Probably, no one needs to explain that today, given our realities, protecting a computer system from various types of viruses is becoming an urgent problem. This is especially true for Windows systems, which are the most vulnerable of all existing systems to attacks because they have too many security holes. And the tenth version of the OS is no exception in this regard, although it has a higher degree of security compared to previous modifications. Absolutely all users, and without fail, when switching to Windows 10, need an antivirus, whether you like it or not. But which one to choose from all the variety that is offered on the market?
Do you need an antivirus on Windows 10?
Before considering the most popular antivirus packages, it is worth saying a little about the built-in tools of the system itself.
In addition to the fact that it has its own firewall, the system provides a specialized tool for detecting potentially dangerous or unwanted programs. This is Windows Defender, also known as Microsoft Security Essentials. But is it as good as Microsoft claims?
Unfortunately, there is no need to say that this is the best antivirus for Windows 10. Its capabilities are extremely limited, and such protection is only suitable for some minor needs, such as checking downloaded files or infrequently surfing the Internet. There can be no talk of any treatment or removal of the threat other than blocking.
The best antivirus for Windows 10: evaluation criteria
In any case, it is best to install a third-party security tool. But today there are so many software products offered that are completely different in their capabilities that the average user’s eyes simply run wild.
When talking about which antivirus is best for Windows 10, you should take into account some aspects related to the programs themselves. Most experts identify the following main evaluation criteria:
- speed and quality of identifying potential threats;
- the ability to treat, isolate or remove viruses;
- on-demand scanning speed;
- presence of a self-defense module;
- false positives;
- frequency of updating anti-virus databases;
- the ability to use paid, free and shareware versions.
When choosing the appropriate software, it should be taken into account that the tenth version of the system itself consumes quite a lot of system resources, although it is able to work without problems in aging systems based on 2-core processors with 2 GB of RAM. Thus, installing some heavy product, say, from Kaspersky Lab, looks clearly inappropriate in this case. In addition, most of this developer’s products are paid, and the free versions are clearly limited in capabilities.
Naturally, one may wonder what is the best free antivirus for Windows 10, however, in this situation it should be borne in mind that free programs are clearly inferior to commercial ones and, again, are only suitable for home use, and not for corporate networks or large enterprises. To secure the entire infrastructure, you will have to install only paid licensed products.
And, of course, the Internet today is full of sites containing some kind of antivirus rating for Windows 10, based on which you can choose something to your liking. But even here it must be taken into account that comparative analysis is often carried out based on the personal considerations of specialists and may not reflect the real state of affairs. Therefore, only some simple tips on selecting antivirus software will be given below, without stating that one product is better and another is worse.
Kaspersky Free Antivirus
Kaspersky Lab products have always been considered leaders in the field of protection. Before us is a free antivirus for Windows 10, which in itself looks quite surprising, because previously all products were paid or shareware.
Although this package is quite limited in its capabilities (no traffic tracking, no parental controls, etc.), it nevertheless provides powerful protection. In addition, if we compare it with foreign analogues, it is worth noting that this product is more focused on Runet. The most common viruses on the RuNet get abroad much later, which is why the databases are not updated in a timely manner. But with this product it's the opposite. Even in terms of using system resources, it looks very preferable.
ESET Smart Security
Another powerful antivirus for Windows 10. It is a shareware product. To use full activation, you will have to pay, but for home use you can enter special free keys every month or convert them into a license code. This will not reduce the opportunities.
Among the advantages of this program are low resource consumption, database updates several times a day, the presence of a parental control module, real-time protection of wireless networks and connections, Internet banking protection, offline monitoring and much more. If you wish, you can activate the additional anti-theft function for free.
Dr.Web
The products of this developer have long become classics. This antivirus for Windows 10 can be used not only on home terminals, but also in large enterprises, since it has a special management system within networks.
The capabilities of the package are comparable to Kaspersky Lab products. In addition, it implements “cloud” technology for checking potential threats on the company’s servers, and the package itself contains several main modules that provide comprehensive protection.
AVG AntiVirus Free
This antivirus for Windows 10 can be used as the simplest means of protecting your home system.
In principle, there is nothing special about it. The program works quite stably, has a simple interface and is somewhat reminiscent of the built-in operating system tools. But, judging by numerous user reviews, it is extremely annoying that from time to time resource consumption increases to an incredible degree due to constant checks and re-checks with or without reason.
Avira Free Antivirus and Antivirus Pro
Now about two more representatives of anti-virus software. The first package is free, the second is paid. Both packages do not pose any special load on the system, have built-in standard security features and can be used in home systems.
However, reviews from specialists who have tested both packages in practice indicate that they are able to detect only 75% of potential threats. And in case of severe infection, it is not recommended to install them at all.
Panda Free Antivirus
Users most often associate this antivirus for Windows 10 with cloud technologies. This is true.
The advantage of this package is that it does not even allow potentially dangerous objects to enter the system, at the first suspicion it immediately sends them to the sandbox for analysis. This, of course, takes a little more time than when conducting conventional heuristic diagnostics, but you can be one hundred percent sure that the system will not be damaged, which is confirmed by numerous comments on the Internet.
Avast! Free Antivirus
Before us is the most controversial antivirus. Some praise him, others criticize him, no matter what. And, it should be noted, not without reason.
Yes, the set of modules is, in general, standard, but unexpected activation irritates users quite a lot. If you believe what you can find on the Internet, even licensed programs or drivers are included in the “circle of suspects.” So the decision to use is entirely up to the user.
360 Total Security
And this is perhaps the best free antivirus for Windows 10. On the Internet you can find a lot of laudatory responses about this package. In addition, it is called the lightest and fastest antivirus of all known.
There are plenty of protection models here, but even if they work in parallel, the load on the system is not felt at all. And he’s good at identifying threats. So, according to the overwhelming majority, this is the package that is fully suitable for any user.
Comodo AntiVirus
Finally, another antivirus for Windows 10, although not particularly popular. What's interesting about it?
The main feature of the package is that it is ideal for protecting against so-called rootkits, displaying banners and other advertising. The function of creating your own secure DNS is responsible for this. But few people use it as a standard means in a security system.
What to prefer?
It is difficult to advise anything on this issue, because, as they say, there are no friends according to taste. It all depends on the specifics of the protection and the preferences of the user. However, if you look at surveys and popularity ratings, it is better to use packages like ESET Smart Security or its equivalents with their comprehensive protection, even though such a program needs to be activated monthly. But in the simplest case, the most popular antivirus still turns out to be 360 Total Security, which clearly leads the lists in all respects. And, of course, other, no less interesting software products were not considered here, because it is simply impossible to describe them all.
