year |
| Subscription Length | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Passed EICAR & AMTSO Malware Tests | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Firewall | No | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| System Clean-Up Tool | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Free Version | Yes | No | Yes | No (30-day free trial available instead) | Yes |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days (long-term plans only) | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days |
| Read Review | TotalAV Antivirus Review | Surfshark Antivirus Review | Bitdefender Antivirus Review | Trend Micro Antivirus Review | AVG Antivirus Review |
Summary of the Best Antivirus for PC
- TotalAV Antivirus - Best for Optimizing Your PC
- Surfshark Antivirus - Best Antivirus Protection with a VPN
- Bitdefender Antivirus - Best Performance
- Trend Micro Antivirus - Most User-friendly for Windows
- AVG Antivirus - Best Advanced Firewall
Detailed List of the Best Antivirus for Windows
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1. TotalAV Antivirus - Best for Optimizing Your PC
View Packages Links to TotalAV AntivirusProduct Specs
Virus Detection Yes Malware Detection Yes Firewall No On-demand Scanning Yes On-access Scanning Yes Behavior-based monitoring Yes
Who TotalAV Is Good for
TotalAV detected junk files and data that were impacting the performance of our office PC. We think TotalAV is a good pick if you’re looking for an antivirus that can boost your PC’s performance in addition to protecting it from malware with real-time protection. The antivirus has a really good system clean-up tool that detects junk files and data slowing down your PC.
Feature Highlight: Real-time protection is an antivirus feature that allows the software to run in the background, detecting malware as you open files, download from the web, or run a program. This eliminates the need to scan your computer regularly, although we still recommend running a full scan at least twice a month.
What We Like
- Excellent malware detection and protection
- Really good for optimizing your PC
- Very lightweight Windows app
What We Don’t Like
- Price increases after the first year
- There’s a free version, but it’s really limited
- There’s no firewall
Malware Protection Tests
TotalAV always prevented us from downloading malware test files. To test TotalAV’s malware protection, we used the EICAR malware test file. This is a computer file we use to test antiviruses. It contains code similar to malware — which is why antivirus software flags it — but it isn’t really harmful, so it’s safe to download. We downloaded the file 10 times with TotalAV’s real-time protection running, and TotalAV stopped us every time.
We also checked AV-TEST’s most recent test results for TotalAV on Windows, and they are excellent. The antivirus has a 100 percent detection rate for widespread malware, as well as a 100 percent protection rate against zero-day malware that exploits unknown vulnerabilities.
FYI: AV-TEST is an independent firm that regularly evaluates, tests and rates antivirus programs for different platforms, including Windows. The organization has been testing antiviruses for over 20 years.
User Experience & Extra Features
We found TotalAV’s Windows app extremely simple to navigate and use. Each feature and security service has its own tab, so it’s really simple to switch between them. We also like how TotalAV provides helpful explanations for all of its features and settings.
TotalAV’s app is also lightweight. We ran several full system scans, and they didn’t impact our PC’s performance at all. We were able to browse the web, watch videos, and play online games without experiencing slowdowns or freezes.
And we’re really happy with TotalAV’s “Clean-Up Scan” feature. It scans your PC for junk files and data, tracking cookies, and startup programs that might be slowing down your computer. We had TotalAV perform a clean-up scan five different times. And each time, the scan was finished in less than 30 seconds. In addition, we like how you can scan for installed apps, and quickly uninstall the ones you don’t use often to optimize your PC’s storage and memory usage.
FYI: In our tests, TotalAV detected nine startup programs impacting our PC’s performance. After we disabled all of them, we noticed our PC loaded much faster than before.
Additional Security Services
Depending on which subscription you get, you also get access to other security services on top of the VPN. For example, TotalAV also has a virtual private network (VPN) built into its Windows app. This is an online security service that protects your internet traffic by encrypting it (making it unreadable, basically). A VPN also protects your online privacy by hiding your real IP address when you browse the web.
TotalVPN also provides access to a password manager. This is a security tool that securely stores your passwords, helps you generate strong logins, and auto-fills your login credentials on different websites and apps.
>> Read More: The Best VPNs in 2025
Pricing
TotalAV has several tier-based subscriptions. For this guide, we signed up for the TotalAV Total Security subscription. It’s priced at just $49 per year for the first year, which is very affordable. It also includes access to the antivirus, VPN, and password manager. It’s actually one of our favorite antivirus and VPN bundles.
There’s a free version, but we don’t really recommend it. It only provides basic scanning, and there’s no real-time protection. This means you have to scan your PC regularly to catch malware. TotalVPN also backs all of its long-term plans with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
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2. Surfshark Antivirus
View Plans Links to Surfshark.comProduct Specs
Virus Detection Yes Malware Detection Yes Firewall No On-demand Scanning Yes On-access Scanning Yes Behavior-based monitoring Yes
Who Surfshark Antivirus Is Good for
We think Surfshark has one of the best VPN services in 2025. Surfshark is an excellent choice if you’re looking for an antivirus-VPN combo. In addition to a good antivirus, Surfshark also provides access to one of the best VPN services in 2025. Its VPN is very secure, it has fast speeds, and it’s great for streaming and torrenting.
What We Like
- Its antivirus has great malware detection and protection
- Provides access to a very secure and fast VPN
- Its Windows app is extremely simple to use
- Has webcam protection
What We Don’t Like
- Doesn’t have a firewall
- Doesn’t provide access to device optimization tools
- A full scan could take up to 40 minutes or more
Malware Protection Tests
Surfshark’s antivirus performed really well in our malware detection tests. Its real-time protection stopped us from downloading the EICAR malware test file every time we tried to do it.
We also stopped the service’s real-time protection, downloaded the malware test file, and hid it in a folder on our PC. We then had Surfshark run a full scan to see if it’d be able to detect the file. It only took the antivirus around five minutes to find and quarantine the file.
FYI: Surfshark is a VPN-first company, and its antivirus software didn’t always have real-time protection. However, we’ve seen great improvements in its malware protection over the past year, including the addition of real-time protection. It’s still missing some common antivirus features such as system tune-up, but it’s now excellent at protecting devices from malware.
User Experience & Extra Features
We didn’t notice any slowdowns on our office PC when we ran full scans with Surfshark. We think Surfshark’s Windows app is very intuitive. It only took us around two minutes to install the software, which was primarily built for the VPN, and an extra minute to install and set up the antivirus. We also ran several quick and full scans, and our PC didn’t experience any slowdowns while the scans were going on. That said, with real-time protection on, we noticed a slight delay (two to three seconds) when opening other programs, likely because Surfshark scans them first.
The antivirus also provides webcam protection, which prevents untrusted apps from accessing your camera. But it’s a shame that Surfshark doesn’t have a firewall. Also, it doesn’t provide access to clean-up tools that help optimize your PC’s storage and memory usage (like TotalAV does).
FYI: While Surfshark’s full scan doesn’t slow down your PC, it takes a bit of time to finish. On average, we have to wait up to 40 minutes for Surfshark to finish a full scan. With TotalAV, a full scan usually took less than 20 minutes.
Additional Security Services
The main highlight here is Surfshark’s VPN service. The VPN is included in the antivirus subscription, and it provides very good value. Surfshark’s VPN is very fast, provides strong security and privacy, and it’s excellent for watching Netflix (or any other popular streaming service).
In addition to the VPN, Surfshark also provides access to other great security services. This includes a privacy-focused search engine, data breach monitoring, and a data removal tool (Incogni).
Pro Tip: Surfshark’s VPN has a huge server network, numbering locations in 100 countries. This ensures it provides fast speeds, and it also makes it a great VPN for travel.
Pricing
Surfshark has three tier-based subscriptions: “Surfshark Starter,” “Surfshark One,” and “Surfshark One+.” We signed up for “Surfshark One” when we wrote this guide, and that’s the plan we recommend. It includes access to Surfshark’s antivirus, VPN, private search engine, and data breach monitoring tool. And its pricing starts at $2.69 per month if you get the longest plan.
Surfshark One Subscription Costs 1-Month Plan $17.95/month 1-Year Plan $3.39/month 2-Year Plan $2.69/month Surfshark doesn’t have a free version. But it does have a 30-day money-back guarantee for all of its plans. So, you can take advantage of the refund policy to test this service risk-free.
>> Read More: How Much Does Surfshark Cost in 2025?
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3. Bitdefender Antivirus - Best Performance
View Plans Links to Bitdefender AntivirusProduct Specs
Virus Detection Yes Malware Detection Yes Firewall Yes On-demand Scanning Yes On-access Scanning Yes Behavior-based monitoring Yes
Who Bitdefender Is Good for
Bitdefender’s Windows app is extremely lightweight, and its scans don’t impact device performance at all. Bitdefender’s Windows app is extremely lightweight. So, this antivirus is a good pick if you’re looking for a service that will barely impact your PC’s performance. The antivirus also provides access to a clean-up tool that can optimize your device’s performance and is almost as efficient as TotalAV.
What We Like
- Has a really lightweight Windows app
- Free version includes real-time protection
- Provides access to many extra security tools
What We Don’t Like
- The prices increase after the initial term
- Has a VPN, but it works as a separate app
Malware Protection Tests
Bitdefender performed really well in all of our malware detection and prevention tests. We tried to download the EICAR malware test file seven times while Bitdefender was running in the background, and the service’s real-time protection always prevented us from doing that. We also ran several AMTSO tests, and Bitdefender passed all of them without any issues.
We also checked AV-TEST, and saw that Bitdefender regularly performs very well in its tests. The antivirus consistently maintains a 100 percent malware detection and protection rate.
FYI: AMTSO stands for Anti-Malware Standards Testing Organization. It’s an international nonprofit organization that continuously develops and improves anti-malware testing methodologies.
User Experience & Extra Features
Bitdefender has an extremely lightweight PC app. We ran several quick and full scans, and our office PC never slowed down or froze up while we used it. We also checked the Task Manager, and Bitdefender never used more than 8 to 10 percent of our PC’s CPU power while running a full scan or with real-time protection turned on. Plus, we saw Bitdefender perform very well in AV-TEST’s performance reviews.
We also like how the service has a clean-up tool (similar to TotalAV). The feature is called “OneClick Optimizer,” and it identifies and removes unnecessary files impacting your PC’s performance. Bitdefender also has other extra security features, including decryption tools, an anti-tracker feature that stops ad trackers from collecting data on you, and cryptomining protection (stops malicious actors from using your PC’s power to mine for cryptocurrencies).
Additional Security Services
Bitdefender also has a VPN, which is called Bitdefender VPN. The VPN runs as a separate VPN from the antivirus, which could be a bit inconvenient. Surfshark’s VPN, for example, is bundled with the antivirus in the same app. The same goes for TotalAV.
Bitdefender also has a password manager, and it provides identity theft protection. And if you’re a parent, you’ll also like that Bitdefender has parental controls. You can use them to set daily screen time limits, block access to inappropriate content, filter Google searches, and track your child’s real-time location.
Pricing
Bitdefender’s pricing varies depending on what subscription and plan length you choose, and how many PCs you want to cover. We like the “Premium Security” subscription since it includes all antivirus features, as well as a VPN, password manager, and data breach detection. It costs $79.99 for one year or $149.99 for two years.
But if you’re only interested in using the antivirus, you can opt for the “Internet Security” subscription instead, which is cheaper. For example, if you get the one-year plan and choose to cover three PCs, you only pay $49.99 for the first year.
There’s also a free version of the antivirus. It’s overall limited, but we like how it includes real-time protection (most free antiviruses don’t have this). Bitdefender also has a free 30-day trial, and it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
>> Learn More: How Much Does Bitdefender Antivirus Cost in 2025?
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4. Trend Micro Antivirus - Most User-friendly for Windows
View Packages Links to Trend Micro AntivirusProduct Specs
Virus Detection Yes Malware Detection Yes Firewall Yes On-demand Scanning Yes On-access Scanning Yes Behavior-based monitoring Yes 
Who Trend Micro Is Good for
We think Trend Micro’s Windows app is extremely simple to navigate and use. Trend Micro is a good option if you’re new to antiviruses. Its Windows app is very beginner-friendly due to its intuitive design and interface. Even if you have never used an antivirus before, it shouldn’t take you more than a few minutes to get the hang of how Trend Micro works.
What We Like
- Its Windows app is extremely easy to use
- Has very affordable pricing
- Provides great security features
What We Don’t Like
- Allowed us to download the EICAR test file (but still immediately removed it afterward)
- Has a device clean-up tool, but it’s not that good
- Lacks a firewall
Malware Protection Tests
Even though Trend Micro allowed us to download the EICAR malware test file, it immediately removed it once it was downloaded. Unlike TotalAV, Surfshark Antivirus and Bitdefender, Trend Micro’s real-time protection allowed us to download the EICAR malware test file. Even so, the antivirus immediately removed the malware test from our device.
Plus, Trend Micro performed well in the AMTSO tests we ran. It stopped us from accessing a phishing page, and it also detected and blocked a drive-by malware download test. We also saw that Trend Micro has a 100 percent malware detection and protection rate on AV-TEST’s site.
User Experience & Extra Features
When we installed Trend Micro’s Windows app, the whole process only took around two to three minutes. We also found it very simple to set up customized scans and run quick and full scans. Our first full scan lasted just 12 minutes. We also think it’s very easy to navigate Trend Micro’s app, and we like how there are quick, helpful explanations for all settings and features.
The antivirus also provides access to extra security tools. For example, it has a feature called “Privacy Scanner,” which helps you quickly check your privacy settings on Facebook, X and LinkedIn to protect your privacy. Trend Micro also lets you add extra ransomware protection to certain folders. You just select the folders you want to secure, and Trend Micro will alert you if suspected ransomware tries to tamper with or delete the files in those folders.
FYI: Trend Micro also has a device clean-up tool, but we weren’t really impressed with it. When we used it, it only highlighted a few security vulnerabilities. It didn’t highlight startup programs that we could turn off, or junk files we could delete to improve our PC’s memory usage and device storage.
Additional Security Services
Depending on which subscription you pick, you can get access to tons of additional security services. The list includes a VPN, a password manager, and comprehensive identity theft protection, including identity fraud insurance, credit freeze assistance, and lost wallet assistance.
>> Related: The Best Identity Theft Protection Services in 2025
Pricing
Trend Micro has tons of subscription tiers. If you’re only interested in the antivirus and securing one PC, we recommend the “Antivirus+ Security” subscription. It includes most antivirus features, and it’s very cheap — it’s priced at $19.95 per year for the first year. If you’d like to cover a few more PCs, try the “Internet Security” subscription. It covers up to three devices, and costs $39.95 for the first year.
Trend Micro doesn’t have a free version, but it provides a free 30-day trial. The service also backs all of its plans with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
>> Read More: How Much Does Trend Micro Cost in 2025?
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5. AVG Antivirus - Best Advanced Firewall
View Plans Links to AVG.com
Who AVG Is Good for
We think AVG has one of the most customizable firewalls in 2025. AVG is a good pick if you’re looking for an antivirus with a high-end firewall. You can configure how the firewall behaves when you install new apps or connect to new networks. And you can also tweak tons of basic firewall rules, network rules and application rules.
>> Related: The Best Antivirus Firewalls of 2025
What We Like
- Has a really customizable firewall
- Has an excellent malware detection and protection rate
- The free version is very feature-rich
What We Don’t Like
- Has a VPN, but it has to be installed separately
- No longer offers a password manager
Malware Protection Tests
AVG passed all of our malware protection tests, including drive-by malware downloads. We used EICAR and AMTSO to see how good AVG’s malware protection is. Overall, we were really happy with the results. AVG stopped us from downloading the EICAR malware test file, and it also blocked all of AMTSO’s drive-by malware download tests.
We also disabled the antivirus’s real-time protection, downloaded the EICAR file, and placed it in several folders. We then used AVG to scan all of those folders, and the service instantly detected and quarantined the malware test files, even the ones we hid several folders deep.
FYI: AVG also regularly performs well in AV-TEST’s malware tests. We checked the site, and saw that AVG consistently maintains a 100 percent malware detection and protection rate.
User Experience & Extra Features
We found AVG’s Windows app very easy to install and navigate. It’s also really lightweight — we ran several full scans, and they never impacted our PC’s performance. The scans ran in the background, and we were able to play online games without experiencing slowdowns, freezes or crashes.
AVG’s Windows app is really feature-rich, but the firewall stands out the most for us. We like how it makes it very easy to set new firewall rules for specific apps, and also prevent certain apps from accessing the web. There are also tons of rules you can tweak to configure how AVG’s firewall behaves on any public or private network you connect to. For example, you can choose if you want to allow other PCs on your network to access shared folders on your device.
Pro Tip: AVG can also run a “Performance Scan,” which detects performance issues that are slowing down your PC. We ran a “Performance Scan,” and it finished in less than one minute. The scan detected multiple issues, like broken registry items, junk files and unnecessary apps. AVG allowed us to fix all of those issues with just one click. After doing that, our office PC was noticeably faster.
Additional Security Services
The most comprehensive AVG subscription includes access to a VPN, called AVG Secure VPN. It’s an overall easy-to-use VPN that maintains good speeds and is compatible with some popular streaming sites. AVG also offers identity theft protection via its AVG Secure Identity product, but this is available as a separate purchase.
>> Read More: AVG Secure VPN 2025 Review
Pricing
AVG has several tier-based subscriptions and a few security services that are available separately. We think the AVG Internet Security subscription is enough for anyone interested in the antivirus. It provides access to all antivirus features, and it’s priced at $59.98 for the first year, which is pretty affordable. And if you only need to secure one computer, you could opt for a one-PC plan, which costs $46.68 for the first year.
AVG also has a free version, which we think is actually pretty good — especially since it provides access to the customizable firewall. In fact, AVG is one of the best free antiviruses in 2025. AVG also backs all purchases with a 30-day refund.
>> Related: How Much Does AVG Cost in 2025?
Methodology: How We Chose the Best Antiviruses for PC
We spent several weeks testing over 20 popular antiviruses to see which ones would provide the best experience for PC users. Here’s an overview of our selection process:
- We tested each antivirus program’s malware detection rate. We used the EICAR malware test file and AMTSO tests to check how good the antiviruses’ detection rates are. We also used AV-TEST’s research for reference when reviewing all of the antiviruses on our list.
- We compared each antivirus to Microsoft Defender. We checked if the antiviruses we tested have better detection rates than Microsoft Defender. In addition, we only decided to rank antiviruses that provide access to more security features than Microsoft Defender.
- We only picked antiviruses with lightweight PC apps. We prioritized antivirus apps that don’t noticeably impact system performance. We ran quick and full scans with each antivirus while browsing the web, watching videos, and playing online games on our office PC. And we only ranked the antiviruses that didn’t cause our system to slow down, stutter, freeze up, or crash.
- We analyzed extra security features and additional security services. We only ranked antivirus programs that provide access to useful extras, including system clean-up tools, firewalls, and web protection. We also made sure to only recommend antiviruses that provide access to additional security services, such as VPNs, password managers, and identity theft protection.
- We considered the overall pricing. We checked each antivirus service’s pricing to make sure it’s affordable and reflects the overall value the service offers. We also decided to only recommend antiviruses that have a free version, a free trial, or a generous money-back guarantee.
How to Install & Use an Antivirus on Your PC
Here’s how to quickly get and use an antivirus on your computer:
- Sign up for a good antivirus. If you’d like a recommendation, we suggest trying out TotalAV. Its Windows app is really lightweight, the antivirus provides excellent malware detection and protection, and you also get access to tons of useful extra security tools.
- Download and install the antivirus. Just download the installer from the antivirus service’s website. Then, run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install and set up the app.
- Run a scan. Some antiviruses will require you to do this when you launch the app. Just run a quick scan, and wait a few minutes for it to finish. If there are any issues, the antivirus will flag them and tell you what to do.
- Check out all features. Navigate the antivirus app to familiarize yourself with all of the extra features that are available, like a firewall, web protection, or system clean-up tools. We also recommend checking the antivirus service’s support section for guides showing you how to use the app.
Why Do You Need an Antivirus for Your PC?
Windows is a very popular operating system. That also means that you, as a Windows user, are an attractive target for hackers. Malicious actors could use phishing attacks, messages, and links to trick you into infecting your PC with malware — ransomware, trojans, adware, rootkits, spyware, computer worms, or anything really. The end goal is to compromise your device and data.
That’s where an antivirus comes into play. It’s a security program that protects your PC against any type of malware attack. It detects and blocks malware-infected apps, it stops you from accessing phishing links, and it blocks your connection to malicious websites.
Windows has its own antivirus, called Microsoft Defender. But it’s not as good as most third-party antivirus programs. For the best level of security, we recommend getting a premium antivirus, like TotalAV, Surfshark Antivirus, or Bitdefender.
Is Microsoft Defender Good Enough?
Microsoft Defender is a built-in antivirus available on Windows PCs. It provides decent malware protection since it has real-time threat detection, a firewall, ransomware protection, and web protection (via the “SmartScreen” feature).
Microsoft Defender’s malware detection and protection rate is pretty good according to AV-TEST. We also ran several tests on our office PC, and we had decent results, mainly when using the EICAR malware test file. Every time we tried to download it, Microsoft Defender immediately flagged and quarantined the file when it finished downloading. We also turned off its real-time protection, downloaded and hid the malware test file in different folders, and then ran a full scan. Microsoft Defender was able to find and quarantine it in a few minutes.
However, Microsoft Defender had a good detection rate in our tests only while we were online. When we ran the same full scan tests without an internet connection, Microsoft Defender was no longer able to detect the EICAR malware file.
We also noticed that Microsoft Defender’s web protection only applies to the Edge browser. We tried running the AMTSO phishing page test on Chrome and Firefox while Microsoft Defender was turned on, and the program wasn’t able to block it.
Plus, we also noticed that Microsoft Defender is missing extra features that you’d get with other top antivirus services. For example, it doesn’t provide a system clean-up tool. It has a feature that tracks your device’s performance, but it’s not very accurate. When we used it, it never flagged any issues that were detected by other antiviruses’ device clean-up tools.
Ultimately, if you’re serious about keeping your PC secure, we strongly recommend getting a premium third-party antivirus, like TotalAV or AVG.
Conclusion
The best way to keep your computer system safe and in good working condition is to use an antivirus program. These services protect your PC from malware, keep you safe from online threats, and even optimize your computer’s performance.
There are tons of good antiviruses on the market, but our favorite one is TotalAV. It performed very well in our malware tests, and it also has a very lightweight Windows app. Plus, we like how it detects system issues that might be negatively impacting your PC’s performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do I still need an antivirus if I have Microsoft Defender?
Yes, While Microsoft Defender provides decent protection, it’s not as good as third-party antiviruses (like TotalAV and Surfshark Antivirus). According to our tests, Microsoft Defender’s malware detection rates drop if you’re offline. Plus, its web protection only covers the Edge browser, which is inconvenient.
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What is the best free antivirus software for Windows?
Our favorite free antivirus program for Windows is AVG. Its free version is very feature-rich, as it includes real-time protection, web protection, and even an advanced firewall.
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What happens to Microsoft Defender if I install a third-party antivirus?
If you do that, Microsoft Defender will enter into a “passive mode.” That means the software won’t scan your system for threats, so as to not interfere with the third-party antivirus. You’ll still be able to use Microsoft Defender to run manual scans if you’d like to, though.
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Will an antivirus slow down my PC?
This depends on which antivirus you use. Some might cause noticeable performance issues, especially if you’re a gamer, you’re an online streamer, or if you have an older PC. But really good antiviruses (like TotalAV for example) have lightweight Windows apps that don’t require a lot of system resources to run well.