Recently, I tested several antiviruses in VirtualMachine, and here are my 2cents: S Tier Kaspersky Free: Shows good scan detection rate, powerful behavior detection, runs fast with fluid performance, and has the least false positives. A Tier Bitdefender Free: Performs decently in scan detection rate and great behavior detection; however, it’s a bit laggy on my VM and has high false positives. Avast/AVG Free: Has a nice, organized interface with a great detection rate, decent behavior detection, and has few false positives. The downside is the annoying pop-up and being a bit sluggish. Windows Defender: Has no UI and a buggy Windows Security Center interface, but it boasts a high detection rate. However, its behavior detection is weak and has a high false positive rate. SEP: Technically not free, but I will give my opinion anyway. It has a dead-slow scanner, decent detection rate, good behavior detection, and decent false positive rate, but on an old Windows 98 UI. EES: Like SEP, it’s not technically free, but it shows a high scan detection rate with non-existent behavior detection; however, it’s light and has a great interface, with low false positives when PUA is turned off. B Tier Avira Free: incredibly laggy and buggy performance with a decent detection rate, non-existent behavior detection, and a decent false positive rate. F-Secure Protection (beta is free): Sluggish when opening exe, decent detection rate, decent behavior detection, high false positives. Trellix: Technically not free, heavy resource usage, laggy and sluggish performance, decent detection rate, high false positives. Drweb beta***(beta is free)***: This shows a slow scan, slow performance, low detection rate with decent behavior detection, and a low false positive rate. 360 Toal Security Suit: The cloud database in this version is much smaller than one in China , resulting in a decent detection rate. It has behavior detection and has few false positives. However, overall it’s just a nerfed version of the original. C Tier Ahnlab Lite: Decent Detection rate, No behavior detection. Malwarebytes Free: Buggy, slow performance, decent detection with no behavior detection and real-time protection for free version. To be honest, any mainstream antivirus + common sense will keep you safe. It’s no longer the XP generation. Answer from COVID-19VIRUS on reddit.com
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Avast
avast.com › windows-11-antivirus
Download Free Antivirus Software for Windows 11 | Avast
Avast free antivirus software for Windows 11 PC and laptops will help protect your device against online threats. Get Avast Antivirus for Windows 11.
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Avira
avira.com › avira antivirus › windows
Download Free Antivirus Software for Windows PCs & Laptops | Avira
This includes web protection and the Avira Firewall. Our free antivirus app for PCs, Avira Free Antivirus, is available as a free download for most computers running Windows 7, 8, 10, or 11.
People also ask

Do I need antivirus protection for Windows 11?
Installing an antivirus in addition to Windows Defender is highly recommended. Specialized antivirus solutions, such as Avira Free Security, have more powerful virus scan engines, larger malware databases, and receive updates more frequently compared to Windows Defender. Windows Defender is a good solution for basic protection against viruses, but the rapidly evolving cyberthreat landscape makes it necessary to have an additional layer of protection.
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avira.com
avira.com › en › free-windows-11-antivirus
Antivirus for Windows 11: Avira Free Antivirus for Windows
Why is Avira the right antivirus software for Windows 11?
Avira Free Security for Windows is a powerful antivirus solution packed with extra features such as a free VPN, password manager, software & driver updater, and more. It has been ranked the best free Windows antivirus software by SafetyDetectives and it has received multiple awards for its protection capabilities, usability, and performance. Avira’s cloud-based Malware Scanner provides reliable real-time detection, achieving 99.99% detection rates, and its efficient use of resources does not slow down your PC.
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avira.com
avira.com › en › free-windows-11-antivirus
Antivirus for Windows 11: Avira Free Antivirus for Windows
Is Avira Free Antivirus really free?
Yes. Avira Free Antivirus for Windows is available to download for nothing. The antivirus protection program for your PC uses the same antivirus scanning technology as Avira Antivirus Pro for online protection you can count on. The Pro version for Windows has additional features. This includes web protection and the Avira Firewall.
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avira.com
avira.com › avira antivirus › windows
Download Free Antivirus Software for Windows PCs & Laptops | Avira
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AVG
avg.com › en-ca › windows-11-antivirus
Download AVG AntiVirus FREE for Windows 11 PCs | AVG
Download free, award-winning antivirus for Windows 11. Install it in seconds to protect your devices in real time against viruses and other malware, and to secure your email accounts against online threats.
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PCMAG
pcmag.com › home › best products › security › antivirus
The Best Free Antivirus Software We've Tested for 2026 | PCMag
November 26, 2025 - Jump To See More Details AVG AntiVirus Free Review ... Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies. Microsoft Defender Antivirus does a decent job of securing Windows 10 and 11 PCs without other antivirus protection, though ...
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Bitdefender
bitdefender.com › en-ca › consumer › free-antivirus
Bitdefender Free Antivirus Software
No need to worry about availability, you will be able to use the free antivirus protection without any validity due date. Simply download and install free protection for your PC running any version of Windows (including Windows 10 and Windows 11) and enjoy a worry-free experience while gaming or browsing the Internet.
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/antivirus › best free antivirus for windows 11?
r/antivirus on Reddit: Best free antivirus for windows 11?
June 6, 2023 - Most people will be fine with “ AVG Antivirus Free “ get it from https://www.avg.com/en-us/free-antivirus-download#pc I use this on Windows 10 and Windows 11 Computers in 2023
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MiniTool
minitool.com › home › news › 5 best free antivirus for windows 11/10 computer
5 Best Free Antivirus for Windows 11/10 Computer - MiniTool
January 22, 2024 - This all-in-one antivirus software for Windows 10/11 can protect your Windows computer from various kinds of threats. Its security protection technology is powered by AI and machine learning. It helps defend against viruses, worms, malware, ransomware, spyware, adware, phishing, Trojans, etc. FortiClient VPN Free Download Windows 10/11, Mac, Android, iOS
Find elsewhere
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Beebom
beebom.com › best-free-antivirus-software-windows-11
Best Free Antivirus Software for Windows 11 | Beebom
September 3, 2024 - The best thing about Windows Security is that it doesn’t use many system resources. Overall, it’s THE best native and free antivirus for Windows 11.
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Malwarebytes
malwarebytes.com › home › free antivirus
Free Antivirus 2023 | Free Malwarebytes Download | 100% Free & Easy Install | Malware Removal
Malwarebytes | Malwarebytes Premium
Download free antivirus: easy install for all devices. Remove unwanted malware like viruses, ransomware, spyware & more. Premium device cyber protection for you and your family.
Rating: 4.6 ​
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McAfee
mcafee.com › en-us › antivirus › free.html
Free Antivirus Download | 100% Free and Easy Install | McAfee
McAfee Free Antivirus and Threat Protection Download. Try our Award-Winning antivirus for today’s security and privacy threats. 100% Free Download Try it Today!
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Comparitech
comparitech.com › home › antivirus › free antivirus for windows 11
Best free antivirus for Windows 11 - Comparitech
July 28, 2024 - Despite its power, it’s remarkably ... your Windows 11 computer. In fact, it’s one of the more discreet free antivirus programs, alerting you to threats without being overly intrusive. Live chat support is available, regardless of its free status. Unlike some free antivirus programs, it’s permanently free (not a limited time free trial) with absolutely no hidden costs. While it provides your PC with protection and even prevents phishing and online fraud, you’d ...
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JustAnswer
justanswer.com › software › t28d5-just-bought-new-laptop-windows-11-believe.html
Best Free Antivirus for Windows 11: Expert Q&A Guide
Windows 11 includes built-in Windows Defender Antivirus, providing real-time protection against viruses and malware. For enhanced security, consider free options like Avast or Bitdefender Free Edition. Regularly update your antivirus definitions ...
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Quickheal
us.quickheal.com › download-free-antivirus
Download Free Antivirus Software for PC, Laptop and Mobile
Free One Month Trial · Platforms Windows 11/ Windows 10/ Windows 8.1/ Windows 8 · System type 32-bit or 64-bit of Desktop Operating System · Last Updated 05 July 2024 · Size 69.4 MB - 447 MB · Download · Buy the full version now · Quick Heal AntiVirus Pro ·
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Cybernews
cybernews.com › home › best antivirus software › best antivirus software for windows 11
Best Antivirus for Windows 11 in 2026
Its free version is ideal for students, casual users, or anyone looking to secure a single device with essential features. ... Avira Antivirus is my recommended Windows 11 antivirus service for beginners.
Published   May 27, 2025
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AVG
avg.com › en-us › free-antivirus-download
Download Free Antivirus Software for PC | AVG Virus Protection
Keep yourself safer against viruses, online scams, unsafe emails, and more. Our Windows antivirus software for PCs and laptops is just a click away. Free download
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Norton
ca.norton.com › home › feature › antivirus for windows 11
Download Antivirus Software for Windows 11 PC | Norton
Get your free trial of Norton AntiVirus Plus—it helps to protect your Windows 11 PC or laptop against viruses and other malware like ransomware, plus it helps you to browse, bank, and shop online more securely.
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SafetyDetectives
safetydetectives.com › home › ✔ blog › 9 best free antivirus software for windows in 2026
9 Best Free Antivirus Software for Windows in 2026
August 21, 2025 - Here are the best free antivirus programs for Windows PCs or laptops with excellent malware protection and a wide range of internet security features.