Norton 360 Deluxe is our top pick for antivirus. It's a very comprehensive security suite with a simple app that offers strong antivirus protection and protection against online threats, as well as a whole boatload of features—parental controls, storage for cloud backups, a password manager, VPN, and PC utilities. We like it for how extensive yet affordable the service is—you'll be hard-pressed to find a comparable rival.
I trust these 7 antivirus software suites to keep my Windows PC safeIf you're reading this on a Windows machine, you already have it installed. Windows Security is a superb free antivirus option that covers all the basics, including ransomware protection and light parental controls—and it's automatically enabled if no other antivirus software is installed on your PC. Its only downside? You'll must tweak its settings to get the most of it, and also still sign up for other security services like a password manager for well-rounded online protection.
I trust these 7 antivirus software suites to keep my Windows PC safeWhile Windows Security (which includes Microsoft Defender) performs well, the best third-party antivirus software have even higher rates of detecting threats. The top antivirus apps also offer more control over settings, detailed logs of your PC's activity, a more user-friendly interface, and additional features to strengthen your online security beyond just viruses and malware. So strictly speaking, a Windows PC doesn't need third-party antivirus software, but you can benefit from more comprehensive online protection. (Macs also need antivirus software.)
I trust these 7 antivirus software suites to keep my Windows PC safeThough its name lacks the reference, Norton Antivirus Plus is part of Norton’s 360 lineup—albeit as the most stripped down version, both in features and number of devices supported. Its primary focus is on direct threats to your online security, with the antivirus engine protecting you against malware and the firewall blocking network threats. The app screens for dangerous links and attachments as well. This subscription also offers 2GB of cloud backup storage, access to Norton’s password manager, and PC utilities that include the ability to clear temporary files and monitor for outdated softw
Norton Antivirus Plus review: Fantastic security for digital minimalists… If you're going to install third-party antivirus, make sure you weigh the pros and cons. The extra background processes will put additional load on your RAM and CPU, and some security suites can cause conflicts with Microsoft Defender. …
… Who should choose Windows Security? Windows’ built-in security suite is an excellent free antivirus option—as we discovered in our roundup of the best free antivirus—even if its protection isn’t quite as strong as third-party rivals when your PC is offline. …
… If you uninstall that other antivirus program, Defender will leap back into action. Microsoft’s Defender antivirus ensures Windows PCs always have a baseline level of antivirus protection. You don’t really need to install antivirus on a modern Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC — that’s a security myth.
… Recent stories by Alaina Yee: Avira Prime review: Comprehensive, user-friendly antivirus Surfshark One review: Adequate antivirus protection with caveats ESET Home Security Premium review: Simple protection with a complex heart
… At $35 for your first year, it's a fantastic deal if you're short on security. If you're still unsure, compare against other security suites in PCWorld's picks for the best Windows antivirus software.
… We rank McAfee Total Protection among our picks for the best Windows antivirus software, primarily if you just need basic security and privacy protections. …
Windows 11's security situation continues to deteriorate. Users and businesses, especially the latter, are facing two risky developments: first, a new AI-powered malware threat, and second, additional emergency updates from Microsoft fixing critical security vulnerabilities. …
… Further reading: PCWorld's top picks for best antivirus software. How to turn on ransomware protection in Windows Step One: Open Windows Security Open the Windows Security app on your PC. …
… Perhaps more importantly, security is decentralized now, so a single virus scanner is no longer your only line of protection. Some examples: Antivirus, in the end, is just another line of defense. …
… What does AVG Internet Security include? AVG Internet Security adds five more features to the free plan’s antivirus, firewall, web and email threat, and network protection. …