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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
• All web browsers
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.
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.
Best Windows Antivirus Software for PC Protection (2021) -
There are hundreds of antivirus packages geared towards Windows on the market, making it difficult to choose the right one. I have found so many that claim they’re the best, but after testing dozens of different antiviruses I found 10 that truly are the best.
Unfortunately, you can’t just rely on Window 10’s built-in antivirus either. While it has decent cybersecurity protection, it’s nowhere near as powerful as premium antivirus options. Relying purely on Microsoft Defender leaves you vulnerable to advanced malware attacks — nearly all malware is targeted explicitly at existing flaws in the Windows operating system.
After extensive testing, I’ve found 10 high-quality antivirus plans that provide the malware protection needed for your Windows PC. The top 5 services I found kept my Windows PC running smoothly, performed above industry standard in detection tests, and are very affordable. Norton 360 takes the number 1 spot for its powerful malware protection, low system impact, and range of useful extra features. Even better, you can test Norton 360 for yourself for 60 days risk-free by using its money-back guarantee.
Top Antiviruses for Windows Security in 2021 -
1. Norton 360 — #1 antivirus for Windows 10, 8, and 7 with 100% real-time malware detection, high-quality features, and a 60-day money-back guarantee.
2. Bitdefender — Feature-rich and low-impact on your Windows PC’s performance but a more expensive option (especially after the first year).
3. TotalAV — Great PC optimization tools and powerful malware protection, but customer support was slow at responding to inquiries.
4. McAfee — Powerful malware detection protects your Windows PC but doesn’t include as many features as other antivirus plans.
5. BullGuard — Exceptional malware detection and a top pick for PC gamers with optimization features, but the interface is outdated and can be tricky to navigate.
How I Tested & Ranked the Best Windows Antivirus Protection ?
I ensured that the antivirus software on this top 10 list proved more effective than Microsoft Defender and surpassed the industry standard for security. I tested each antivirus using the following criteria:
• Powerful antivirus engine — The majority of advanced malware specifically targets Windows, so it’s vital to have powerful malware detection and blocking capabilities. I tested each antivirus to ensure it met or surpassed industry-standard detection rates (99.1% detection or higher), guaranteeing full protection for your Windows PC.
• Fast speeds — It’s true that running an antivirus scan can bog down your computer’s performance. Still, some of the top AVs on this list are actually super-efficient and won’t affect your computer. I also tested to see if they can run quietly in the background with minimum notifications and how long their scans took overall.
• Bonus features — Many antivirus plans offer additional features designed to improve security and functionality, but they’re not always high-quality. When I found an antivirus with additional features like a VPN, password manager, or file shredder, I tested each one to make sure it was worth using.
• Value for money — All of the antivirus services on this list are reasonably priced — better yet, they all have money-back guarantees, so you’re free to test them risk-free and get a refund if you change your mind.
What's the Best Malware Protection?
Which antivirus should you choose? You have a wealth of options. Kaspersky Anti-Virus and Bitdefender Antivirus Plus routinely take perfect or near-perfect scores from the independent antivirus testing labs. A single subscription for McAfee AntiVirus Plus lets you install protection on all your Windows, Android, Mac OS, and iOS devices. Its unusual behavior-based detection technology means Webroot SecureAnywhere Antivirus is the tiniest antivirus around. We've named these four Editors' Choice for commercial antivirus, but they're not the only products worth consideration.
