Free virus protection for Windows 10 laptop

abibee

Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit free is a nice extra thing, I've been using it for a while.

As for antivirus, yes Windows own is good enough if you're careful and know what you're doing, but most people aren't careful enough, and need something better. It always amazes me why an inferior product would be advised rather than a better free solution. It baffles me.

RumRat

abibee wrote: »

Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit free is a nice extra thing, I've been using it for a while.

As for antivirus, yes Windows own is good enough if you're careful and know what you're doing, but most people aren't careful enough, and need something better. It always amazes me why an inferior product would be advised rather than a better free solution. It baffles me.

If you don't know what you are doing then none of them can fully protect you....

I_have_spoken

what you would recommend from your own experience in the way of free software

The in-built Windows Defender/Malware removal. Unless you make a habit if visiting Russian pr0n sites.

I also use OpenDNS which by default won't let you open links to dodgy sites and my email is all routed via Gmail which knocks out the vast majority of spam/phishing emails.

aliEnRIK

According to this the inbuilt defender copes about as well as the old MSE used to (Ie, not very well). Personally I would NOT recommend depending upon it.

jay1989

ive not updated to windows 10.... is it worth it?

RumRat

jay1989 wrote: »

ive not updated to windows 10.... is it worth it?

Read this thread https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5252271
This ones about AV...

GunJack

latest av-comparatives test lists defender as 91.x% detection rate, avira and bitdefender 99.8%, the free versions use the same engine & definitions as the paid-for versions, ergo bin defender and use either of these two's free versions

p.s. bitdefender free is lighter on system resources, and yes I've tested them on the same machine

AndyPix

http://www.howtogeek.com/218675/beware-free-antivirus-isnt-really-free-anymore/

GunJack

AndyPix wrote: »

http://www.howtogeek.com/218675/beware-free-antivirus-isnt-really-free-anymore/

that's a very handy "all-in-one-place" summary to show people when you're trying to get them to understand how not to install software

bod1467

Unchecky might be a useful addition for people less aware ... it automatically opts you out of (most of) the junkware additions in installers, and gives you the opportunity to choose them if you wish.