Best Free Antivirus Software for Windows 2024

Be it desktop or laptop, computers have always been the preferred work machines for everyone. And in the post-COVID era, we depend on a digital lifestyle more than ever. Naturally, our work machines can become an easy target for adware, malware, and ransomware, phishing attempt and keylogging, data theft, and other online threats that jeopardize our privacy and security.

To ensure all-round protection of your device, you should keep an antivirus software that can track your internet activities in real-time with a firewall, and scan any files that you downloaded before opening. This post is a part of our Antivirus Software series. We have previously covered the best antivirus software for android and the best antivirus software for iOS.

In today’s post, we will look at the free antivirus software for Windows laptops and desktops. Windows, by default, provides an in-built Windows defender that offers some basic protections. However, there are several other third-party trusted antivirus solutions. Here’s an overview.

Avira Free Antivirus

avira free antivirusAvira Antivirus runs on a cloud-based scanning engine with an amazing scanner included. Thus, the majority of malware detection and analysis take place online. Therefore, you need not worry about the low specification on your computer. Even if you use CPU sensitive apps, Avira can run smoothly.

The older PCs with low-performance technology can run the app with no issues. The free package of Avira comes with various benefits like a safe shopping browser extension and device optimization tools.

If you’re looking for a free Antivirus to protect your PC from malware and internet browsing, Avira is the best choice!

Download Avira

Kaspersky Security Cloud 

kasperskyAnother great free antivirus software for Windows is Kaspersky Security Cloud. Similar to Avira, it runs on cloud-based malware scanning technology. Along with the Antivirus, you get a VPN, dark web scanning, and password manager. Isn’t it just amazing?

The VPN is pretty good to use as it didn’t slow my PC at any point while testing the software. However, you have a 200MB limit when accessing the content from the VPN. There’s a limit on the password too; you can save only 15 separate passwords. Well, I think that’s good enough for a free antivirus. And the dark web scanner is easy to use and effective. 

Thus, you should give it a shot for a complete package of security for free.

Download Kaspersky

AVG Antivirus Free

AVG AntivirusOne of the most popular free antivirus software for Windows is AVG Antivirus Free. The company claims it to be the best free antivirus for protection against phishing, malware, viruses, spyware, and ransomware. 

Along with that, you get a complete protection package from AVG. You can a file shredder to expose and delete sensitive for preventing your data leakage. The only thing that I didn’t like was that AVG doesn’t offer a browser extension for browsing protection.

If you think you might get affected by spyware and phishing attacks, do give this a shot.

Download AVG Antivirus

Avast Free Antivirus

Avast Free AntivirusAvast Free Antivirus is one of the best free antivirus software for Windows in the market. It offers you a complete package of security protection. You get a browser extension for safe browsing against malicious webpages.

Along with that, you get a network security inspector, password manager, and various other tools. However, the password manager has limited features like no master password required for extra protection. 

Thus, Avast could be a perfect fit for you with amazing add-on tools.

Download Avast

Panda Free Antivirus

pandaPanda is another great free antivirus software for Windows. This antivirus is great to use for beginners who don’t have any hectic hi-tech hustle. The interface is pretty attractive and simple to use for anyone. It comes packed with a firewall to block unwanted intrusions on the system.

Along with that, Panda Free Antivirus comes with a VPN for extra protection. It comes in handy when you are on a public WiFi network. With the daily data limit of 150MB, you can easily browse the internet for various purposes. You can get the premium plan for unlimited data usage.

Not just that, Panda Free Antivirus has a complete security package. Thus, you can give it a shot sometime soon.

Download Panda Antivirus

Sophos Home Free

Sophos Home FreeSophos Home Free is one of the best free antivirus software for Windows. It has one of the best parental control tools for you. Usually, these tools come with premium packages of other antivirus software. However, with Sophos Home Free, it’s all free! You can block kids from accessing adult content and malicious websites.

Along with that, you get free malware protection, safe browsing browser extension, etc. Thus, you will stay protected from phishing attacks. You can install the free version on up to three different devices. You can purchase the premium version to access it on more than three devices.

Download Sophos Home

Bitdefender Antivirus Free

Bitdefender Antivirus Free

If you are looking for a basic antivirus that doesn’t need attention after installation, Bitdefender is the best choice. You just need to install it and keep doing your work. It will run in the background for essential activities to protect your system against threats. It performs scans for malware and removes them automatically. 

It comes with the Advanced Protection feature for ransomware detection. Also, you get protection against phishing attacks and other frauds. For other features like parental controls, VPN, dark web monitoring, etc. you need to upgrade to the premium version.

Download Bitdefender

Last Words:

So these are the leading antivirus software solutions that will ensure you stay protected. But remember, it is always good to stay alert every time you are online. Do check the URLs of any website before you share your payment details. Double-check any files that you have downloaded, before opening them. Don’t click on any spammy links that you receive via emails. These basic preventive measures will help you in the long run.

Thanks for reading. Do share this post with your digital buddies so that their important information is not compromised. If you have any further queries, just drop a comment below. I will be happy to help. Don’t forget to join our Telegram Channel for the latest tech updates.

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Rounak Anand
Rounak Anand

Hola! I'm a professional writer who loves to write about technology, marketing, travelling and designing. When I'm not writing, I prefer designing conceptual advertisements for various digital platforms.

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