There are several good options for free anti-virus software for Windows available for download on the Internet today. While a paid antivirus software would definitely be better than its free version, there are some full-fledged antivirus software available for free download and they don’t have a paid version. Moreover, their latest versions are available for free download. So, in case you’re looking for free antivirus software, you can try one or more of the following options listed below.
(1) Microsoft Security Essentials:
Microsoft Security Essentials
Microsoft Security Essentials is an absolutely free anti-virus and security software. It does not have a paid version, therefore, you can be sure that what you’re getting for free is a full version and not a curtailed version in the name of a free download. Moreover, coming from Microsoft, you can rely on it. It integrates with Windows quite well. It will automatically update the virus definitions on day-to-day basis and can provide you real-time protection against viruses, malware, spyware, worms, etc., including the online threats. I’ve been using Microsoft Security Essentials since it was launched in 2009 and have found it to be quite useful and unobtrusive. I would like to rate it as the best antivirus product among the similar free options. You can download Microsoft Security Essentials from the official Microsoft site. However, please remember that it requires a genuine Windows being installed on your computer. [Also see: Stop Microsoft Security Essentials from launching at Startup.]
(2) AVG Anti-virus Free Version:
AVG AntiVirus Free Version
AVG Anti-virus Free edition is quite popular and it provides you protection from viruses, malware and other evil software. It uses the updated virus definitions to protect you from new threats. It offers real-time protection with useful features such as email scanner and link scanner. It can be downloaded from the official AVG site.
(3) Avast! Free Antivirus:
Avast Free Antivirus software
Avast! Free Antivirus is one of the best options in the category of free antivirus software. It can block, detect and remove viruses and spyware, including the latest ones in an effective manner. It also allows remote assistance from a geek friend. Get real-time protection for your computer, including from the online threats such as through emails. However, the company making this software states that the free version is only for personal and non-commercial use. Download its latest version from here.
(4) Panda Cloud Antivirus Free Edition:
Panda Cloud Antivirus Free Edition
Panda Cloud Antivirus Free Edition is a free antivirus software from the cloud, i.e., it uses resources from the web server while scanning viruses on your computer. It provides real-time protection against viruses, and supports URL and web filtering of malicious and phishing sites. Being a cloud software, it is light and easy to operate. Download it from here.
(5) PC Tools AntiVirus Free:
PC Tools Antivirus Free software
PC AntiVirus Free is another free antivirus software that provides real-time protection against viruses, spyware, worms and Trojans with the help of the IntelliGuard real-time virus scan and removal technology. Its File Guard feature scans and blocks malware in real-time. Moreover, its Search Defender feature cautions you about insecure or phishing websites. Download PC Tools AntiVirus Free software from its official site.
In addition to the above 5 free anti-virus software detailed above, there are some other good antivirus software available for free download such as:
(7) Avira Free Antivirus.
(8) Immunet Free Antivirus software.
So, make full use of these free versions of the antivirus programs to protect and secure your computer.