A reputable antivirus should safeguard you from all kinds of malware that could be a threat, including worms Trojan horses, and ransomware. In addition, it must be able to identify and stop the spread of potentially unwanted software (PUPs) which could modify your browser settings or show ads on your screen. Some premium antiviruses offer additional features like dark web monitoring, ID theft alerts, and parental control.
If you’re running Windows Microsoft’s built-in malware protection, also known as Windows Defender on older computers or Windows Security on more recent computers, does a good job in keeping your computer safe. It’s not as efficient or fast at detecting malware as standalone antivirus brands which regularly score highly in independent lab tests. It also doesn’t offer any extra security tools like password managers or software for other devices.
The most effective antivirus for Windows that is based on malware protection as well as system impact and user-friendliness it is Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition. It is easy to install and run and was highly rated in the AV-Test labs. It protects one PC at an affordable price, however you can get more protection for some dollars more with Bitdefender Total Security or Antivirus Plus.
A top-quality paid antivirus suite usually includes a lot of extras, like a VPN, performance optimization tools and applications for Mac, iOS and Android. But if you’d prefer to keep it simple, Sophos Home Premium offers powerful malware protection and several other features at an affordable price.
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