The best antivirus software for Windows PC in 2026
The best antivirus to keep your Windows PC or laptop safe and protect your personal data – tested and reviewed by our experts. By clicking on the product name in the list below, you can easily get updated prices, technical specifications and additional information about each product. All antivirus programs on our list have been tested and are compatible with the Windows operating system.
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9.8
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9.5
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- Bitdefender's security solutions consistently receive top marks from various testing centers and publications around the world
- PC MAG Editor's Choice - 6 years in a row!
- Absolute security for Windows, Android, Mac and iOS
- 500 million satisfied users worldwide
- Parental controls offer parents additional online security
9.4
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9.1
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8.8
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- This "ultimate antivirus" offers an antivirus engine, real-time protection, firewall, ad blocking, disk cleanup, launcher management, browser manager and more.
- One of the most accurate malware detectors
- Trustpilot has given it a 4.6/5 trustworthiness rating (out of 673 reviews)
- It offers tuning tools to optimize system performance
- It doesn't mess with resources and doesn't slow down, even on an old PC
8.6
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- Avast protects your computer well and includes several important security tools to keep your system free from viruses and hackers.
- Excellent results in third-party laboratory tests
- A very good free version of the software
- Spam-free email - keeps your inbox safe
- Gamer mode is a must if you play a lot of games online
Do I need antivirus software for Windows PC security?
Think about it this way, would you leave your front door wide open at night? That would be like an open invitation to intruders and burglars. In the same way, leaving your Windows PC unprotected will attract all kinds of malicious threats – viruses, botnets, DDoS attacks, ransomware, malware infections, phishing, among others.
Is a free antivirus program enough to protect your PC?
Being the most popular operating system in the world certainly makes Windows a magnet for viruses and malware. Fortunately, every PC from Windows 8 onwards now comes with a built-in free antivirus called Windows Defender. But the question is, is it enough? Is it able to stop serious threats like ransomware and spyware? Is it good enough on its own or should it be boosted by another freeware?
The reality is that you can’t rely on free antivirus software to keep your computer and personal information safe. Even the enhanced version of Microsoft Defender already installed on your Windows 10 is not completely impenetrable.
Research has also shown that Defender lags behind other antivirus software when it comes to protecting against ransomware and zero-day attacks. It also fails to block incoming malware and there have been cases where the malware scan failed. The next thing is that it lacks all the useful extras that now come with other antivirus solutions: password manager, parental control, backup options and more.
Like any free antivirus program, Defender performs basic cybersecurity protection, but we shouldn’t trust that our devices will be 100% protected. After all, our computers are full of sensitive information like passwords, credit card information, bank account information, and personal photos. Decent Internet security for Windows now costs less than RSD 400.00 per year on average, so you’re better off getting protection than risking everything just to save a few hundred dinars.
What to look for in a decent antivirus software for Windows?
Choosing the best antivirus solution can be an overwhelming task due to the many options available. With your online identity, personal information and financial information at stake, it’s definitely not something you should do in a hurry. In general, there are several factors that we consider important, regardless of your individual needs.
First of all, you need something that offers 24/7 protection through constant updates and automatic scans. This guarantees maximum detection speed, so you can detect the presence of any malware or adware before it’s too late.
It’s also worth noting that phishing and ransomware attacks are often sent through email attachments and links. Your spam filter is usually able to keep most of these phishing emails out of your inbox, but not all. Therefore, it is important to have antivirus software that offers an extra layer of protection to prevent phishing attacks.
Another thing that should be on your list is compatibility. There are antivirus programs that work best on Mac computers and others that are better suited for Windows devices. If you’re a Windows user, make sure you’ve selected the right version for your specific operating system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need antivirus software if I already have Windows Defender?
Yes. Windows Defender is the standard antivirus protection plan that comes with Windows 10, and while it’s certainly better than having no protection at all, it’s not enough to give you optimal protection. Because it’s so common and works the same for every computer, it’s easy for cybercriminals to predict and bypass, which can leave you vulnerable to attack.
What else do I get from paid antivirus software that Windows Defender doesn’t?
While Microsoft’s built-in security software has improved a lot over the past few years, it still doesn’t offer the same arsenal of protection that the best third-party vendors offer. For example, many antivirus packages today offer practical extras such as backup protection, a password manager, parental controls, security for your mobile phone and tablet, and even a built-in VPN. When it comes to protection against threats posed by viruses, malware, and spyware, Microsoft Defender is okay, but certainly not the best. Often, high-quality antivirus packages provide far more protection and will do a better job of keeping you and your computer safe.
Should I turn off Windows Defender when I run other antivirus software?
Not necessarily. Most of the antivirus software we recommend on this page is compatible with Microsoft Defender and should not cause any problems. It can run concurrently with your paid antivirus plan.
Disclaimer
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