skip to main content

effective but free anti-virus for Win 10?

9 years ago

My laptop (Win 7) died, so in getting a new one, I now have Win 10. Also had to acquire Office 2016.

My computer activity is limited to word processing, making Power
Point presentations, & online research (gardens, insects & plant
disease). No gaming.

I've always relied on free anti-virus through the years and now
wonder what is effective for this new software/OS. Please advise.

Featured Answer

dadoes

9 years ago

"I've been using free avast! for almost 2 years and have made my peace
with it, but it has issues. You will see ads nearly every day begging
you to upgrade. A standard install comes with features you probably
don't want or need and you'll have to figure out how to uninstall them."

I don't see many ads from Avast. Do a Custom Install and unselect components that aren't wanted, eliminates the need to uninstall them after-the-fact.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

azinoh
9 years ago
What worked for Win 7 should work for Win 10 as well. Are you wanting to make a change? If yes, why?

I've been using free avast! for almost 2 years and have made my peace with it, but it has issues. You will see ads nearly every day begging you to upgrade. A standard install comes with features you probably don't want or need and you'll have to figure out how to uninstall them. avast! likes to add/change things without asking (agreeing to the EULA give them the right to) and a lot of their users get ticked off when it happens. I've stuck with it so far because the antivirus hasn't let me down yet, but mostly because they have a VERY ACTIVE forum where you can ask questions/air grievances. Prior to avast! I used Avira which was pretty good but they also got very forceful about getting users to start paying them $.
sharonann z5 Ont
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Windows 10 has Window defender already on it(at least mine did). Seem to be doing its job.
Related Discussions
Avast Anti-virus has updated to version 5
Q
Comments (14)
grandms Your input is just as appreciated and welcome as everyone's! I saw where Zep and Raven had already posted and I thought that the chances were good that they would return to the thread. I value everyone and their answers equally. 8)
...See More
WinAntiVirus PRO
Q
Comments (4)
Sorry, forgot the pertinent info: OS Name Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition Version 5.1.2600 Service Pack 2 Build 2600 OS Manufacturer Microsoft Corporation System Name LAPTOP System Manufacturer Dell Inc. System Model Inspiron 6000 System Type X86-based PC Processor x86 Family 6 Model 13 Stepping 8 GenuineIntel ~1596 Mhz BIOS Version/Date Dell Inc. A06, 03/05/2005 SMBIOS Version 2.3 Windows Directory C:\WINDOWS System Directory C:\WINDOWS\system32 Boot Device \Device\HarddiskVolume2 Locale United States Hardware Abstraction Layer Version = "5.1.2600.2180 (xpsp_sp2_rtm.040803-2158)" User Name LAPTOP\Kevin Time Zone Central Daylight Time Total Physical Memory 1,024.00 MB Available Physical Memory 360.63 MB Total Virtual Memory 2.00 GB Available Virtual Memory 1.96 GB Page File Space 2.38 GB Page File C:\pagefile.sys
...See More
AntiVirus 2009 Etc
Q
Comments (16)
ok you must have something else too in addition to the antivirus 2009 this is another program we use to clean this stuff it is also free get it and use it to scan. Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware v1.18 should be able to remove this pest ... download it to the desktop. * Double-click mbam-setup.exe and follow the prompts to install the program. * At the end, be sure a checkmark is placed next to Update Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware and Launch Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware, then click Finish. * If an update is found, it will download and install the latest version. * Once the program has loaded, select Perform quick scan, then click Scan. * When the scan is complete, click OK, then Show Results to view the results. * Be sure that everything is checked, and click Remove Selected. Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware v1.18
...See More
Help with anti-virus please!
Q
Comments (1)
If your anti virus is up to date and running perhaps you do not have a virus but perhaps a Trojan. Windows Live Onecare is a for fee program so presumably fully automatic. What safety programs are you running bsides the anti virus? You might try a couple of online free scans to see what they find. Here are 2, there are many others equally as good. BitDefender eTrust Both require IE not Firefox to run
...See More
User
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
For what you do on the Computer, Windows Defender should be fine! Windows Defender comes preinstalled on New Computers and Upgraded Computers have it installed too! If you don't have an Anti-Virus Program installed, Windows Defender will automatically protect your computer. Windows Defender is a No Brainer, it will also automatically Update for you ever time you turn your computer on!

BTW, I would also Download and Install Malwarebytes (Free Version). Between Windows Defender and Malwarebytes you should be well protected!
Jean
Original Author
9 years ago
Thank you all.

One of the first things I always check on a new computer is the security setting but I didn't see evidence of Defender. Don't know why, but will definitely take another look.

I've used the free Malwarebytes previously and have been pleased with the results. It's already on my to-do list.
kudzu9
9 years ago
Avast...I've used it for 4-5 years and it has stopped a number of potential infections in real time.
DA_Mccoy
9 years ago
Any of the three free A's, Avast, Avira or AVG would be just fine.

DA

Related Stories

LIFE 10 Ideas for Making Screen-Free Play a Reality

By Laura Gaskill

Here's how to tempt your children with activities that will encourage their creativity and keep them away from the TV

MOVING Tips for Winning a Bidding War in a Hot Home Market

By Christine Tusher

Cash isn’t always king in a bidding war. Get the home you want without blowing your budget, using these Realtor-tested strategies

WORLD OF DESIGN World of Design: 14 Award-Winning Australian Homes

By Joanna Tovia

Winning projects from the southeastern state of Victoria emphasize light, simplicity and sustainability

LANDSCAPE DESIGN 15 Great Ideas for a Lawn-Free Yard

By Laura Gaskill

End the turf war for good with hardscaping, native grasses and ground covers that save water and are easier to maintain

FEEL-GOOD HOME Simple Pleasures: 10 Ideas for a Buy-Less Month

By Laura Gaskill

Save money without feeling pinched by taking advantage of free resources and your own ingenuity

LANDSCAPE DESIGN For Garden Drama, Consider the Lowly Boulder

By Jay Sifford Garden Design

A boulder can be a thing of beauty in the landscape. Here are 10 ways to display them to full effect

CONTRACTOR TIPS Contractor Tips: 10 Ways to Remodel Greener

By Buckminster Green LLC

Push past the hype and learn what really makes a renovation kind to the earth and easy on your wallet

DECORATING GUIDES 10 Design Strategies for Art Lovers

By Pangaea Interior Design, Portland, OR

Buy the art that you love, then boost its impact with decor

DECLUTTERING How to Declutter Without Going Minimalist

By Revive Your Space

Here are 10 ways to get your home tidy and organized while keeping that personal touch

CLEANING Eco-Friendly Tips and Tricks for Cleaning Your Home

By Luisa Rollenhagen

Are you wary of using chemicals to clean? These simple products and tricks will keep your home spotless naturally

Sponsored

More Discussions

Windows 10 Support Going Forward

9

Computer Keeps Disconnecting from Wi-Fi While Uploading Garden Photos

1

Not a Computer, But Mobile Phone

5