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Last Updated: Apr 18, 2024

Top 10 Antivirus Software for Windows 2024
Protect your personal data

Installing antivirus on your computer means protecting your data. Get the best antivirus software & stay protected online.

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We find the 10 best options, so you can make informed decisions on tons of products and services.

Why do Windows Users Need Antivirus?

Virus protection for Windows has become critical for the modern-day PC user. While most users are fairly careful, common viruses and spyware often infiltrate your system without you even knowing. Virus protection for Windows is designed to not only clean out issues that may already exist on your computer, but to prevent future attacks that you may not have even noticed.

What is Antivirus for Windows?

Antivirus software for Windows has several functions that protect your computer on multiple fronts. While most people believe that viruses and malware come in while browsing the internet, any computer connection to the outside world is at risk. Virus protection not only monitors all possible risks, but scans areas of your computer that a user wouldn’t normally think to look for potential viruses, including:

  • Computer registry
  • Startup programs
  • User-installed programs
  • Email
  • All web browsers

Benefits of Antivirus Windows Software

Possibly one of the best benefits of getting the best antivirus software for Windows is that the program protects your computer, even when you’re not using it. Virus protection monitors all data that’s going out of, and coming into, your computer at all times. Additionally, you can program your virus protection to run regular, remote virus scans during off-hours, which can check on files that you may have inadvertently installed. These programs also keep your computer protected by checking the following:

  • Emails going in and coming out of your computer
  • Software downloaded to your computer
  • Files downloaded from browsers
  • Registry changes to your operating system.

In many cases, antivirus software will do the job for you and quarantine or remove any viruses that may exist. Sometimes, your software will prompt you when a file or program may be dangerous and ask you to take one of multiple actions available. You can also set antivirus software to handle problems automatically, which takes the guesswork out of trying to figure out what specific warnings mean.

Choosing the Best Antivirus for Windows

The market is often flooded with options when it comes to virus protection for Windows. When making your decision. For starters, you should look out for a software that provides 24/7 protection. Your antivirus should protect your computer all the time, including when you’re not on it. With that said, you should be able to scan your computer at times that are best for you.

If you are not sure about something while trying to install or remove a virus, it’s critical to have available phone support. Should problems arise, you should have the option of speaking to someone that represents the virus protection that you’ve purchased.

Finally, in order to fight the most recent viruses you need to find a service that includes regular updates. An antivirus software should be updated nearly daily, as the world of viruses is constantly evolving.

Antivirus Windows software does so much more than just protect you while you’re on your computer. The best antivirus will keep a round-the-clock watch on your system, even while you’re fast asleep. While there are many alternatives to consider for keeping your operating system fully-functional, the best antivirus software is always adapting to the latest evolution of malicious software and viruses. Get the best antivirus software to keep your information secure and your computer at peak performance.

If you have more devices to cover and want to expand beyond Windows only, view the top antivirus providers here.

Our Top 3 Picks

    1
    Aura
    exceptional
    9.7
    All-in-one antivirusShop Now
    • Features - Full featured protection
    • Support - 24/7/365 expert support
    • Guarantee - 60-day money-back guarantee (with annual plans)
    All-in-one antivirus
    Shop Now

    Aura’s all-in-one plans offer antivirus and VPN protection for up to 10 devices. It also protects your Wi-Fi network along with 24/7 excerpt support for as little as $3 per month. Additionally, Aura offers $1 million identity theft insurance, online account monitoring, and social security number monitoring. Aura offers all its antivirus and VPN features in one easy app for Windows and MacOS (with VPN also available for Android and iOS).

    Read Aura Review

    PROS

    Choice of antivirus + VPN or full protection
    White glove fraud resolution (premium plans)
    All antivirus and VPN features in one app

    CONS

    Mobile app doesn’t include antivirus features (yet)
    Multiple pricing plans are a little confusing
    aura logo
    Aura
    Shop Now
    2
    McAfee
    excellent
    9.4
    Full protection that works on all operating systemsShop Now
    • Features - Full featured protection
    • Support - 24/7 technical support
    • Guarantee - 30-day money-back guarantee
    Full protection that works on all operating systems

    McAfee is one of the biggest and most trusted names in antivirus software. McAfee provides secure total protection for your computer and devices. No matter which package you choose you will have access to free 24/7 support, parental controls and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

    When you spend a little more for the internet security and total protection packages, you get anti-malware, anti-theft and file protection for any Mac, Windows or Android device. You can also opt for parental controls, anti-spam to block dangerous emails and the True Key app to store your passwords and usernames.

    Read McAfee Review

    PROS

    Easy to use, install and manage
    Above average detection rates and protection
    100% guaranteed virus removal

    CONS

    Above average price to its counterparts
    Uses more system resources than other antivirus packages
    mcafee logo
    McAfee
    3
    Norton
    excellent
    9.2
    Complete protection for up to 10 devicesShop Now
    • Features - Premium safety features
    • Support - Free 24/7 customer support
    • Guarantee - 60-day money-back guarantee
    Complete protection for up to 10 devices

    Norton gives you easy-to-use protection with in-depth parental controls. Depending on the package, Norton Security includes full antivirus protection, firewall protection, identity and financial protection, parental controls, email and spam blocking, password manager, PC optimization tools and 25 GB online backup storage for up to 10 computers or devices.

    When it comes to virus protection, while the Norton Security's detection rates may leave something to be desired, the solid parental controls and ease of use make it a great choice for users looking for average virus detection coupled with top of the line parental controls for their family.

    Read Norton Review

    PROS

    Easy to install and use
    Protect up to 5 devices
    Includes ID theft, VPN, and more

    CONS

    Average detection rates and protection
    Overall, average performance
    norton logo
    Norton
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Aura
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Aura
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McAfee
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Norton
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