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
In today’s digital world, sometimes you need more than antivirus to give you the protection you need — so we’ve included some advanced features alongside our award-winning free antivirus, so you’re covered from all angles. Strengthen your Windows 11 PC security and protect your entire home Wi-Fi network, plus get advanced tools like anti-malware security, Wi-Fi security scans, and more — all completely free.
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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 - Microsoft Defender Antivirus does a decent job of securing Windows 10 and 11 PCs without other antivirus protection, though it can't beat the best free or paid third-party tools.
People also ask

Will Windows allow me to install a free antivirus?
Yes, Windows allows you to install a free antivirus, automatically disabling Microsoft Defender when a third-party antivirus is installed. If you uninstall the third-party software, Defender reactivates.

While free antivirus is an option, premium cybersecurity software provides superior protection. You get what you pay for, and a paid antivirus like Norton 360 can better secure your devices and data.

If you’re looking for advanced protection and a lot of other great cybersecurity features, check out this list of the best premium antivirus products on the market.

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safetydetectives.com
safetydetectives.com › home › ✔ blog › 9 best free antivirus software for windows in 2026
9 Best Free Antivirus Software for Windows in 2026
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 › en › free-antivirus-windows
Download Free Antivirus Software for Windows PCs & Laptops | Avira
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 › avira antivirus › windows 11
Antivirus for Windows 11: Avira Free Antivirus for Windows
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Avira
avira.com › avira antivirus › windows 11
Antivirus for Windows 11: Avira Free Antivirus for Windows
Download Avira Free Antivirus for Windows and get protection for your Windows 11 computer. ►Download for free now!
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Bitdefender
bitdefender.com › en-us › 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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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 - However, it lacks extra features like a VPN, optimization tools, and a password manager. On the plus side, it works right out of the box on Windows computers, automatically replacing Windows Defender features.
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AVG
avg.com › en-us › windows-11-antivirus
Download AVG AntiVirus FREE for Windows 11 PCs | AVG
Download Free Antivirus for Windows 11, PC, and laptops. Protect your device against online threats with our software, trusted by industry experts.
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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
Find elsewhere
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Windows Report
windowsreport.com › windows 11 › best tools › 7 best free antivirus for windows 11 to download in 2025
7 Best Free Antivirus for Windows 11 to Download in 2025
July 18, 2025 - Avast Antivirus provides all of the most important protection features that you’ll need for Windows 11. It offers real-time protection against malware of all kinds, viruses, ransomware, spyware, and more.
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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 - Check the details in this post. ... Avast Antivirus free edition provides essential protection for your Windows 10/11 computer. It offers 6 layers of security and a powerful virus scanner.
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Comparitech
comparitech.com › home › antivirus › free antivirus for windows 11
Best free antivirus for Windows 11 - Comparitech
July 28, 2024 - Avast One Basic: Best free antivirus for Windows 11. Uses real-time intelligence and provides plenty of features including ransomware protection. Free VPN with 5 GB of data a week.
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AVG
avg.com › en-us › free-antivirus-download
Download Free Antivirus Software for PC | AVG Virus Protection
AVG even offers protection against spyware, webcam threats, ransomware, rootkits, hackers, and more. While built-in PC protection like Windows Defender might stop some of the threats you’ll face, it’s crucial to have antivirus software like AVG’s to make sure you don’t leave yourself ...
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/antivirus › free, reliable antivirus for win 10/11?
r/antivirus on Reddit: Free, reliable antivirus for Win 10/11?
September 8, 2025 -

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!

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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
For enhanced security, consider free options like Avast or Bitdefender Free Edition. Regularly update your antivirus definitions and perform full system scans weekly. Avoid downloading files from untrusted sources and keep Windows updated to ...
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Cybernews
cybernews.com › home › best antivirus software › best antivirus software for windows 11
Best Antivirus for Windows 11 in 2025
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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CNET
cnet.com › tech › services & software › best free antivirus software for device protection in 2025
Best Free Antivirus Software for Device Protection in 2025 - CNET
November 21, 2025 - If you uninstall the third-party protection, Windows will turn on its own antivirus again. ... Avira Free Antivirus is a great free antivirus for users who want to get a robust security suite without spending any money.
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Quora
quora.com › Is-it-possible-to-find-a-good-free-antivirus-for-Windows-without-a-subscription-and-advertising
Is it possible to find a good free antivirus for Windows without a subscription and advertising? - Quora
Answer (1 of 8): YES !! It’s called Windows Defender, turn it on and set automatic updates. Now leave your PC plugged in and turned on Tuesday night to take advantage of update Tuesday.
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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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Quora
quora.com › Which-one-is-the-best-antivirus-software-for-windows-11-Which-is-free-to-install
Which one is the best antivirus software for windows 11? Which is free to install? - Quora
Answer (1 of 3): Avast Antivirus free edition provides essential protection for your Windows 10/11 computer. It offers 6 layers of security and a powerful virus scanner. You can use this free antivirus for Windows 11/10 to detect and block viruses, ...