14-05-2021

Norton Antivirus For Windows 10

If you use a Windows 10 system then you're an attractive target for hackers simply because Windows is the world's most popular PC operating system. The security situation on Windows has improved dramatically over the last few years, but the sheer number of users mean it is still under threat, even as 2020 approaches fast - that's where getting a Windows 10 antivirus comes in.

Yep, we're afraid that the reality remains that you still need a regularly updated antivirus package to keep you safe from the latest threats. That's because the bad guys are constantly looking for new ways to access your data and control your system.

From ransomware to fileless attacks and blended malware, there are plenty of threats out there - some you'll know the names of, other's you'll never even heard of - and there's the danger is great on Windows 10, no matter how careful you are online.

So which are the best virus protecting products for Windows 10 you can get right now, and is Windows Defender sufficient to keep you safe these days? Find out with TechRadar's guide to the best Windows 10 antivirus.

Top Antivirus For Windows 10 PCs/Laptops. Having the antivirus software installed in Windows 10 PC makes your PC work faster by removing the virus and other malfunctioning files. It was also advisable to update antivirus regularly so that your Windows 10 PC will be safe from any virus. Avast Free Antivirus. Avast Free Antivirus will be one of the best free AntiVirus for Windows 10. Norton Antivirus stops malicious software like viruses, worms, spyware, bots, adware, ransomware to enter into our system and protect your system against all types of malicious threats. It is similar to any other antiVirus, but what makes Norton AntiVirus different from others? Norton has innovative intelligence-driven technology for faster. Learn how to download and install the Norton Security Online for PC. Learn how to download and install the Norton Security Online for PC. Installing Norton Security Online on your PC. Learn how to download and install the Norton Security Online for PC.

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Here are the best Windows 10 antivirus in 2019

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus 2020
Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security
Kaspersky Antivirus
Panda Antivirus
Windows Defender

1. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus 2020

Comprehensive, fast and feature-packed

$23.99

Consistently high test scores

Basic licence covers three devices

Note:For our Bitdefender Antivirus Plus review, we tested the 2019 version. This was updated and renamed to 2020 in July 2019.

Monitor the testing lab reports on most antivirus products and you'll normally find results varying over time: one generation works well, the next edition has some problems initially, the company goes to work and performance improves.

Bitdefender is far more consistent. AV-Test, for example, has been running its in-depth antivirus tests since 2010, and Bitdefender has achieved a 100% protection rating in 17 out of the 20 reports produced to date (the last 'fail' was in December 2014).

That's important as it suggests Bitdefender's products aren't just accurate right now, but they're likely to be just as good next month, next year, and on after that. That makes it a fantastic pick for our best Windows 10 antivirus countdown

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus combines its excellent core antivirus engine with an array of smart technologies to keep you safe from harm. Accurate web monitoring detects and blocks malicious links, and a vulnerability scanner alerts you to missing security patches or poorly chosen system settings which could compromise your PC.

A secure browser prevents malware from snooping on your banking and online shopping transactions, and specialist ransomware protection ensures that even if something does penetrate your defenses, sensitive documents will still be safe.

Bitdefender's starter price is pretty competitive too, considering the power of the security tools you get with it. For one device for one year you're looking at around $25/£25, with extra for more PCs and mobiles and a reduction if you crank up the term.

Get Bitdefender Antivirus Plus with up to 60% off
Great news! You can currently score up to 60% off our #1 rated antivirus. It's a special software treat for TechRadar readers. It means that fantastic virus protection for your PC is now even more affordable - check out the exact pricing in your locale below, or head to Bitdefender's US site if your country isn't listed:

Australia: Get Bitdefender for ~~AU$69.99~~ AU$28 a year

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus 2019 for $23.99 per year

2. Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security

$29.95

Excellent scores in recent tests

Great value

Trend Micro may not have the profile of some of the big-name antivirus competition, but don't let that put you off - its products have a lot to offer.

The baseline Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security has all the essential features you need - antivirus, ransomware protection, email checks and web filtering - but isn't weighed down by unnecessary extras you'll never use.

Independent testing reports that Trend Micro delivers excellent results. As we write, the last five AV-Comparatives Real-World Protection Tests - September, October and November 2018, along with February and March 2017 - all show Trend Micro protecting against 100% of test threats.

Pricing is fair and transparent. The headline prices aren't only available if you pay for two or three years up-front, and they don't suddenly jump up after the first year: they're just good value, full stop.

A simple one PC, one-year licence is cheap at only £19.95 ($28). Extend the term and add support for more PCs and the costs fall even further, so for example a three computer, three-year licence costs only £53.27 ($74.60), or £5.92 ($8.29) per year per PC.

Moving up to the top-of-the-range Trend Micro Maximum Security gets you protection for Android, iOS and Mac, as well as Windows, and adds features including parental controls, password management, social media monitoring, device optimization and more. Prices start at £24.95 ($38) to cover any mix of five devices for one year.

Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security for $29.95 per year

3. Kaspersky Free Antivirus

Free version

Accurate and reliable engine

Kaspersky has been one of the top antivirus companies for a very long time, and its products regularly appear at or near the top of the scoreboard for most of the main testing labs.

Kaspersky Free Antivirus gives you the company's top-rated antivirus engine and intelligent blocking of malicious links for absolutely nothing. You don't even have to put up with ads - just leave the app running in your system tray and you'll barely know it's there.

Kaspersky's commercial antivirus and security suite products add features including online banking protection, parental controls, password management, file backup, and coverage for your Windows, Mac and mobile devices. They're priced from £22.49 ($30) for a one computer, one-year licence.

You might have seen Kaspersky making the headlines for less welcome reasons, recently, with both the US and UK governments restricting the use of Kaspersky products by some government agencies to avoid possible security risks.

While this is a concern, as we've seen no evidence to support the restrictions, we're not going to allow them to influence our current thinking. We suspect you're far more likely to be targeted by hackers and malware than Kremlin surveillance, and overall Kaspersky does an excellent job of keeping you safe.

Top-rated free option

Above average prices for paid products

Panda Security has been developing quality antivirus software for many years, and its latest Windows detection engine is one of the best around.

For evidence, just point your browser at the results for AV-Comparatives Real Word Protection tests. These are a tough check of antivirus ability, but the last summary report (July - November 2017) ranked Panda Free Antivirus in first place as the only product to receive a consistent 100% protection score.

If you're on a budget, then, Panda Free Antivirus may be your best option, but the company also produces more powerful commercial tools which could be interesting.

Panda Dome Essential takes the core antivirus features and adds a personal firewall, Wi-Fi protection and a secure browsing environment to protect online shopping and banking activities. It's priced at £26.24 ($36.75) a year for a one device, one-year licence, rising to £35.24 ($48.99) in year two.

Moving to a higher plan could get you specialist ransomware protection, parental controls, app locking, a call blocker, anti-theft, device optimization, remote device management, unlimited VPN use and more.

Dome can be licenced for 1, 3, 5, 10 and even an unlimited number of devices, and these can be any mix of Windows, Mac and Android systems.

For us, Panda Free Antivirus is the star product here, but if you're looking for more of a security suite, the Dome range may also be interesting. Take the free month trial for a spin if you'd like to find out more.

5. Windows Defender

Lightweight

Average detection rates

Windows Defender has been trying to protect PCs from viruses since the days of Vista, but originally with little success. Independent testing regularly placed Defender at the bottom of the protection rankings, with detection rates as low as 60-70 per cent.

Today's product is very, very different. Check out AV-Comparatives' Real-World Protection Tests and the last summary report (July - November 2017) gave Microsoft a 99.1 per cent protection rating. That translates to 13th place out of 21, so plainly isn't ideal, but still outperformed several big-name commercial engines: ESET, McAfee, Emsisoft, Fortinet, Adaware and more.

There are plenty of other reasons to like Windows Defender. It arrives with your PC and is enabled by default, so there's nothing to learn or configure. It's lightweight, grabs very few system resources and is most unlikely to conflict with anything else. All you need to do is get on with using your PC, and Defender handles everything else in the background.

Windows Defender still has its issues. Test results can be inconsistent over time and between labs, and most reports suggest it raises more false positives than average. But even with these problems, it's clear that Defender now offers genuinely useful protection at a similar level to many commercial products. If your needs are simple, or you're familiar with and like the package, it could be a sensible choice.

Should I get free or premium antivirus?

If you're simply looking to protect your PC from viruses, trojans, and worms, then free antivirus from any reputable provider such as above, will keep you protected against these.

The difference with paid-for versions is that they add additional features that aim to protect tighter security, better privacy protections, and even tune up your PC.

For example, extra security features might include ransomware protection and the ability to ensure certain files or folders are locked down against any changes by third-party programs.

For privacy protection, there might be the inclusion of a VPN which allows for more anonymous web browsing. There might also be features in paid software to kill tracking cookies and other privacy protections.

Some paid-for anti-virus even include features such as tuning up your PC, by getting rid of junk files from temporary or cache folders, as well as fix any registry issues that might also be slowing down your PC.

So, overall, if all you want is the most essential virus protection, then free software will do its job. However, if you want a wider range of malware protection, extra privacy controls, and even additional tools to help your PC run more smoothly, then paid-for anti-virus can often offer some or all of these, and more.

Check out the best VPN

Is Windows Defender good enough to secure Windows 10?

It used to be the case that Windows suffered badly from security vulnerabilities that only third-party anti-virus software could protect against. However, over the years Microsoft have made a concerted effort to improve the security of Windows, not least with the inclusion of Windows Defender by default in Windows 10.

This is real progress, as Windows Defender - as mentioned above - really does the job it needs to in terms of providing the same basic protections that would be expected of any good free anti-virus software. As with the point about free software above, if that's all you want, that's all you need.

However, like having a second lock or bolt on an external door in your home, sometimes it's good to have more than one piece of security in place. This is especially as there is always the possibility that Windows Defender might not catch a piece of malware that another third-party anti-virus program might catch.

Additionally, as also mentioned above, the additional security and privacy features that other anti-virus software provide can make them very attractive choices in their own right.

Your system is secure with Windows Defender, but if you want added piece of mind, it might be worth investing in an additional safeguard that Bitdefender Plus and the other best Windows 10 antivirus packages afford.

This is our best antivirus software buying guide
Also take a look at the best internet security suites

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Exploring today's technology for tomorrow's possibilities

Since the dawn of the internet age, cybersecurity has remained one of the most pressing issues PC users face all around the globe. Keeping your online browsing safe and secure has only become more intricate and difficult as online technology has become smarter.

As we become more and more dependent on the internet for work, play, and communication, the likelihood of falling victim to some form of a data breach has been on a steady trend upwards. In fact, a 2017 Ponemon Institute report estimated that one in four people are likely to experience a data breach [1].

Windows users who wish to protect themselves against these menacing odds are best served by equipping their devices with strong, reliable antivirus software. Antivirus software aims to fight cyber threats through prompt prevention, detection, and deletion.

Tasked with the responsibility of safeguarding all of your downloads, web-surfing, and connected devices from potential threats, good antivirus software should be able to employ advanced algorithms and techniques to provide constant real-time protection. It’s these very algorithms and techniques that matter most when choosing the best antivirus software for Windows 10.

Let’s take a deep dive into the top antivirus software applications. We’ll count down our top 5 picks along with the specs, pros, and cons of each.

5. Panda Free Antivirus

PC users on a tight budget looking for an exceptional set of basic cybersecurity software features will find exactly what they need with Panda Free Antivirus. Speedy and lightweight, this antivirus software is extremely user-friendly and uniquely visually appealing.

Offering real-time antivirus protection, multimedia/game mode, USB protection, and a free PC recovery system called Panda rescue kit, there’s a reason why so many Windows 10 users depend on Panda Free Antivirus for protection. Functioning as a top-notch set and forget cybersecurity program, Panda’s 100% virus detection ratio is a true force to be reckoned with.

The Good

Usability - There is nothing complicated about Panda, even for complete cybersecurity novices. Its straightforward user interface features universally understood icons and quick, comprehensive scans and summaries.
Android compatibility - Just because they’re smaller and seemingly less vulnerable than PCs, Android smartphones and tablets are still at risk of cyber attacks. Panda’s Android software checks access permissions on device apps, scans apps and app updates in real-time, and much more, all while optimizing your battery life and monitoring memory usage.
Upgradability - If you’re looking to up your antivirus protection game, Panda has a number of affordable monthly payment options that offer heightened levels of security the larger the package.

The Bad

Sparse free features - Most antivirus software manufacturers will stock their free versions up with a hefty amount of features to build a reputation and gain a solid clientele base. Panda does the opposite. Of the 13 top features their premium subscription offers, the free version only offers 2.
No parental controls - Parental controls become available at the third tier of Panda subscription pyramid, but are a basic enough function for a PC user to expect within the free version.
Low malware download score - The first thing most PC users do after downloading an antivirus software is run a malware scan. A PC Mag malware test [2] found that the Panda malware scan missed almost twice as many verified downloads as it detected.

The Cost: Free

4. Avast Free Antivirus

Regarded as one of the best antivirus applications for online gamers, Avast Free Antivirus is an excellent option for those who regularly visit sites or use programs that tend to harbor malware. Supporting over 415 languages, this worldly software simplifies online privacy with a simple click of a button.

Avast SecureLine VPN allows you to hide your online activities from internet providers, advertisers, employers and more. No matter where you’re stationed; home, the local coffee shop, or the airport, SecureLine VPN ensures ultimate privacy.

As one of the most comprehensive free antivirus programs on the market, Avast does not disappoint in a number of areas where other antiviruses fall short. Gamers can play on without interruption; Avast is programmed to suspend non-critical functions and dismiss pop-ups before they can ruin a perfect shot.

The Good

Do Not Disturb mode - In addition to accommodating your gaming habits, Avast’s newly introduced Do Not Disturb Mode blocks annoying pop-ups whenever you're gaming, watching movies, or using fullscreen mode.
Compatibility - The Avast family is a huge one, so if you’re looking for protection for your Mac, iPhone, Android, or IoT device, Avast is your one-stop-shop.
Password manager - For free antivirus software, Avast’s inclusion of a password manager is a generous addition. Capable of storing all of your passwords and all of your credit card numbers, Avast offers secure auto-fill login information which makes your user experience completely seamless and shielded.
Customizable - Whether you’re looking for simple antivirus protection or complex security, Avast is fully customizable and allows you to tailor-make your perfect antivirus software.

The Bad

Pop-ups - When Do Not Disturb is switched off, users may find the frequent pop-up notifications irritating. Though useful, they can be a mild nuisance.
Difficult interface - Users who aren’t quite accustomed to more complex interfaces may find the Avast control center difficult to operate.
Password manager - While it is incredibly handy that this free antivirus software offers a password manager, the actual manager could use a bit of sprucing up. Hopefully, in future updates, Avast will include multi-factor authentication.

The Cost: Free

3. Windows Defender

As a guaranteed antivirus feature built into Windows 10 PCs, Windows Defender is one of the most widely used antivirus programs that most PC users don’t even know they own!

In an effort to upgrade the average Windows user’s cybersecurity experience, Microsoft employed Windows Defender along with many other features that are built into Windows 10. They continue to evolve to protect customers against today’s threats and those that come tomorrow [3].

Across the board, Windows Defender has proven to perform well on scan test scores and offers simple, yet effective ransomware protection. Offering cloud-delivered protection, this intelligent antivirus software tackles real-time virus protection, parental controls, SmartScreen web protection, and more. Paired with Windows Firewall, this built-in antivirus is strong enough to protect casual users from cyber threats.

For seasoned PC users who know what red flags to look out for while browsing the web, managing downloads, and connecting devices, Windows Defender is an excellent stand-alone antivirus software that effectively protects and prevents against threats from harming you and your precious data.

The Good

Unobtrusive - The simple fact that the vast majority of Windows 10 users don’t know that their PCs come pre-installed with antivirus software speaks volumes as to how unintrusive it is. No annoying pop-ups constantly interrupting your workflow, just seamless background functioning.
Always working - Unless you’ve got another antivirus installed and scanning your files, connected devices, or browser pages, Windows Defender assumes the role as your primary antivirus software.
Full integration - One of the major perks of Windows Defender is the simple fact that it comes preinstalled with your purchase of a Windows 10 operating computer. That means updates generally come in larger Windows updates rather than program-specific updates.
Future potential - With an expressed determination to evolve with the times, signs of improvement and more impressive results are basically a guarantee coming from Microsoft itself.

The Bad

Slow scanning speed - There are a number of key elements that could be slowing down the speed of your unique Windows Defender virus scan, but overall, users have found that a single scan can take hours to complete.
Limited features - If you’re in the market for a customizable antivirus program that allows you to cover a number of cybersecurity bases, Windows Defender will not be your best bet. Though it’s great at eliminating threats, its limited features may not be enough for full protection.

The Cost: Free (pre-installed on all Windows 10 machines)

2. Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus

This cloud-based antivirus for Windows 10 is not like most of its non-cloud-based competitors. Webroot’s installer is an astounding 4MB and installs with blazing speed. Featuring an easy-to-use interface, this antivirus has become a recent favorite among many PC users. Among many things, Webroot offers webcam protection, lightning-fast scans, identity theft protection, and real-time anti-phishing web browsing.

Though they do not offer a free option, they make an easy-sell for why their antivirus is worth forking over a one-time annual payment, stating that when it comes to protecting you and your family's devices, you get what you pay for. There is no shortage of features with Webroot, and across the board, the software has tested well in malware, anti-phishing, and ransomware protection departments.

One of the biggest sells of Webroot is its Identity Shield feature that is uniquely designed to protect all of your online shopping, social media, web browsing, and online banking by protecting your credit cards and other personal data. First-timers can even try Identity Shield for a 70-day no-questions-asked, money-back-guarantee trial.

The Good

Cloud-based - Being fully cloud-based allows Webroot to complete scans faster than most hard drive based antivirus software applications. Webroot calculations estimate that it only takes 20 seconds to scan your PC for malware. That’s 60x faster than the average scan time. This also means freed up space on your PC.
Compatibility - Functional on Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10, Webroot offers dominating compatibility. Webroot’s safe browsing is also compatible with Google Chrome, Safari, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla, Internet Explorer, and Opera.
Evolving landscape - Webroot is dedicated to keeping you secure, even in the face of brand-new threats that could compromise your identity, files, and finances.

The Bad

Cloud-based - Since Webroot is completely cloud-based, that means that you need to be connected to the internet for the best possible results.
Missing valuable features - When there are free antivirus software programs on the market offering a number of free added features such as password managers and parental controls, it’s easy to feel a bit remiss about paying for a service that forgoes these elements.

The Cost: $29.99 annually

1. Norton AntiVirus Plus

As one of the nation’s leading antivirus programs, Norton Antivirus has built itself a trusted reputation within the realm of cybersecurity. Proving to be one of the most reliable antivirus software programs available on the market, Norton AntiVirus Plus understands device security.

Offering up to 2GB of backup cloud storage, a smart firewall, online threat protection, anti-spyware, antivirus, ransomware protection, and more, Norton AntiVirus Plus is a capable program worth the price-value ratio. Working quietly in the background, you’ll forget it’s even there as you go about your daily computing business. It’s truly tough for competitors to contend with Norton AntiVirus Plus.

Though it may be a tough sell to purchase an antivirus software when there are a number of free services out there, Norton ensures that your monthly or annual rate is an affordable one that is worth the cost.