This question usually makes its rounds every so often but I haven’t seen it posted for a couple years. What are your thoughts on the best (free mostly) antivirus at the moment?
Avast has been okay for me but the pop-ups are getting annoying, along with some false alerts that have been coming up pretty often lately.

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