New windows user here after using Mac for over a decade. Recently bought the new surface pro 11 and love it!

As a windows newbie, i wonder if I need antivirus for my SP11 running windows 11.

I never used any antivirus software on my previous MacBooks, and never had any problems. Not sure if it would be the same for windows nowadays.

Update: many suggestions on the built-in Microsoft defender, i was so confused by whether it needs to be paid. But it seems that Microsoft defender is not free, but Microsoft defender Antivirus is free. Not sure if people are recommending Microsoft defender or Microsoft defender Antivirus.

What's the best completely free antivirus to get in 2025? Is there any good free antivirus? or is Windows Defender good enough?

Been stuck with Avast since I can remember, any free alternative that is as much good or better?

Nothing really wrong with it, it's just that their continuous asking for going premium hits my nerves although there is the DnD mode activated so I just want something that does the job silently without acting like an insistent homeless asking for pennies. Thank you!

Hey everyone, I am trying to level up the security on my laptop and wanted to ask for some advice. What is the best antivirus for Windows 11 right now? There are so many options out there that it is kinda hard to tell which ones are actually good and not just full of ads or bloat. I am also wondering if there are antivirus services that let you pay monthly instead of dropping a big yearly fee all at once. If you have any recommendations or setups that have worked well for you, I would really appreciate the help.

I bought an new computer with Windows 11, and i wonder what free antivirus i should get for it. I have been having Avast free version the last 10 years and i want to know whatever i should stick to the installed antivirus, install avast again, or get a new one?

Yes, i am not good at stuff like this, yes i have checked several sites and options, but it only get me confused on what to get,

Emphasis on free. I'm BROKE and I have nothing at all to give to antivirus subscriptions. Are there ANY free options? Ive tried google but im just confused, thanks

I have recently become very concerned about the security of my Microsoft accounts since one of them was deleted by a Russian hacker. Thankfully, only my Minecraft account was on it; none of my personal info was. So I need an anti-virus that is free and capable of these points. Btw I use AVG currently but basically everything is hidden behind a paywall. I want something that's free but also like Bitdefender. Also mods pls don't delete this saying there's stuff in the wiki, Im genuinely really concerned about my account safety.

1. Trackers and viruses Support: Block suspicious hackers, trackers and viruses. Optional: Have a feature like in Bitdefender where it scans a file before opening or smth.

2. Optional: I don't know if this is possible but account security.

3. Scans for finding hidden flaws or something on the PC, this is there in AVG but all that really happens is that they find nothing, but then they want you to pay for some random stuff that might happen.

4. Doesn't randomly have a popup showing to upgrade(optional)

5. I just like all the features of premium BitDefender and premium AVG. But I just want them for free.

This is really important for me. :)

Hi all,

I'm researching online but cannot make up my mind, so I want to hear you guys, basically at the moment I use windows defender on windows 11, so far looks okay, I'm trying my best to use my computer in such a way to avoid anything suspicious and not click any download button.

I haven't had any thread found in a long time, actually last time it happened was my code detected as malicious but in reality, it wasn't but I understand why it was detected.

Anyway, I don't have the budget to pay for paid antivirus so is there a good free anti-virus that is worth installing and you use, or should I continue like this? Thanks.

Everything is in the title Best free antivirus to replace defender when win10 will be eol?

edit: no online account so stop with defender it will have no extension with local account.

So basically I wanted to know if there's any good and free anti virus software to use without eating all of my RAM, I mean windows built in antivirus is alright but I want something more powerful and better than the built in anti virus. I always get a advertisement from mcaffe (dk how to spell it) but that really sounds like a scam.

If there's andriod support for the anti virus is also good because both my computer and phone are in desperate need of anti virus software cause something is really odd when using both of my devices.

(I hate those anti virus that keep having pop up notifications but I just want the anti virus software to do its job)

Is bit defender ok? Or maybe avast or Malware bytes I used avg antivirus before and its ok but the resources that its eating are way too much.

Hello everyone,

I've been using my private PC more and more as a home office in recent weeks.

During this time I switched from Windows 10 to Windows 11.

Do I need antivirus software? (Can Windows do that on its own now?)

If so, which one?

I used Avast about 10 years ago, is the manufacturer still current?

Edit/Update: Many thanks to everyone. That helped me a lot!

Thank you!

Hello guys, i decided to try a different antivirus to windows defender what are the best free alternatives that are lightweight as of this moment?

Been hearing a lot about cyber threats and malware lately and with Windows 11 now on my new PC, I feel the need to ensure its safety. Gots to ward off any potential threats, you know? Lookings for the best free antivirus software out there specifically designed for Windows 11. Need to keep my online shopping, banking transactions and personal data under tight security without breaking the bank. Any insight on the best free antivirus for Windows 11, folks?

If yes, which one is the best?

hey guys, so im looking for a virus protection addon for my laptop, and i was wondering if anyone can suggest me one. also, are there any subscriptions where you can pay monthly? thx