Top Free Antivirus Lists - free Downlaods

When you get a new PC the first thing you should do is install some decent security software. The good news is that top quality protection can be completely free, but with so much choice, picking the right one can be difficult. So we've updated our guide to getting the best free antivirus to narrow down your choice.

Windows has come a long way in terms of security, but it's still fair to suggest that Windows 10's built-in antivirus solution, Windows Defender, is the last free AV app you should trust to keep your system clean.

Not that it's overtly bad – although it does tail behind just about every third-party antivirus solution – but because its widespread adoption has a big target painted on it for attackers. Windows users who haven't installed something hardier are the perfect hosts for viruses; attack the weak links, attack through the chinks in the one piece of software armour these weak links have by default, and you're in.

• Want something even better? Then check out the best paid-for antivirus software - available from only $1.66/£1.25 per month

That's why we've dropped Defender from our list of free antivirus downloads in this latest update of our free security software roundup. You need more than it can offer. If you're not running advanced virus detection, zero-day virus protection, anti-malware, anti-ransomware and other security essentials, you're not doing it right and leave yourself open to infections and identity theft.

Once again we've consulted the experts at the AV-TEST virus lab to find the most effective virus protection, and we've listened to your comments regarding usability, too. Free antivirus downloads do come with a cost though - they serves as an advert for many vendors' more premium offers and the data collected helps them to boost security for all of their products.

So we understand that for many of you the constant hassle presented by free antivirus popups can be a bit much to take – so if you're willing to sacrifice a minuscule amount of antivirus protection in favour of a cleaner experience, we're with you...