The best free combination I've found is using Windows defender for virus protection, which is a no brainer anyhow since there are VERY few actual 'viruses' in the wild anymore, and Malwarebytes or Spybot search and destroy free versions for malware. Some paid applications do both, but usually not as well as ones specifically designed for that. Viruses and malware are totally different things, requiring different applications and definitions for protection. Plus, it does just as good of a job as any other free antivirus. It's going to be there anyhow, so you might as well get the most out of the resources that it will use regardless of whether you install another antivirus or not without extensive procedures to nullify it. The best FREE antivirus is windows defender.

OP, if you're having any issues at all with Avast, I'm happy to help - let me know. If you need to add a file exclusion, or a whole directory exclusion, it's easy to do (keep in mind this means Avast will not be protecting/scanning these files or folders) https //en-ww/article/168/ In other words, if Avast detects that a file may be malicious, quarantining the file will move it to the virus chest, but if it reappears then it will be quarantined again. This is done through our File, Web, Email shields as well as CyberCapture (zero-day protection) and Behavior Shield (real-time behavioral analysis.) More info here: https /Re: false positives - quarantining a file won't create an exclusion for it. Re: real time protection - our Free option for consumers does include real time protection against viruses, malware, ransomware, cryptojackers, you name it. In the free version, you will see notifications for our other paid products, or upgrades to premium antivirus - this is part of how we can support Free However, these can be completely disabled if you upgrade to a paid version of Avast. Hi everyone, I hope I can provide some information/clarity here!įirst, our free option is truly free.

What is best free antivirus 2018