Best Free Antivirus Software for Windows 10 in 2023

All operating systems have vulnerabilities, and when you are using one of the most used in the world like Windows the threats and malware created to attack you are always greater in number. Therefore, today we bring you 8 free antivirus software for Windows 10 in 2023 to protect your security without having to spend money.

The companies behind the antivirus invest a lot of money and effort to investigate threats and collect samples to be able to act immediately before any new virus begins to spread, which is why their best tools are always paid. However, there are also free alternatives well positioned in the main rankings of better antivirus, and we will recommend the ones that we consider most important or safe.

However, before you start you have to consider a couple of things. The first is that the fact that these antivirus programs are free usually has disadvantages such as including advertising on them or not having all their tools available. Also, it is enough that you install a single antivirus, since having several can end up seeing how they get in the way and annoy each other.

Windows Defender

Windows Defender

This list can only start with Windows Defender since it is the antivirus that is integrated into Windows 10 itself. Microsoft is working hard to make it the only antivirus you will need for your computers. In fact, in the latest results of the prestigious independent ranking of AV-Test, Windows Defender has managed to be among the 15 best antiviruses in the world including paid suites.

It has an interface perfectly integrated with the operating system since it is part of it, and a good performance in its detection of threats. It does not include any type of advertising, it is updated almost daily to always be up-to-date with the latest threats, and it has real-time and cloud-based protection, automatic sample sending, protection against computer alterations, analysis of malicious applications, or Access control to your folders to avoid ransomware.

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Kaspersky Free Antivirus

Kaspersky Free Antivirus

Kaspersky has been one of the big names in the world of security and antivirus for years, although it has had some controversies after the US government banned the software by distrusting them. Kaspersky has always insisted on their security and even allowed them to review the code of their applications in an attempt to show that they had nothing to hide.

But controversial aside, its free version is an application with very effective malware detection and a quieter detection system, and no popup windows to bother you. It is also lightweight and has little impact on computer performance. Its negative side is that its protection is a bit limited compared to its paid versions.

Yes, Kaspersky Free Antivirus uses the same detection engine as its paid versions and offers good protection against malware, adware, and any application suspected of damaging your computer. But it lacks some extra options for its paid versions, such as the protection of online purchases or your privacy when you browse. Nor does it have parental controls or a password manager.

Panda Free Antivirus

Panda Free Antivirus

Panda Dome is the basic suite for users of one of the most iconic companies in the sector, and it has a free version called Panda Free Antivirus. And if you like those that include extras that make them stand out, this application stands out for its integrated VPN to help you with privacy when you browse. The downside is that the free version has a limit of 150 MB of use with a VPN, and to have it unlimited you have to subscribe to the paid version.

The application is lightweight and works well with all versions of Windows. It has real-time detection, a game mode that disables notifications when you are in a full-screen app, or monitoring against dangerous links and against malware that runs automatically.

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The negative part is that the free application is a bit limited, and shows ads for other Panda products. Also, an important element such as ransomware protection is not included. In short, for basic users, it is a good tool because it has the most essential functions, but if you are looking for a more advanced tool, it may be a bit short.

Avast Free Antivirus

Avast Free Antivirus

Your antivirus database has been updated. Yes, Avast is within the collective memory of all users and is one of the first references that come to mind when talking about free antivirus. Over time it has been growing, and after buying AVG it is one of the largest antivirus companies today.

The free antivirus appears in the AV-Test ranking as one of the only 9 to receive the TOP Product badge. It has a way not to disturb, malware analysis in applications and behavior to detect those that may begin to perform suspicious activities suddenly. It also detects intrusions in the domestic WiFi or vulnerabilities in your configuration, and all this with an easy-to-understand and manage interface.

AVG Free AntiVirus

AVG Free AntiVirus

Although Avast is affiliated with AVG, this security company still has its free antivirus. This shares the Avast malware detection engine without being spectacular is quite decent considering that it is something free.

The bad thing is that it does not have as many extras as avast, although it has scanning, updates, blocking links, downloads, and attachments, or performance reports. The positive part is that it has greater configuration options, although the most advanced ones remain for the paid version. A good alternative, although having free Windows Defender on the computer has it a bit complicated.

Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition

Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition

The free version of BitDefender is also limited to offering basic protections, although it offers a quick scan with good malware detection. It is a good option for those who simply want to configure their antivirus once and forget it, although on the negative side moderately advanced options are absent. You can’t even schedule scans, although the reliability of the basic protections has brought it to our list.

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Avira Free Antivirus

Avira Free Antivirus

Another antivirus that offers a free version to attract users to paid versions. The good news is that it shares the same base as Avira Pro, one of the best in the world according to AV-Test, but the bad thing is that again we find enough popups with ads for other products of the company.

But it also has some positive parts, such as its good threat detection ratios or the little impact it has on the performance of the computer. It also has protection against harmful links, threats that may have been inserted in legitimate applications, blocking advertising and monitoring your browser, and an anti-phishing shield.

Malwarebytes

Malwarebytes

And we end up with a slightly different application. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free is not so much an antivirus to use as a tool to remove malware from your computer. This means that it will not actively protect you from getting infected, but if you already have a virus, it will do a good job to clean your computer.

Another of its positive points is that it does not interfere with the rest of the antivirus, so it can be used as a second companion or secondary tool when you think there are problems. A good complement for your antivirus, although not enough to replace it when it comes to protecting you.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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