Hi ElizabethFlorence1,

I am an independent advisor and a Microsoft user like you, and I would be happy to help you out with this.

Windows Defender provides sufficient antivirus and antimalware protection for most users. And the best part is it is free and already included in Windows 10! There is typically no need to purchase any third-party software, especially if you are cautious and careful on clicking on suspicious links/content.

For more information, please visit: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/compreh...

Sometimes if there is malware that does get through, free versions of Malwarebytes anti-malware can help detect and remove the offending items.

I hope this has helped you. Please let us know if you have any further questions and we would be happy to help!

Regards,

-Ashton

Dear Richard Schatzel,

Thank you for reaching out to the Microsoft Community with your question about selecting an antivirus program to address malware and viruses on your computer.

As a Community Support Specialist, I must emphasize that I cannot guarantee the reliability and effectiveness of third-party antivirus software and, therefore, cannot make specific recommendations for such programs.

However, I would like to highlight that Windows comes with built-in antivirus protection through Windows Security. This feature is designed to effectively detect and defend against malicious programs and files, ensuring your computer's security. To make use of these protection services, you can follow these steps:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Select Privacy and Security.
3. Go to Windows Security and then Virus and Threat Protection.

If you wish to explore third-party antivirus options, consider looking for reputable and well-reviewed programs available online. It's crucial to download these from a reliable source to prevent potential security issues.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Should you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to let me know.

Best Regards,

Martin | Microsoft Community Support Specialist