Free virus protection for Windows 10 laptop

pollysg

I have just updated, and was wondering what you would recommend from your own experience in the way of free software. Is there one as good as paid examples like Norton?

Thanks
Polly

AndyPix

Windows 10 has windows defender included.
It may not be the most flashy, but it is unintrusive and works well.

This, coupled with a bit of common sense in what you are clicking - and you will be fine ..

Others will be along to advise which is the best of the free downloadable ones .. But most are very bloaty and are mainly designed to nag you to upgrade to the paid version and are constantly popping up "to prove their worth"

Andy

RumRat

I agree that Windows defender is perfectly fine for normal use as it's much improved of late.
If you are not happy with that then I recommend Bitdefender free as it's unobtrusive and just does it's thing quietly in the background.

JJ_Egan

Bank with Barclay's online and Kasperky is free .

esuhl

I use Windows 7, but I assume all the anti-malware programs are compatible with Windows 10 too. This is what I use (all free versions):

Anti-virus: Avast Anti-virus
Software firewall: Comodo Free Firewall
Sandboxing software: Sandboxie (click the Downloads link to get the free version)
Malware scanner: MalwareByte's Anti-Malware
Malware scanner: adwCleaner
Malicious site blocker: SpywareBlaster
Malicious site blocker: Adblock Plus add-on with Malware Domains and Spam404 subscriptions
Check common programs for updates: Secunia PSI

Hope that helps...

pollysg

Thank you. I saw Windows defender when I was setting up, in the past I have used a back-up as well. I'm glad to hear Defender now has a good reputation. Thanks again,
Polly

grumpycrab

Sounds like Windows Defender is better than it used to be. Or, rather, for most peoples' usage its good enough. This article also suggests that for basic protection you should use Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit Free. (Malwarebytes Anti-Malware has constantly been a recommended malware cleaner.)

Info http://www.howtogeek.com/225385/what%E2%80%99s-the-best-antivirus-for-windows-10-is-windows-defender-good-enough/

AndyPix

pollysg wrote: »

in the past I have used a back-up as well.

Before windows 8, windows defender was only a malware solution.
Microsoft security essentials was the virus defence ..

However, since windows 8, they have both been bundled together inside windows defender ..

Just so you know - You should never have more than one Anti-virus solution on your machine.
They fight against each other and can slow your machine down lots and produce some erratic behaviour..

Choose one - and stick with it :beer:

TonyMMM

In 20 years of PC use I've never used a paid for version of any anti-virus or malware software and have never had any problems.

Using common sense on-line and being sensible is what is most important.

AndyPix

TonyMMM wrote: »

In 20 years of PC use I've never used a paid for version of any anti-virus or malware software and have never had any problems.

Using common sense on-line and being sensible is what is most important.

AMEN to that ..

And remember, nothing is really free in the world ..
If you aren't paying for the product - then you ARE the product !!

esuhl

grumpycrab wrote: »

This article also suggests that for basic protection you should use Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit Free. (Malwarebytes Anti-Malware has constantly been a recommended malware cleaner.)

Info http://www.howtogeek.com/225385/what%E2%80%99s-the-best-antivirus-for-windows-10-is-windows-defender-good-enough/

Huh. I hadn't heard of Anti-Exploit. It sounds like it works in the same way as SpywareBlaster, by automatically adding known-malicious domains to browsers' blocklists.