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Antivirus software is a program that offers virus protection and scans your files and hardware for malware. A comprehensive antivirus program can help protect your computer with customizable firewalls, blocking websites and malware including trojan horses, ransomware, adware, and spyware. This article lists the best free antivirus software tools for Windows OS in 2022 along with ratings of the key features they come armed with.
Table of Contents
Must-have Features of Antivirus Software Tools
Antivirus software includes essential functions such as scanning for malware and known malicious patterns and ensuring the health of your device. It also allows you to check specific files or directories at any time and automatically does it for you at scheduled intervals. When an infection is detected, you are instantly notified and offered an opportunity to clean it automatically behind the scenes.
For complete safety from the latest threats, make sure you have a comprehensive antivirus solution that can:
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- Detect and block viruses, malware, and ransomware
- Prevent identity theft and block phishing and fraud
- Warn you against dangerous websites and links before you click
- Scan the Dark Web for any compromises to emails or any other data breaches
- Protect your online accounts with secure password encryption
- Tune-up the system to ensure it keeps running smoothly
See More: Top 10 Anti-Phishing Software in 2021
Top 10 Free Antivirus Software Tools for Windows OS
Considering that a vast majority of desktop computers and laptops run various versions of the Windows OS, the operating system is frequently targeted by cybercriminals. Noting this factor, Microsoft introduced in-built Windows Defender in the latest versions of its operating system and continuously updates it to cater to emerging malware threats. Windows Defender has shown continuous progress and is now a highly sought-after program for malware testing. Pairing Defender with the ransomware module also offers file version tracking with OneDrive. Hence, a ransomware virus can’t destroy all files even if it enters and encrypts data.
While Windows Defender is a decent antivirus program, considering the scale at which organizations were breached in 2021, it is advisable for them to leverage various other market-leading antivirus tools and solutions in order to leverage their unique capabilities and the latest features they come armed with.Â
Let’s look at some of the best free antivirus solutions for Windows OS along with their respective ratings that should help you choose the best one for your unique needs as we head into 2022.
Bitdefender AntivirusOpens a new window
Overview
Bitdefender’s subscription pricing is reasonable. They are, in fact, the best price-wise. We found that they are very good at defending against malware during our Bitdefender review. There are some slight caveats, however, when it comes to dealing with some ransomware threats. But the sheer number of features they offer is impressive.
Ideal for
It provides protection against ransomware for small and medium-sized firms.
Features
Bitdefender’s entry-level product, Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, provides excellent protection against hacking. It also features Safepay, a secure browser with multiple layers of defense against phishing and malicious links. You also get password management and a vulnerability scanner, newly improved in the 2021 version of Bitdefender Antivirus Plus.
USP
The endpoint solutions recognize the threats quite early in the attack chain, hence preventing and killing them in the bud.
Pros
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- Malware protection is powerful
- Useful additional features with active scans
Cons
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- Messy ransomware clean-up
- Heavy impact on background system
Our Rating: 4.5/5
Norton AntivirusOpens a new window
Overview
The return on investment in this Norton antivirus suite is unreal. You get a lot of features, even in the base package. The intelligent firewall and browser protection features are beneficial for any computer user. The extras you don’t usually get with other antivirus applications include a bundled backup tool and some PC maintenance utilities.
Ideal for
It is best suited for small business organizations with options for protecting up to 5, 10, and 20 devices in a cloud-based management.
Features
Norton antivirus package includes 2GB of online storage and reliable PC performance. As found in testing, the antivirus defenses are tight, but likely won’t be noticeable during normal usage. Norton 360 offers a range of excellent suites. The Standard suite includes an integrated VPN service, 10 GB of backup storage, and dark web monitoring. The Deluxe suite grants protection for up to five devices, 50 GB of backup space, and in-depth parental controls.
USP
Pros
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- Powerful features bundled up for backing up
- Highly secure web protection
Cons
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- Eats a lot of system resources
- AV testing ratings went down comparatively
Our Rating: 4/5
Kaspersky Anti-VirusOpens a new window
Kaspersky’s Windows products have excellent malware-detection scores and a light-to-moderate system-performance impact, and they also offer ransomware protection and a convenient online account portal. Kaspersky offers high-quality security with minimal system impact. With a straightforward interface, the software minimizes its effect on your computer. The detection rate is 99.7%, which is about the same as others that are available.
Ideal for
Provides endpoint security for on-premises and cloud services in small to midsize companies.
Significant Features
Kaspersky protects all three major platforms, PCs, Macs, and Androids. It has an automatic and real-time threat analysis feature, password encryption, and data management.
USP
It has a higher rate of detecting threats with a well-designed and simple to use layout.
Pros
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- The free version includes many premium features
- VPN is free
- Strong antivirus engine with exceptional anti-ransomware
Cons
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- Browser configuration only supports Internet Explorer
- Limited VPN
Our Rating: 4/5
Click here to sign up for Kaspersky Anti-VirusOpens a new window
Avira Free AntivirusOpens a new window
Overview
Avira is a program with a 98.7% protection rate that has visible advantages — it’s easy to navigate, has a generous number of free features, and the cloud-based detection engine is one of its best merits. This engine makes Avira both speedy and stable and allows it to be negligible in terms of system and computer resources.
Ideal for
Specifically for protecting PCs and servers in small and midsize businesses.
Significant Features
Avira’s antivirus is the complete package. It offers real-time scanning for malware, dedicated defenses against ransomware, a software updater to keep all your apps safe, and various privacy tools, including a file shredder. Avira also offers 500 MB of monthly VPN data, a password manager, a firewall, and their “Safe Shopping†browser extension compatible with Chrome and Firefox. It’s completely free.
USP
Avira scans files as soon as they enter the network, neutralizes cyber threats with its anti-malware protection, and protects PCs against concealed malware like “rootkitâ€.
Pros
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- Lightweight with advanced tools for protection
- Proactive anti-ransomware, anti-phishing, and web protection
Cons
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- Chaotic UI with several settings
- Too many upgrade notifications
Our rating: 3.5/5
AVG AntivirusOpens a new window
Overview
AVG Antivirus offers both real-time security updates and scans for malware and ransomware. The software fixes performance issues, catches malicious software, checks for PC performance problems, and has a simple user interface with intuitive access to settings. It provides protection against all three central regions: your computer, your web connection, and your email. With the free version, there are only computer, web, and email protection options.
Ideal for
It protects PCs and servers across the enterprise and small businesses.
Features
AVG now offers a free File Shredder and System Optimizer. In addition, AVG’s interface is open and easy to use as before. Antivirus software users can still customize their experience with AVG. AVG’s broad range of customization options and its file shredder and system optimizer is still available. It also provides top-class ransomware protection. Previously offered only as a premium feature, this type of protection is perfect for keeping your devices and data safe. An additional scanner for your home network will detect any vulnerabilities in your network that hackers could exploit.
USP
It is an essential tool against both viruses and Internet threats and is easy to use.
Pros
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- User-friendly interface with on-demand scans
- The free version has overall protection with robust detection
Cons
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- Slower boot scans
- Average protection against malware
Our Rating: 3.5/5
Click here to sign up for AVG AntivirusOpens a new window
Sophos Home and Central FreeOpens a new window
Sophos Home free antivirus software is business-grade and has a bit more than your average antivirus for the family. You get the basics: viruses and malware protection and browser tools. But, Sophos Home is also resistant to phishing scams and content control – so you can effectively lock down your children’s browsing options.
Ideal for
Sophos Central provides AI-powered security against cyberthreats, emails, and web browsing for businesses with small IT teams.
Features
Sophos Home Free features a full suite of protection for your home network. It includes remote security management, which means you can have an antivirus installed on a less tech-savvy relative’s computer and manage it from one central app instead of managing each device separately.
USP
Fully integrated for sharing real-time information, Intercept X with XDR (Extended Detection and Response) for protection across firewalls, servers and other data sources,
Pros
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- Simplified process with fewer intrusions
- Protects devices with powerful cloud-based control
Cons
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- Scans are not scheduled
- Advanced users have limited control
Our Rating: 3.5/5
Panda SecurityOpens a new window
Overview
One of the best antivirus solutions, Panda, was named as such by AV-Comparatives experts. Panda has detected more spyware, ransomware, and adware files and provides the most reliable real-time protection for those who need more protection. With a 100% detection rate and an easy-to-use interface, it is a solid choice for those who want to keep their computer safe.
Ideal for
Panda’s Watch guard Endpoint security is for IT teams of small and medium-sized businesses with integrated encryption, patching, and remote monitoring options.
Features
Panda’s anti-malware protection invites a lot of arguments. However, it still stands out with its feature set, riding high on USB “vaccination.†The USB vaccination feature preemptively protects a computer from any malware that might have come into contact with a USB device. It’s an excellent addition for the people who often transport files from one computer to another on a USB. And the Rescue Kit is a great way to get back onto your computer if it becomes infected by malware.
USP
It provides the fastest protection against the newest threats and viruses with its cloud-scanning from Panda servers.
Pros
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- Protection against USB-borne malware
- Free VPN with 150 MB limit
Cons
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- No network security
- No anti-phishing protection
Our Rating: 3.5/5
Click here to sign up for Panda Security Opens a new window
Avast AntivirusOpens a new window
Overview
Established in 1988, Avast is one of the oldest antivirus companies on the market. It has a reputation for being trusted by over 400 million people worldwide, consistently ranking as one of the top options for virus protection. A main attraction of Avast is its excellent core virus protection engine. Another critical feature is malware removal tools. Avast also has a secure web browser and network security scanner for users looking for an easy-to-use interface.
Ideal for
Designed for companies with 10-50 employees with a revenue generation of $1 Million – $10 Million
Significant Features
Avast’s Premium Security has all the features of its free antivirus, plus a bunch more. Features include a firewall, shredder, and Wi-Fi inspector. There’s also a Sensitive Data Shield to find and protect files with sensitive personal details. Plus, the software update tool ensures that your apps are up-to-date and secure. Apart from that, it also includes a browser, game mode, and ransomware shield recently added. It is incredibly customizable, which helps in tweaking its appearance and functions accordingly.
USP
Multiple security layers with real-time analysis of threats, an interactive UI, optimized for gaming and movies, smart analytics for blocking spyware, and phishing.
Pros
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- Several configurable features
- Firewall capability and high controlling power
Cons
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- Web protection is less than its competitors
- Discontinued password manager
Our rating: 3/5
Click here to sign up for Avast Opens a new window
See More: Top 10 Firewall Security Software in 2021
Malwarebytes Opens a new window
Overview
Malwarebytes is an antivirus program that’s fast, lightweight, and effective. It operates at the deepest levels of a computer system, cleaning things up often missed by others in its niche. Unlike other programs, Malwarebytes has the fewest false positives. The free version of Malwarebytes is often used as an additional malware cleaner because of its advanced scanning.
Ideal for
Malwarebytes has comprehensive protection plans from small businesses getting started with small teams, midsize to large businesses and medium to large enterprises, built around the exact needs accordingly.
Features
It doesn’t consist of real-time detection like its counterparts. Hence, it isn’t ideal for preventing malware on computers. It also doesn’t contain any powerful features like password management. It is only significant when used as an extra layer of protection on top of another antivirus software. And that is also due to its capability of catching PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs). It should not be viewed as a primary cybersecurity solution but as a malware detector and remover that has already compromised the security.
USP
It provides a powerful security platform with endpoint protection combining seven technologies for remediation and detection into a single cloud-managed system.
Pros
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- Easy malware removal when combined with other tools
- Lightweight and fast scanning
Cons
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- The free version doesn’t support real-time protection
- Frequent updates can activate the trial
Our Rating: 3/5
Click here to sign up for Malwarebytes Opens a new window
See More: Top 10 Firewall Hardware Devices in 2021
Check Point ZoneAlarm Free AntivirusOpens a new window
Overview
ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus is a powerful antivirus and firewall combo. It is based on Kaspersky Lab’s malware detection engine, highly regarded in the industry. The top feature is the firewall, of course. ZoneAlarm has been in the firewall game for some time, and they perform just as well as you’d expect. A few basic anti-phishing countermeasures and identity theft protection are also at your disposal.
Ideal for
It offers comprehensive and advanced protection for unmanaged businesses like small businesses, government municipalities, and firms with few IT needs.
Features
The advanced firewall helps stop hackers before they get in and even catch them on their way out. Threats are monitored and blocked inbound and outbound, and your whole system is made invisible to hackers. If any malicious programs try to attack your computer, all they’ll get is a quick death.
USP
It enables a safe web search while removing all the phishing attacks as and when they enter the network system and servers.
Pros
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- Robust firewall with anti-phishing and identity-theft protection
- The powerful backup security tool
Cons
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- It doesn’t have many standard features like web and email monitoring, file scanning, and real-time cloud protection
- Interface is shabby
Our Rating: 3/5
Conclusion
Antivirus software is immensely crucial to protect your system from malware threats at all times. These tools offer digital security and web protection to keep your devices safe from ransomware and identity theft which are the most pressing security threats. Hence, a PC needs a tool providing real-time threat detection against malware and other online threats like phishing. As we head into 2022, organizations would do well to keep the pros and cons of different antivirus tools in mind when choosing one to protect their devices at all times.
Which of these free antivirus solutions would you pick to protect your Windows devices? Let us know on LinkedInOpens a new window , TwitterOpens a new window , or FacebookOpens a new window . We’d love to hear from you.