Install an antivirus program

Alongside identifying known infections, it must also be able to spot zero-day viruses — new ones that are still being created each day. In fact, Avast Free Antivirus rates higher than many top-tier paid services for protection and speed.

So you should choose the most affordable antivirus solution that suits all of your needs and still provides the protection you are looking for. This may not always be the cheapest option. But it will be less risky than going for a cheap antivirus filled with pop-up ads that slow down your computer.

Finally, many antivirus products will offer other features, such as parental security, encrypted storage space in the cloud, protection from infected websites, and spam blocking.

While some customers may benefit from additional protection and tools, it might not be necessary for others. Creating an account will give you direct access to updates, and a place where you can manage your licenses and other features, such as remote anti-theft security features for your mobile device, all in one place.

Click to download the antivirus. It will usually specify how much space is required, so you may have to delete files first to make room for it. The updates allow the antivirus program to protect your computer from all viruses and spyware. In many cases, the antivirus program automatically checks for and installs the latest updates. If prompted to do so, select Yes to update the antivirus program.

If it does not prompt you to update immediately. By default, most antivirus programs enable the automatic update feature. We strongly recommend automatic updates be enabled to keep the antivirus program up-to-date at all times.

In its basic form, it brings forth one of the best antivirus engines, a VPN, and a lot of other efficient goodies that will have a big impact on protecting your privacy and even ensure that your computer is running as it should.

Detects and blocks malware viruses, ransomware, banker trojans, etc. Our automated, intelligent learning system protects you against new and evolving threats. Identifies potentially unwanted applications hidden within legitimate software. Blocks harmful websites before they load. Prevents intrusive and malicious ads, banners, and pop-ups from loading. Stops companies from monitoring you online.

Browsing the internet puts your privacy at risk. Companies want to track your behavior to create a detailed profile about you to serve personalized ads. Browser trackers enable companies to collect a significant amount of data and track your online activities. You can easily become a victim of adware, which is not only intrusive but also slows down your device.

The security of your devices is also at risk, especially when shopping online or using cloud-based services. Cybercriminals are on the lookout for personal data, trying to steal passwords, bank details, or even hijack your computer access to use your devices for attacks against others. Keyloggers, rootkits, spyware, Trojans, and worms are just some of the malware types that can attack your system.

To keep your system secure and protect your privacy, you need to install an antivirus software, designed to detect and remove malware. With regular virus scans, you can protect your computer against a wide range of threats. The Windows Defender Antivirus is installed by default on all devices running Windows While it is a good option for conducting basic virus scans, it does not offer complete protection. Furthermore, Windows Defender is not updated often enough to keep up with the new threats.

To detect the new types of malware that are being spread daily, cybersecurity experts recommend an additional antivirus to conduct real-time virus scans and alert you as soon as a malicious threat is detected. Avira Free Security is the best free antivirus for Windows, with an impressive track record in tests performed by leading industry experts.

It also includes a free VPN for private and secure browsing and built-in performance optimization tools to keep your system running fast and efficiently. Avira Free Security is an all-in-one solution for a carefree digital life.

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Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article methods. Related Articles. Article Summary. Method 1. Understand the need for an antivirus program. Windows is the most virus-prone operating system OS out of the three major OSes. It has the most users and the weakest built-in security.

Antivirus programs will defend your computer from malware that comes through email, flash drives, downloads, websites and more. Acquire an antivirus program. There are several popular free options available that do a good job of protecting the average user.

These programs are updated frequently with new virus definitions that recognize the latest threats. If you frequently deal with files or websites that are virus-infected, you may want to opt for more powerful paid protection. Paid antivirus programs are typically available for a yearly subscription fee.

When downloading free or paid antivirus programs, ensure that you are downloading from a trusted source. Read reviews and download products from companies that have been around for a long time. Windows 10 and 8 have Windows Defender, which is a free anti-malware application provided by Microsoft.

It's already built-in. Install the antivirus program. Make sure that no other programs are running while you install the antivirus. You will most likely need to be connected to the internet to download additional files and updates. Some free antivirus programs come packaged with toolbars for your web browser.

These can add protection but also change your search options and bog down older computers. You have the opportunity to opt out of these changes during the installation process. Update the program.