antivirus free

[cloudff7]

What is the best free antivirus currently? I've been using Kaspersky Free for a long time, but I saw in the news that the free version will no longer exist, and there are only a few days left before that happens, so which one should I switch to?

i use Windows 10

[StDragon]

Windows Defender (built into the OS). MS leverages crowd sourcing of threats to build definition updates for all their Defender platforms, including the AV in Windows 10/11.

[kirashi]

48 minutes ago, cloudff7 said:

What is the best free antivirus currently? I've been using Kaspersky Free for a long time, but I saw in the news that the free version will no longer exist, and there are only a few days left before that happens, so which one should I switch to?

i use Windows 10

Windows Defender combined with Common Sense™ - the latter of which means not opening file attachments or clicking links from untrustworthy sources, only running trusted code on your devices, and ensuring your software and Operating System are up-to-date.

[BiotechBen]

Windows defender has gotten pretty darn good over time, but if you absolutely need to have one installed: I use Bitdefender, and the free version offers the same coverage as the paid, just with a much more limited feature set.

[Dat Guy]

On 10/8/2025 at 2:48 AM, cloudff7 said:

What is the best free antivirus currently?

 

Using none at all. Honestly, "antivirus" software is a waste of CPU and RAM, as it introduces quite some level of complexity while running with full system rights. Update your software as often as possible, and refrain from clicking stuff in e-mails. Done.

 

My second choice would be Windows Defender, but that's a very far second.

[Tridefender]

You really can do with windows defender. It would work 99% case, and the 1% that uses 0 day hacks no one can fend off...