How to Choose the Best Windows 10 Antivirus in 2020

Do you want the best antivirus for Windows 10 to keep your computer safe and secure? Here’s how to choose the best Windows 10 antivirus in 2020.

The 10th generation of Windows OS is installed on the computers of tens of millions of users around the world. There are many conveniences and advantages concerned with using the latest Windows 10 OS. First, it has an improved interface. Secondly, it is compatible with the Microsoft Edge browser. Finally, Microsoft’s OS has built-in antivirus protection.

Even though the built-in protection is available already, you should consider some additional programs to ensure your PC’s security.

windows 10 antivirus

(Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links and images. I earn advertising/referral fees if you make a purchase by clicking them. There is no extra cost to you. See our full disclosure here. )

While the number of cyber threats and security attacks increases every day, there is no doubt about the need for a really good antivirus for Windows 10 laptops or computers. Besides, the choice of anti-malware software is huge, and you can find the product that fits your needs perfectly.

Paid and Free Antivirus for Windows 10

Those who have recently decided to switch to the latest version of the OS often wonder about the need to install antivirus for Windows 10 systems. Many different products are created to protect your gadget from any cyber threat. And you can find numerous free offers on the Internet.

In such a way, you will not have to pay for something new for you. On the contrary, you will test some free programs first and only then decide if you need it.

These antivirus programs may be slightly inferior in functionality to paid ones, or they may be offered with built-in advertising. You can choose paid antiviruses. Here are some of the most popular anti-malware programs that offer free versions:

● Kaspersky Lab
● Total AV
● AVG
● Avira
● Bitdefender, etc.

What is a Built-in Antivirus in Windows 10?

Own antivirus in Windows 10 is Windows Defender. Microsoft has created a sufficient program that protects you from almost all known viruses. It is mandatory to be equipped with an integrated security and safety system, starting with the eighth version of the operating system.

It happens so that some users get used to certain free antivirus software and trust only these. Often, such people tend to install diverse versions of Kaspersky or any other popular programs. Everyone decides on his or her own whether the software is useful or not. For some, this is a matter of habit, while others strive to provide maximum reliability, protection efficiency for their computer, and all the information stored on the device.

Make the Right Decision

Of course, you need an additional antivirus on Windows 10. You can choose either a paid or free version; each user decides independently. Keep in mind these generally accepted recommendations:

● Do not open suspicious attachments in the mail.
● Do not use broken programs
● Do not install suspicious plugins
● Update regularly

You might also like to check out: Top 5 Best Free Antivirus Software for Mac

Top 4 Best Antivirus for Windows 10 to Protect Your Computer

Choosing an antivirus, you will come across lots of providers. Here, you can find some of the most secure and efficient antiviruses for your OS. Perhaps, one of these antivirus protection software and antivirus security programs will become your favorite Windows 10 antivirus. Let’s begin:

Total AV – Advanced Antivirus Protection

Total AV is free antivirus software that has proven effective in getting rid of malware and improving the performance of your computer. Although the free version has its limitations, scanning is quick and reliable, and there are some handy tools designed to clean your computer to help improve its performance.

Features:

Phishing protection
 Disk cleaner and system acceleration
 Browser Manager
 Safe Site Extensions for Chrome and Edge browsers

Pros:

Compatible with Windows, Android and Mac devices
Finds and removes duplicate files
Very fast and does not affect performance
89 percent of tested phishing samples were detected

Cons:

There is no real-time protection against malware
Several false positives
Additional features require upgrading or payment
There is no weekly scan management and no daily scan

Reasons to upgrade to the paid version:

Extended protection against extortion
 Additional features such as password storage, web protection, smartphone optimizer, and remote firewall
✶ 24/7 technical support
 30-day money-back guarantee

If you only need quick protection, then Total AV is an excellent choice for you. However, if such advanced features like password store or remote firewall are the things you are looking for, you may want to some good premium versions. A 30-day money-back guarantee means you can try it out before you buy it.

Total AV is one of the most effective anti-malware kits on the market with excellent malware detection rates in all areas. But it’s particularly useful at spyware protection with such handy tools as a secure browser and a virtual keyboard to protect your personal information from hackers.

AVG Antivirus

AVG Technologies is one of the leaders in the industry due to its robustness and useful features. The users prefer it because it is continuously running in the background. Thus, they do not have to do anything. AVG recently teamed up with Avast developers. Although both programs have benefited from the collaboration, it seems that AVG has received fewer benefits.

Features:

 System optimization tools
 Blocking dangerous links and downloads
 Real-time security updates
 Spam and email filter

Pros:

Compatible with Windows 7 SP1, 8 / 8.1, 10, Vista SP2, XP SP3
 Excellent antivirus performance similar to Avast
 Easy to customize and customize
 Small system impact
 An option that helps to find PC performance issues
 Warning messages regarding the exact threat

Cons:

 Permanent advertising for paid versions and other non-related products
 Slow scan
 Medium Phishing Protection

Reasons for switching to the paid version:

 Extra protection against extortion programs
 Webcam security
 AntiVirus PRO for Android
 An advanced firewall

AVG is best for users who need a quiet and subtle antivirus without much redundancy. The program runs in the background. At the same time, there is little impact on system performance. If your job is often associated with opening up different email attachments, then the email scanner will help you a lot.

Overall, AVG antivirus will be the right choice for those who are just looking for essential malware protection without the need for advanced features. Also, AVG is suitable for those who want to use it as an additional layer of security on top of an existing antivirus (passive AVG mode allows it to run in the background in tandem with other antiviruses).

Avira Security Software

Avira has been significantly improved after its last year redesign. It now has a much smaller impact on system performance while operating and has a more straightforward and friendly interface. It has a wide range of protection against any threats, ranging from harmful viruses to the most dangerous Trojans.

This comprehensive and versatile antivirus also has many additional features that make it more attractive.

Features:

 Detection of ransomware
 Phishing protection
 Password Manager
 Free Avira VPN
 Blocking browser tracking
 Safe search engine
 Avira Safe Shopping Tool
 Avira Privacy Pal (personal assistant to protect your personal information

Pros:

 Compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10, Vista, and XP, as well as Mac OSX
 Many settings and new features
 It protects against both viruses and malware (an excellent virus detection rating which, according to antivirus tests, showed that it removes 99.7% of threats)
 Precise detection with few false positives (virus definitions are updated continuously)
 Has little effect on the system

Cons:

 No business options
 Permanent pop-ups and other Avira products
 Suggests you install the toolbar during installation

Reasons for switching to the paid version:

 Unlimited VPN
 Automatic software update
 System optimization tools
 Premium mobile applications
 VIP customer support

The new, improved free Avira antivirus is a fantastic all-in-one solution, as it has a massive list of advanced features that are usually missing from freeware. However, it comes with ads and pop-ups, so for long-term use, the paid version will be less obtrusive.

Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition

Bitdefender is among the recommended antivirus software for Windows 10. It is not only fast but also has minimal impact on the performance of your PC. It invariably shows high scores in the most popular third-party antivirus tests.

The free version does not offer all the advanced features available in the paid versions, but Bitdefender Free handles essential functions correctly.

Features:

 Phishing protection
 automatic scanning
 Behavioral-based detection of malware

Pros:

 Compatible with Windows 7 SP1, 8, 8.1 and 10
 Fast scan
 Very easy to use
 Excellent virus detection accuracy
 Low system impact

Cons:

Few advanced features
 Slow initial scan
 You cannot schedule or configure scans
 No business option
 Zero-Day Attack Protection below average

Reasons for switching to the paid version:

 Online banking protection
 file shredder
 Password Manager
 24/7 technical support
 Extended protection against extortion programs
 Firewall
 Parental control tools

Bitdefender is a good option for those users who are looking for an antivirus that you can install, and it will start to do its job. It is a powerful antivirus that performs most of the tasks on autopilot, requiring minimal user intervention and not using many resources.

Conclusion

So, these are some of the most trustworthy antivirus protection software and best free antivirus for Windows 10 which you can use to keep your Windows computer safe and secure from malware, spyware, Trojans, and other malicious software. We hope this ultimate antivirus software guide helped you in choosing the best Windows 10 antivirus software for your system.

After reading the features, pros or cons, and reasons for switching to the paid version of all these top four best antivirus software for Windows 10 operating systems, now you know which antivirus protection software is most suitable when it comes to preventing viruses and malware from infecting your computer, keeping your hardware safe.

Please feel free to let us know, what is the best antivirus for Windows 10 laptops and computers? And which kind of antivirus protection software you are using to prevent and remove viruses and other malware from your systems?

You may also be interested in checking out: