How we testįirst, we take a look at the interface to determine how easy or complicated it is. Does the interface make it easy to get at essential tools like PC scans and password managers, for example, or is everything buried under multiple clicks? Are there elements that look like they should be clickable but aren’t? Are alerts interactive or purely informational, and does that make sense in context? Whether you need those extras depends on your personal situation. These days, many security suites come with extras such as a backup service for your most essential files, Android apps for mobile security, a more advanced firewall, family protection (read: child restriction) features, and the right to use the program on multiple PCs.

High detection rate for malware and other threats.

There are three basic requirements that an antivirus suite needs:

Windows Security review What to look for in an antivirus suite Nonetheless, it’s a free program that already comes pre-installed in most Windows machines and it does a good job of keeping you protected from most threats. However, if you’re looking for more features, such as online privacy tools, a VPN, or encrypted cloud backup, you may want to use a third-party program instead as these are not currently available in Windows Security. To learn more, see our video on How to use Windows Security.

Plus, you avoid the nuisance of a third-party suite’s regular upgrade notifications. Windows Security also has ransomware protection, which many free options don’t. If Windows is already working, why add anything else? If its built-in security suite, Windows Security, performs on par with the best of the free AV options-as we discovered in our roundup of the best free antivirus-why add the extra baggage of a third-party program? Sure other AV programs might offer marginally better protection, but not enough to outweigh the convenience of rolling with Microsoft’s home-grown offering.

Antivirus for windows 10