Windows has always been a prime target for hackers and malware due to its humongous user base. We store tons of personal data on our PCs, so investing in good antivirus software becomes extremely important. Bad actors could try gaining access or harming you in a variety of different ways like malware, ransomware, spyware, and viruses, and you need to ensure the antivirus can protect against all possible threats. Fortunately, you don’t have to scour the internet to find the best one. Here are some of the best free antivirus software for Windows 11.
The antivirus programs on this list are completely free and don’t require you to enter your credit card details for trials. That said, do note that for most Windows 11 users, the built-in Windows Security app will more than do the job. Installing a new antivirus could drastically slow down your PC, especially if it’s over a decade old. Also note that since these programs are free, we cannot guarantee they respect your privacy.
Windows Security
Windows Security comes built into Windows and is the only free antivirus you need for your PC. Formerly called Microsoft Defender, Windows Security is a hub that regularly and actively scans your files and the files you download and checks for malware.
It also has a few app security features like Smart App Control and reputation-based protection, which prevent malicious apps from accessing your files and websites. Windows Security also keeps your Firewall settings in check and performs device performance and health checks. The best thing about Windows Security is that it doesn’t use many system resources. Overall, it’s THE best native and free antivirus for Windows 11. If you don’t know how to activate it, here’s our guide to enable Microsoft Defender in Windows.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free and natively available | None |
| Complete suite of protection | |
| Virus definitions updated regularly | |
| Real-time protection | |
| Does not eat up excessive system resources |
Avast Free Antivirus
Avast is one of the popular free antivirus programs for Windows, and for good reason. It offers real-time protection against viruses, ransomware, spyware, and both new and old malware. Avast Free Antivirus also provides deep rootkit scanning through boot sector scanning and other protective features for zero cost.
One of the best things about Avast is that it’s compatible with Windows Security, allowing both to run in tandem on your Windows 11 PC. Ensure you select the minimal setup during installation so that only basic protection is installed without hogging memory.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Full-fledged antivirus program | Filled with bloatware |
| Real-time protection against threats | Resource hog |
| Great malware detection | |
| Many protection features |
Bitdefender Free Antivirus
Bitdefender markets itself as an “impossibly light” software that won’t slow down your PC. However, it consumes over 700 MB of RAM, which isn’t exactly “lightweight.” The setup process can take a while, but once completed, Bitdefender offers scanning features similar to its paid plans.
Unfortunately, you’ll miss out on vulnerability scanning and firewall protection, both of which are available in Avast. Like Avast, Bitdefender is designed to run alongside Windows Security without interference.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free scanning | Not light on PC resources |
| Decent interface | Lacks firewall support |
| Web Protection included | No custom scanning options |
AVG Antivirus
AVG is one of the oldest names in the antivirus game. It’s well-known for its security features, including virus, web, and ransomware protection. Since AVG and Avast are from the same company, the installation process is quite similar.
AVG is surprisingly light on system resources and is almost six times lighter compared to others. However, during installation, it may try to install unwanted web extensions, so be sure to uncheck those options.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Real-time protection | Virus detection is relatively slow |
| Web protection | May try installing bloatware |
| Frequently updated virus definitions | |
| Light on system resources |
Avira Free Security
Avira is another trusted antivirus platform, known for its simplicity and effectiveness. It offers real-time protection against threats, spyware, malware, and other potential dangers. Avira’s threat definitions are regularly updated, ensuring your system stays protected.
Though it may appear basic compared to others, Avira takes up the least amount of resources among the antivirus options discussed. It works well with Windows Security, making it a solid choice for those in need of a free antivirus solution.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Real-time protection against malware | No web and ransomware protection in free version |
| Regularly updated | Unwanted browser extensions may be added |
| Compatible with Windows Security | |
| Free to use |
These are some of the best free antivirus software you can download on Windows 11. Do you know any other free antivirus software that deserves to be on this list? Let us know in the comments!
