The best antivirus program for windows 10. The best free antivirus in terms of speed

The problem of cyber security is acute: at a time when antivirus developers improve their protection systems, new malicious programs appear daily, many times more complicated than the basic "worms" or "trojans". To resist them, it is recommended not only to use high-quality and proven software, but to follow the rules of being on the Internet: do not go to dubious sites, and even more so do not download files from them. These actions help reduce the risk of computer infection, but do not make it equal to zero, because antivirus is a necessary application for a PC.

What is the best antivirus for Windows 10

Objectively, there is no one best antivirus in the world, it is like an ideal gas that does not exist in nature. Each of the programs below has its pros and cons. Users choose software "for themselves" so that it helps to perform those specific tasks that they need, and has such shortcomings that would not interfere too much with the achievement of the goals set by the application and were acceptable for a particular "user". In addition, programs for protecting computers are divided into the following types:

• Detectors (scanners). They look for virus infections on the computer, sending a notification to the user when they are found.
• Doctors (phages, vaccines). They look for infected files, then "treat" them by removing the virus from the code.
• Auditors. They remember the initial state of the file and operating system of the computer (before infection) and compare it with the current one, displaying the changes on the screen.
• Monitors (firewalls, firewalls). Start an automatic OS scan at every startup.
• Filters (watchman). Small utilities that monitor the actions taking place in the system and determine which of them belong to viruses. This allows the infection to be detected at an early stage, before it begins to spread.

Doctors are considered the most effective type. These include, for example, Kaspersky and Dr.Web. The built-in scanner and firewall are available in all versions of Windows, including 10. In addition to the above classification, antiviruses are divided into two more categories. The first includes programs that run the scan only forcibly (in manual or automatic mode). The second is software that constantly scans data streams (for example, traffic in a browser). This is the basic theory to know on this topic. Specifically, about each of the antiviruses that are suitable for Windows 10, below.

Integrated Microsoft Security Essential

Windows Defender is the basic level of computer security. It doesn't mean he's bad. In earlier versions of the operating system, Defender was introduced as Microsoft Security Essential. In Windows 8.1 and 10, this is a built-in utility that works as a feature - it doesn't show up in Programs and Features, so it can't be uninstalled. According to information on the official website of OS Defender:

• blocks spyware, rootkits, bootkits, and other viruses in real time;
• checks and cleans the OS online and offline;
• functions as a dynamic signature service.

Security Essential is a comprehensive free multilingual program, and this is its main advantage. For those who have Windows 10 on their computer, it greatly simplifies the task, because it does not need settings and updates, doing everything automatically by itself. If the Defender in Windows 7 and below could protect the PC only from spyware, the built-in application includes all the necessary functionality.

• Low score on the results of specialized testing AV-Test. The defender recognized only 88% of zero-day attacks (Real-World Testin) and 99.8% of the prevailing and widespread threats (Reference set). By comparison, Kaspersky Lab scored 100/100 in both cases.
• There is no menu tab to scan individual files for infection.

Against the background of advantages, such disadvantages are lost, but they become of particular importance for those who are not inclined to ensure their own security on the Internet. 12% of missed threats become a weighty “against” fact for gamers, active “users” of the network who constantly download files from there, and users of unlicensed software. In addition, Defender provides an insufficient level of security for corporate networks.

Free antiviruses for Windows 10

Already in the previous example, it was shown that a good antivirus for Windows 10 does not have to be expensive. You can use a free analogue or demo version - some of them provide sufficient protection against threats. The main thing is to download products from official sites so that you do not download some kind of Trojan instead of an antivirus. Free apps and stripped-down versions have a number of disadvantages common to all programs in this category:

• lack of additional modules (firewall, parental control);
• the amount of advertising;
• constant offers to purchase the full version.

All this can be put up with, since, for example, free products such as Avast Free Antivirus and Panda Security Free provide a high level of protection. They can even adequately compete with their commercial counterparts. Such applications will not be able to provide comprehensive protection, but if attackers do not target a specific user, in most cases it is not needed.

Paid software

The rating of antiviruses for Windows 10 is headed by paid software, since it represents entire software systems with maximum functionality. Such products include the possibility of remote control, restoring the system to the point of infection, protecting the webcam and browser, cleaning the registry, etc. Although the mere fact that you have to pay for the program does not mean that it is good, nor that it will protect against all types of threats.

Criterias of choice

The quality of the program is influenced by many factors, some of them are even subjective and reflect the personal perception of the user. The criteria below are general, even if you are going to download an antivirus for a tablet on Windows 10, and not for a computer. When choosing, it is recommended to pay attention to such points:

• The cost of purchasing and maintaining an anti-virus program. This item includes not only the cost of the product, but also such a factor as time. For example, if you put a demo version of the software, the cash costs will be zero, but you will have to constantly be distracted by notifications about possible additional functions and advertising. What is less important - money or time, everyone decides for himself.
• Reliability of protection. No application for Windows 10 provides a 100% security guarantee. Even the fact that Kaspersky received the highest rating in the AV-Test test only says that the threats that participated in the test will not pass. At the same time, it is possible that the program will not have time to add to its database some new Trojan that has just appeared on the Internet. However, pay attention to scores and reviews when choosing a product for yourself. If you tend to regularly visit unverified sites and download dubious data, you need the most effective antivirus. Those who prefer, for example, safe browsing in order to protect the browser, and independently optimize the system once a week / month, an increased level of “armor” is not needed.
• Variety of useful features. These are a number of additional tools that make it easier to work with a computer. This includes protection of removable media, cleaning up temporary files, etc. Do not think that the more useful features, the better. If some of them are not in demand for you personally, all they will do is reduce PC performance and interfere with work. A simple antivirus for ordinary users is best, but for those who understand what's what, you should take a closer look at the advanced functionality.
• The resource intensity of the antivirus. This factor, together with the performance of the computer on which the program is installed, determines its speed. Too "heavy" software slows down the entire OS, especially its loading, which interferes with the user. The weaker the characteristics of the PC, the more simple and "easy" you need to install the application.

The best antivirus for Windows 10 for free

The most popular antivirus programs in the Russian Federation are free. Those who choose software from just this category are only at hand - they have the most reviews. Below are the utilities that users considered the best. In addition, they were also given a good mark in AV-Test testing. Check out the features and descriptions of each antivirus to choose a product for your own use.

Avira Antivirus

This product exists in two versions, one of which is free. Some features were removed in the free version, but the most significant ones, including active protection, an integrated firewall and a scanner, were not changed. Avira Antivirus keeps your computer and the Internet secure. Among the advantages of the application:

• low resource consumption;
• lack of frequent advertisements;
• high speed.

In addition, Avira has the most positive reviews on the Internet compared to other free counterparts, and provides cloud protection. If the built-in functions (setting up data processing, filters for applications) are not enough, you can download and integrate plugins from the official website. Disadvantages of Avira Antivirus:

• sometimes ads appear;
• skips some viruses.

Kaspersky Free

A stripped-down version of the popular product, which contains all the modules necessary to ensure security. You can install it from the official website of the company. The advantage of free Kaspersky over the full functionality is that it works much faster. Other pluses:

• protects the file system, the Internet;
• compatible with all modern operating systems;
• good technical support.

A clear disadvantage of Kaspersky is that Free is only available for 365 days (1 year), after which you will have to buy a license or remove the product from your computer. In addition, parental control and online banking functions are not available in this version. Also, in comparison with other products, "nimble" Kaspersky still slows down the system and is not suitable for weak netbooks.

Avast Free Antivirus

This antivirus is known for its simple interface and high speed. Avast Free Antivirus is fast even on low performance laptops, and Windows 10 further optimizes costs. To use this product, you must register with an email address and confirmation that you are its owner. Benefits of Avast antivirus:

• convenience of work;
• a variety of functions, you can customize the program for yourself (enable or disable unnecessary tools);
• quick check;
• blocking most viruses.

According to the test results, Avast is able to protect your computer from 99% of threats. If at the same time you independently protect yourself from potential sources of viruses, the risk of PC infection will tend to zero. Product disadvantages:

• intrusive frequent announcements about updating the virus database;
• the need to re-register once a year;
• only available for Windows 10 Home.

Dr. Web Carelt

A small utility that is not a full-fledged antivirus. Scans and “treats” infected files. Pros of using Dr. Web Carelt:

• does not need installation;
• performs "treatment" of files, and not deletion or sending to quarantine.

Such an antivirus works only with the operating system and does not scan streaming data for potential threats. In addition, the utility has the following disadvantages:

• the trial version does not have the virus database update function;
• inability to work in web mode.

Bitdefender Antivirus

The paid version of this program according to the results of the AV-Test was recognized as the best. Free Bitdefender Antivirus has lost some extra features, but otherwise remains consistently high quality. Among its advantages are a high degree of protection and a pleasant interface. The disadvantages are:

• the absence of the Russian language (although everything is intuitively clear even in English);
• “Heavy”, loads the system very much, is not suitable for weak computers.

360 Total Security

An easy-to-configure (even a beginner can handle it without help) product, except for anti-virus protection, which includes optimization of work, checking the Internet connection, cleaning history, registry. Microsoft has included 360 Total Security in the list of recommended programs for installation. The virus database of this product is regularly updated, so the manufacturer guarantees the quality of the protection provided. Disadvantages of using 360 Total Security:

• no Russification;
• no quick scan function (only quick).

AVG AntiVirus Free

The program has a paid version that uses the same virus databases. The protection level of AVG AntiVirus Free is high, although the product is not very popular. In addition, among the advantages of the software is the economical consumption of resources. Disadvantages of AVG AntiVirus Free:

• slow check;
• sometimes there are false positives.

Panda Free Antivirus

The first antivirus for Windows 10, which began to use cloud technologies, which allowed for better scanning. In addition, Panda Free Antivirus provides the ability to restore the system if it does not boot using the "Recovery Set" function. The virus database of the product is regularly updated, and the program itself has a pleasant and understandable interface, but there are also disadvantages:

• not supported by computers and laptops with low performance;
• sometimes Panda false positives.

Comparative characteristics of free programs

The table below compares the most popular programs. As evaluation criteria, such characteristics were taken as browser protection, history clearing, PC optimization, sandbox, password manager, disabling startup, etc.

Paid virus detection and protection programs

According to the results of specialized testing AV-TEST paid products took the first places. The following antiviruses are recognized as the best for Windows 10:

• Chinese program Bitdefender;
• Avira Antivirus;
• Kaspersky Internet Security;
• Latest version of Norton Security.

Products such as F-Secure and Trend Micro also made it to the top, not inferior to the above in terms of quality, but consuming more resources, thereby reducing PC performance. A slightly different list was obtained when compiling a rating based on Russian-language reviews. For example, the best, according to AV-Test, BitDefender is not so popular in the Russian Federation, because it does not have an adequate translation. Below are detailed descriptions of each of the antiviruses that both users and experts have noted as high-quality and suitable for Windows 10.

According to the tests of specialized laboratories, this anti-virus program has high marks. In addition, BitDefender Antivirus Plus 2019 has a wide range of features aimed at protecting the system, Internet connection, registry, and more. To install the product, you need an account and a key that is issued to the user after paying for the license. Before listing the advantages, it is worth mentioning the disadvantages right away: it is better not to use this software for owners of weak netbooks.

This also applies to those who care about Russification - BitDefender does not have it. In addition, in the PCMag test, the product showed a mediocre result for blocking malware. The advantages are:

• independent laboratories gave the antivirus high marks;
• good blocking of phishing (malicious links);
• there is protection against ransomware;
• nice interface;
• multifunctionality;
• password manager.

ESET NOD32 Smart Security 9 Beta

An improved version of the popular antivirus. To install, download the installation file from the official website and run it on a Windows 10 PC. The trial period of the product is 14 days (extendable to 30), after which you need to purchase a license to continue using it. ESET NOD32 Smart Security 9 Beta takes up about 110 MB of RAM, but is fast. Other benefits:

• expanded functionality (added an Internet banking tool, network signatures);
• accelerated copying of files;
• clear interface;
• blocking keyloggers;
• high level of signature-heuristic detection.

Among the shortcomings, the operation of the HIPS module (infection recognition by actions performed in the operating system) stands out. For its effectiveness, precise and correct tuning is necessary, which is difficult even for experienced users. By default, HIPS only protects against threats with signature signatures. In addition, although ESET NOD32 works flawlessly on a fast Windows 10 computer, the performance of weaker devices may decrease.

Kaspersky Internet Security for all devices

This comprehensive product is designed for all devices running Windows 10 or OS of another version. Although Kaspersky Internet Security has mixed reviews and ratings from laboratories, it occupies positions in the top ratings in terms of popularity. The main benefits relate to meeting user needs. The tools include:

• the presence of parental control;
• prompt and high-quality technical support;
• traffic encryption during online shopping;
• ensuring the security of online banking.

The licensing system is also conveniently organized. “For all devices” means not only for PCs, tablets and smartphones on Windows, but also for Mac and Android. In addition, without a license, the full version of Kaspersky can be used for 30 days without limiting functionality. The disadvantage of this antivirus is common to others of the same category - complex software requires good characteristics of the device on which it is installed.

Dr.Web Security Space 11

Comprehensive software for Windows 10, which includes both standard modules and manufacturers' own developments (for example, unique preventive protection). The free trial period is 30 days, but it can be extended up to 3 months. Among the advantages are a good level of signature detection of infection, fast scanning and timely blocking of infection. Disadvantages include these points:

• by default, there is no Firewall installation (you need to check this item yourself);
• slow installation;
• heavily "loads" RAM;
• does not protect against keyloggers;
• poor security performance compared to other paid counterparts (although free software is better).

Norton Security

Highly secure software that is constantly being improved. The advantage of Norton Security is that it not only meets the needs of users, but also consumes few resources, therefore it is suitable even for weak netbooks running on Windows 10. The functionality includes:

• built-in firewall;
• antispam;
• protection of online payments;
• system optimizer.

The merits of Norton Security have been noted by both users and independent labs. All additional plugins of the program also work correctly: effective protection against phishing and malware is guaranteed. You can verify this yourself by downloading the installation file on the official website and installing the trial version. The only drawback of Norton Security concerns non-Windows 10 devices - the level of security provided by the program for iOS is lower than for other systems.

F-Secure Antivirus

A complex product from Finland on a Romanian engine, showing positive results of testing by independent laboratories. In the post-Soviet space, the program is not very popular, although it has adequate Russification. F-Secure Antivirus has a standard set of functions plus additional modules, including secure web search. Antivirus benefits:

• fast installation;
• does not "load" RAM;
• ensuring Internet security;
• good protection against phishing.

There are also disadvantages, and some of them are significant, since the fact that there is no parental control function and no trial version (an activation key is immediately required, although you can get a demo version in your Personal Account after registration) is not important for everyone. Significant cons:

• no protection against keyloggers;
• low level of system security;
• inconvenient implementation of settings, although the interface looks nice.

How much do antivirus programs for Windows 10 cost?

The prices for the applications described are shown in the table below. The cost is taken for the Moscow region, but since the purchase is carried out on the Internet, it should not differ in other cities. However, be guided by the data from the official websites of companies, since the ruble exchange rate is unstable.

Video

Many users are interested in the question of which antivirus is better for Windows 10. Today we will try to deal with this difficult task using the test of the independent AV-TEST laboratory, data from user reviews and expert assessments.

The second part of the article is devoted to the evaluation and study of free antivirus solutions released or modified to function on Windows 10, and the first is an overview of the most famous commercial solutions that are suitable for protecting your home computer from all threats. There were practically no tests for paid antiviruses for the "top ten", so you will have to analyze them based on your own preferences and the assessment of other users.

Note: Due to the fact that this article was written using test information provided by AV-TEST and a few lesser known labs that for some reason did not include Dr. Web in our tests, it is also missing from our review. Kaspersky is considered in the IS edition, although for our case it would be more objective to focus on its free version - Free, but its tests also bypassed.

Commercial solutions for those who are able and willing to pay for cyber security

The section was based on information from the official AV-TEST resource, dedicated to studying the operation of antiviruses on Windows 10 (tests by related companies and other researchers differ little, therefore AV-TEST results are taken as a sample).

Based on the data in the table above, it can be seen that the most reliable, easy-to-use, fast and loyal to the system resources are:

• Chinese multi-core antivirus Bitdefender in the 2015 and 2016 editions;
• fresh professional version of Avira Antivirus;
• commercial edition of Kaspersky;
• new Norton Security.

Trend Micro and F-Secure are a little behind the leaders due to the increased consumption of computer resources compared to them, but they are not inferior to them in terms of key indicators.

Based on the data in the table, it is possible to identify 5-7 leading programs, none of which has clear advantages. The list includes little-known applications on the Runet, however, those that have proven themselves in the West and in China. Bitdefender is clearly different from all of them in the absence of a Russian-language interface.

Let's briefly dwell on all the applications that claim to be the best antivirus for Windows 10.

Avira Antivirus Pro

This product comes in several editions, including free. With protection mechanisms, performance and practicality in programs, everything is in order.

In addition to the main functions, Avira has an integrated mechanism to protect your computer from threats lurking on the Internet, has a firewall, the ability to configure filters to block or skip potentially unsafe, unwanted, adware and joke programs.

It supports the creation of a LiveCD for writing to a USB flash drive or disk in order to clean the computer from viruses, has a game mode (minimizes the load when starting three-dimensional applications) and has several additional modules, for example, to speed up Windows 10 and previous OS releases from Microsoft.

From the Avira official website, you can download a free or trial version of the application, but only in its English version, when you switch the page interface to Russian, this feature disappears.

Despite mixed reviews and ratings from users and even some experts in the field of cyber security, Kaspersky Antivirus has been a leader in various tests for many years in a row, as in this case. And this concerns not only Russia.

Its advantage is compliance with the requests and needs of users (presence of parental control, traffic encryption while making purchases on the Internet and online banking, operational technical support).

Many users note that after contacting the support department, for example, in order to help them gain access to encrypted files, the laboratory workers quickly coped with the task. Other antiviruses cannot boast of such efficiency and responsiveness.

You can use the application for up to 30 days without restrictions on functionality or download a free version of the antivirus, which was released in the early days of 2016.

A constantly improving antivirus, the capabilities of which grow with each version, and it is essential even for a novice user. It consumes very few resources, therefore it provides high performance on weak computers. The level of protection is not affected.

In addition to classic security tools, Norton has:

• integrated firewall;
• subroutine for removing spam;
• protection of online payments;
• system optimizer (deleting temporary files, logs, autoload optimization).

The trial version of Norton Security is downloaded from the official website of the program.

The rest of the leading antiviruses differ little from each other and the applications described above, we will not dwell on them in such detail.

TrendMicro is distinguished by the presence of functions for protecting portable and mobile devices, has parental controls and a tool for improving the performance of the operating system by configuring it with tools provided by Microsoft.

F-Secure has a similar feature set but lacks parental controls. Instead, it has a secure web search function.

Bitdefender is one of the latest computer security products that has literally burst into the leaderboard in many tests and reviews. This is an application with a full set of functions for protecting Internet surfing in a Windows 10 environment. It supports several anti-virus engines, works for free for 180 days, after which it will ask you to purchase a license (you can simply reinstall with cleaning all data about the program from the registry).

For more information, please visit the test lab website and antivirus software support resources. They will help you make a choice. Feedback from other users and your own experience are also indispensable helpers in this difficult task.

Freeware Computer Security Solutions

There are only a couple of free ones in the list of tested antivirus solutions. Among them are Avast Free Antivirus and Panda Security Free. Both programs can be downloaded from official resources without any problems and do not require any registration, authorization or key entry.

Panda Security barely outperforms Avast when it comes to performance under equal conditions. Both programs have fairly good results as for free and take worthy places in the rating against their commercial counterparts. What should be said about their negative sides is:

• Panda's poor performance is not suitable for all owners of used laptops and work computers;
• Avast, on the other hand, is notable for the abundance of advertising messages and does not hesitate to show them in any window, including settings.

Also, many of the applications discussed in the previous section have free versions with reduced functionality, the presence of ads and constant offers to purchase the full version. They also lack many modules, such as parental control, firewall and many others.

Among the free antivirus applications that were not included in the test from the AV-TEST laboratory, you should pay attention to Kaspersky Free. It can be downloaded from the official website for any version of Windows.

It contains all the necessary security tools. Only the parental control module and online banking are missing.

If you want to use this product, hurry up. The free license is valid for 365 days, what will happen after that is unknown. Most likely it will be offered to purchase the full version in the face of Internet Security.

Avira Antivirus

The free version of the program also got rid of some insignificant functions, active protection, an integrated firewall and a scanner, remained unchanged.

An effective protection mechanism, no ads, really high speed and scanty resource consumption, as well as the highest percentage of positive user reviews among analogues, allow us to say that this is the best antivirus for Windows 10 among those freely distributed and reviewed in today's review (which is based on test results). from AV-TEST).

The new 360 Total Security was excluded from many tests due to good performance in the field of artificial intelligence: the program determined by methods known only to its creators what was in testing and started working on the Bitdefender engine, using its anti-virus databases and functioning algorithms, instead of demonstrating its own ways to protect and fight viruses. Of the negative qualities, one cannot but ignore the presence of many additional modules, for example, disk cleanup, removal of unnecessary applications, system optimization. It was the disk cleaner that was seen removing something needed.

That's all, compare, analyze, choose.

Which can be installed on any Windows operating system. And this article lists those antiviruses that are suitable for Windows 10.

The list is based on the results of tests conducted by the AV-Test laboratory.

Paid antivirus Dr. Web is not included in this list because it was not tested. The company does not provide its product to independent laboratories and, accordingly, it is not in modern ratings.

According to the test results, the top three paid antiviruses are as follows:

1. Avira.
2. Kaspersky.
3. Norton.

All of them received the maximum marks on 3 criteria: protection, performance and convenience. The functionality of these paid antivirus solutions is quite similar. Plus, they are all completely in Russian. language. However, let's look at each of them in more detail.

Avira paid antivirus always has 2 characteristic features: a simple interface and speed. And, as the test results showed, the protection is also in full order.

In addition to the standard task (virus scanning), Avira Pro has the following features:

• Internet surfing protection;
• firewall;
• protection against malicious utilities like Adware and Malware (can be configured);
• creating boot. a disk for curing a PC from viruses (in case it does not turn on);
• add. modules (for example, Speed ​​Up to speed up Windows 10).

You can buy a paid Avira Pro antivirus.

Judging by the reviews of ordinary PC users, opinions about the paid Kaspersky antivirus are rather contradictory. However, for the modern Internet, verbal battles are usually the case. And judging by the tests of independent laboratories, Kaspersky Internet Security 2017 is one of the best products and consistently occupies the first positions in the ratings. Plus, it is actively used not only in the Russian Federation, but also abroad.

Main advantages:

• parental control;
• online banking protection;
• simple and clear interface in Russian.

KIS 2017 works great on Windows 10, so you can install it on any computer or laptop that runs on this OS.

We should also note the responsive support service. Kaspersky employees even help decrypt encryption viruses, which other companies are unlikely to do. And that says a lot.

You can buy Kaspersky or try the 30-day version.

Another great paid antivirus for Windows 10 is Norton Security. This is a fairly popular product, the interface of which is becoming simpler and more convenient every year. According to the test results, it does not load a PC or laptop and at the same time reliably protects Windows 10 from malicious viruses.

In addition, this antivirus also:

• has an integrated firewall;
• protects against spam;
• speeds up Windows 10 (by optimizing the disk, deleting unnecessary files,);
• protects your payment and other personal data.

You can buy Norton Security or download its trial version.

The best free antiviruses for Windows 10

Paid anti-virus solutions have been considered, now let's move on to free ones. As a rule, the first lines in the ratings are occupied by the same antiviruses, but only free versions. They have limited functionality, although in terms of protection against viruses, they show efficiency no worse. Let's take a closer look at the top three free antiviruses for Windows 10.

If you are limited in funds or for other reasons do not want to buy paid antivirus solutions, you can install Kaspersky Free (link). This is one of the best free antivirus available today.

Its interface is completely identical to a paid product, the settings are the same. In this case, there is no parental control, "Safe Money" and a few other functions.

The term of Kaspersky Free is 1 year. Pretty solid period, right? And no need to fool around with keys or an endless extension of the trial version.

Bitdefender Free Edition

Since 2016, one of the best antiviruses has been supporting Windows 10. Therefore, from now on it can be installed on a PC or laptop running on this OS. The main disadvantage is that there is no Russian language.

But otherwise, this is a great option: fast, efficient, with a simple interface and a minimum of unnecessary settings.

And another great free antivirus solution is Avira Free. Like the previous 2 options, it has limited functionality, but does an excellent job of protecting Windows 10 from viruses and various malware.

Main advantages:

• high performance;
• integrated firewall;
• the minimum number of dissatisfied reviews (compared to other products).

Instead of a conclusion

Of course, this is not a complete list of antiviruses for Windows 10. For example, Panda and Avast can also be noted among free solutions. But you can read more about them at the link given at the very beginning of the article.

There is also a seemingly good free 360 ​​Total Security. Why "seemingly"? The problem is that it was excluded from the existing rankings for using a third party engine from Bitdefender. Plus, users note that he likes to delete files without asking, considering them infected. Although most of the reviews about it are positive.

As far as malware is concerned, it is quite common for any antivirus to miss it (since they are usually not viruses). Therefore, it is recommended to use for this task.

Each of them has its pros and cons. Plus, Windows 10 already has a built-in antivirus (“Defender”), in connection with which some users do not see the need to install additional software at all. Actually, because of these disagreements, the endless debate about which antivirus is better for Windows 10, and whether it is needed at all, does not subside.

April 2016 test results from AV-Comparatives.

Latest test results from AV-Comparatives, one of the world's leading independent antivirus labs.

Windows Defender

360 Total Security (version 6.8.0.6012 for Windows 10)

Free antivirus program from Qihoo 360, specially for Windows 10. Includes local Avira and Bitdefender engines, real-time proactive and cloud protection, as well as functions: firewall, sandbox, web browser protection

360 Total Security official website: http://www.360totalsecurity.com

Avast Free Antivirus 2016

Free antivirus program with all the necessary functions to reliably protect your PC and all information from unauthorized access by intruders. It consists of an effective antivirus with strong screens and a security scanner for your home network.

Avast Free Antivirus 2016 official website : https://www.avast.ru/windows-10-antivirus

BullGuard Internet Security

After the release of Windows 10, users who updated the system in a timely manner had a number of questions about the security of the computer. The problem of which antivirus is better for Windows 10 was widely discussed on the forums. The relevance of the issue lies in the fact that not all software worked correctly with Windows 10. Over time, the identified problems are corrected, but protecting the system requires the most careful attitude, so it is not customary to take risks in situations of this kind.

Do all antiviruses support Windows 10?

A few months after the release, you can say - there is no antivirus that would not know about the existence of "tens" and could not work with it. The software was prepared and tested on the Technical Preview version, so by the time Windows 10 was released, antivirus software from different manufacturers was already ready.

Therefore, it is incorrect to say that one or another antivirus is better suited for the "tens" than the rest. An antivirus can simply be better or worse, and in which version of the Microsoft system it works is not so important. The only exception in this sense is that the built-in Windows Defender on the "ten" has become a little less powerful, so we should talk about it in detail.

As mentioned above, this antivirus is built into the system and activated by default. Windows Defender checks the programs that the user runs, updates itself, and has deep system scan capabilities. Among other advantages:

• Works for free.
• Consumes few system resources.
• Does not collect data about users' web surfing.

In general, Windows Defender demonstrates a decent level of protection: if you follow security measures, do not go to suspicious sites and do not download files from unknown sources, then infection of the system can be easily avoided.

However, if we turn to tests conducted by special research centers, then here Windows Defender has a serious backlog from competitors. The latest test results from the AV-Test laboratory indicate that the built-in antivirus of the "tens" detects 87-91% of zero-day attacks (previously unknown threats) and 98-100% of well-known threats. For comparison, Kaspersky, Avast and Avira have all these indicators equal to 100%.

You may not believe the test results, but practice shows that when visiting sites with pirated content (torrents, various online cinemas, etc.), the capabilities of Windows Defender are often not enough.

Third party antiviruses

If Windows Defender does not suit you, then the question arises, which antivirus to install then. Security software requirements should be as follows:

• Successfully copes with attacks on the system.
• Consumes few resources.
• Doesn't always require money.
• Works correctly without reacting to files and programs that are known to be safe.

You can add individual requirements and select an antivirus according to them. We will see which free and paid programs meet high security standards.

Note: when installing another antivirus, the built-in Defender is automatically disabled, but not removed. If you then uninstall third-party antivirus software, Windows Defender will work again.

Free programs

Among free antiviruses, the following programs can be distinguished in the first place:

• Avast Free Antivirus.
• Avira Antivirus Free.
• AVG Internet Security.

All of these antiviruses have a free version (if you wish, you can buy an extended version equipped with additional functions), which works stably on Windows 10 with a bit depth of 32 and 64 bits. Let's take a quick look at the features of each:

You can also add Panda Free and 360 Total Security to the list, but, according to user reviews, these antiviruses have difficult settings and sometimes work incorrectly. Although the same 360 ​​Total Security contains tools for securing a Wi-Fi connection and helps optimize system performance, so if you are willing to spend time learning the interface, you can install it.

Paid antiviruses

The use of a free antivirus is not always justified: most of these programs are distributed on an "as is" basis, and the developers disclaim responsibility if the computer is infected. The free version of the antivirus is a kind of demonstration of the capabilities of the product that you need to buy. But if you decide to install a really powerful antivirus on a laptop or computer, then it’s better to immediately look towards proven, licensed, and, unfortunately, paid application packages.

Kaspersky Internet Security

Kaspersky Lab products do not have free versions (an exception is a utility for emergency cleaning of an infected computer), but this has not affected their popularity in any way. Kaspersky Anti-Virus is one of the most powerful programs that provides comprehensive system protection.

Built-in tools:

• File system checkers.
• Ensuring the security of online payments.
• Parental control.
• Safe Programs Mode.
• Recovery Wizard after infection, etc.

According to research by various independent groups, Kaspersky consistently performs best in threat detection and remediation tests. The specialists of the Laboratory prepared well in advance for the release of Windows 10, reporting on the blog how the process of creating a new version of the antivirus, which will work without problems on Windows 10, is going on.

Bitdefender Internet Security antivirus shows results similar to Kaspersky. However, this product does not have a Russified interface, so without knowledge of English it will be difficult for you to understand its parameters.

Slightly worse results are shown by Eset Smart Security. In the latest version, which is adapted to work on Windows 10, some problems were noticed when detecting zero-day attacks (95% in total). In addition, there are some performance issues, but in terms of usability, everything is in order.

We have reviewed several antiviruses that work correctly on Windows 10. To summarize:

• If you surf the Internet only on trusted sites and take precautions, then it is quite possible to get by with the capabilities of Windows Defender.
• If you are going to actively surf the net and want to feel safe - install Avira (paid version), Kaspersky or Bitdefender Internet Security.
• If you don't want to pay money, but don't trust Windows Defender, install Avast or AVG.