If you happen to’re in search of the perfect free anti-malware software program for Home windows – whether or not it is a complete new safety package deal, or simply a further program to provide your common antivirus a lift – then you definitely’ve come to the fitting place.
Right here is our definitive record of the perfect free anti-malware software program, and selecting the best software program to your wants is important, as malware continues to be a menace and a priority for us all.
It isn’t simply viruses we’re speaking about right here, but additionally annoying packages reminiscent of adware, that may embed themselves in your internet browser and add toolbars or change you homepage. Not solely are these annoying, however additionally they pose a critical safety threat.
A good antivirus suite is a wonderful first line of defence to your PC, however it’s usually a good suggestion to put in extra anti-malware software program to spice up your safety from a extra various vary of threats. Alternatively, you might substitute your present safety software program with a complete new suite designed to guard towards every kind of malware – see our best free antivirus software.
In any other case, learn on to search out out our decide of the perfect free anti-malware software program you’ll be able to obtain. With any of those put in, you can browse the web with confidence.
BitDefender provides a simple, hassle-free way to keep your PC safe from malware. It’s a whole antivirus and anti-malware package in one
1. BitDefender Antivirus Free Edition
Discreet however efficient, BitDefender is the perfect anti-malware to your PC
Working system: Home windows
Person-friendly
Clear and easy interface
No choices or settings
BitDefender Antivirus Free Edition is the sturdy, silent sort. This anti-malware software program would not even ask questions while you set up it – it simply quietly will get on with the job of figuring out and eliminating something that poses a threat to your security and safety.
It has B-Have, which appears to be like for apps behaving badly; hyperlink scanning to determine cons; proactive malware and spyware and adware scanning that may detect threats no one has encountered earlier than; and boot scanning each time you begin your PC.
Advert-free, nag-free and hassle-free, BitDefender Antivirus Free Version is a superb product that runs rapidly and silently whilst you get on with one thing extra fascinating.
Its complete suite of instruments to guard your PC makes BitDefender the perfect free anti-malware software program you’ll be able to obtain in the present day. It is all of the safety you want in a single useful package deal.
AVG AntiVirus Free presents frequent pop-ups, but is a reliable security solution that will keep your PC safe from malware
2. AVG AntiVirus Free
A easy interface and efficient scanning with distant activation
Working system: Home windows, Mac, Android
Fairly configurable
Nice monitor document of malware safety
Scans may be reasonably gradual
Not the perfect phishing safety
If you happen to’re in search of anti-malware software program that retains quiet and will not disturb your work, be warned – AVG Antivirus Free is kind of vocal with its notifications, and irks us once in a while with pop-ups telling us we have executed one thing incredible with regard to our on-line security.
As an anti-malware app, although, it is excellent. The dashboard is user-friendly, there’s safety not simply from downloadable threats, however from dodgy hyperlinks too, and you need to use your cell to scan your PC remotely, which is fairly intelligent.
The paid-for Professional mannequin has extra safety choices – it has extra strong obtain safety, presents information encryption features a firewall – however the free model presents first rate safety for many PC customers.
The free version of MalwareBytes Anti-Malware is excellent, but the paid-for version is even better
3. MalwareBytes Anti-Malware
A superb anti-malware software, however the free model lacks real-time safety
Working system: Home windows
Detects adware and different threats
Works alongside your antivirus
No on-demand scans
Would possibly battle with safety apps
You need to use MalwareBytes Anti-Malware free for so long as you want, however there’s an necessary caveat: real-time safety, the quick ‘hyper scan’ mode and malicious web site blocking options all expire after 14 days – and which means you are lacking out on a few of the program’s finest options.
MalwareBytes has a deserved repute for destroying malware and spyware and adware that different packages miss, and its chameleon expertise – which as soon as once more expires after a fortnight within the free model – means it is much less prone to assaults that intentionally goal safety software program.
Consider the free model as a short-term savior or a check drive; the Premium model prices £19.95 (about US$30, AU$40) per yr.
The free edition of SpyBot Search and Destroy does an excellent job of cleaning up adware, malware and spyware
4. SpyBot Search & Destroy
An anti-malware and anti-spyware stalwart that is preferrred for diagnosing present infections
Working system: Home windows
Simple to make use of
Immunization instruments
Gradual updates and scans
Restricted details about threats
SpyBot Search & Destroy is a veteran of the malware wars, relationship again to the primary adware in 2000, and whereas it would not scan for viruses – that is within the Residence model, which is $13.99 (about £10, AU$20) – the free software program does a good job of discovering and fixing adware, malware and spyware and adware.
It is extra of a system restore software than a system safety software, nevertheless, and it’s good to watch out the place you get it from: there are pretend variations in circulation designed to trigger injury, not repair it. The model linked right here is the actual deal.
You can carry Emsisoft Emergency Kit on a USB stick for use whenever and wherever you need it
5. Emsisoft Emergency Kit
A lifesaver in case your PC is already contaminated, however not a preventative software
Working system: Home windows
Runs as a transportable app
Command line possibility for execs
Gradual set up and replace course of
Not as efficient as resident instruments
Most safety software program tries to cease malware and spyware and adware getting onto your system. Emsisoft Emergency Kit would not: it is the 911 name of safety software program, the app you employ when your PC’s been poked by one thing disagreeable.
It is designed to be transportable – an anti-malware app you carry round with you on a USB stick – and its system necessities are tiny: simply 200MB of RAM, so it will run fortunately on any PC with 1GB reminiscence or extra. With two million malware signatures, Emsisoft Emergency Package can restore nearly any contaminated PC to impolite well being.