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effective but free anti-virus for Win 10?

8 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

8 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.

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Comments (7)

azinoh
8 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 $.
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sharonann z5 Ont
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Windows 10 has Window defender already on it(at least mine did). Seem to be doing its job.
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User
8 years ago
last modified: 8 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!
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Jean
Original Author
8 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.
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kudzu9
8 years ago
Avast...I've used it for 4-5 years and it has stopped a number of potential infections in real time.
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DA_Mccoy
8 years ago
Any of the three free A's, Avast, Avira or AVG would be just fine.

DA
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