Consumer antivirus software providers for Windows (2024)
If you’re running a supported version of Windows,you’ve already got Microsoft Defender Antivirus built in, helping to protect you against viruses, spyware, and other malware.
Malware consists of viruses, spyware and other potentially unwanted software. Microsoft Defender Antivirus is free and is included in Windows, always on and always working to protect your PC against malware.
Hackers and scammers sometimes use fake antimalware software to trick you into installing viruses or malware on your computer. Should you wish to explore alternatives to the already installed or available Microsoft antimalware software on your Windows PC, the reputable security companies listed below provide consumer security software that is compatible with Windows. Just click the company name to see the Windows-compatible product they offer.
For business security software that is compatible with Windows, please contact your security vendor of choice.
Many companies, including those listed on this page, distribute antimalware software. You should carefully investigate the source of antimalware and other products before downloading and installing them.
Important: Microsoft Defender Antivirus will turn off if you install another antimalware program to protect your PC. Before you install antimalware software, check to make sure you don't already have another 3rd party antimalware product on your computer. If you do, be sure to remove the product you don't want before you install the new one. It can cause problems on your computer to have two different antimalware products installed and running at the same time.
Note:The antivirus providers listed on this page might be unavailable for your version of Windows or in your country or region.
The DoD Antivirus Software License Agreement with McAfee gives active DoD employees a free one-year subscription to McAfee Internet Security for home use on their PC or Mac systems.
Norton 360 is the best choice for anyone looking for total protection. The Norton antivirus tool has near-perfect AV-Test scores and comes bundled with a VPN, password manager, parental controls, safe-browsing tools, identity theft protection and 100GB of cloud storage.
While McAfee is a good all-round product, Norton comes in at a similar price point with better protection scores and slightly more useful security features such as a VPN, webcam protection, and ransomware protection, so I would give Norton the edge.
After all, Microsoft's Windows Security suite (also known as Windows Defender or Microsoft Defender) provides built-in virus protection for your PC, and it doesn't cost a dime.
Norton is the pinnacle of protection and security features.
There are so many options to use, and you get solid security protection for a reasonable price. Microsoft Defender antivirus is a good addition if you have Microsoft 365 and want more protection on your Windows machine than Windows Security can offer.
Both top antivirus software solutions offer personal and group plans and both performed well during testing. Microsoft scored 98.8% in the AV-Comparatives protection test and gave only three false positives, detecting clean samples as malicious. McAfee scored higher, with 99.6%, and also with three false positives.
1. Norton 360 Antivirus – the best antivirus for malware protection overall. Norton is the best antivirus software of 2024 that offers a feature-rich package with an intuitive interface. It has effective real-time protection and offers a reliable VPN and password manager for added digital security.
Introduction: My name is Gregorio Kreiger, I am a tender, brainy, enthusiastic, combative, agreeable, gentle, gentle person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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