Cyber Security

10 Best Free Anti-Malware Software For Windows 10, 8, 7

Internet advancement and its increased usage have widened the reach. With it, malware attacks and virus infections have also increased. Under such attacks, people have lost their entire data or experienced slowed performance in computers. This is the reason best free anti-malware software for windows are required as a precautionary measure.

These attacks could happen while surfing the internet, downloading or opening attachments from suspicious emails. From the last quarter of 2018 and in 2019, malware attacks have increased exponentially. Also, the lackadaisical attitude of people towards them is one of the reasons for the attacks being prominent. 

Thinking, what should you do? Well, you can’t control this distressed situation but can always protect your computer and data by strengthening security by using a reputable malware removal tool.

In this list, we have listed some of the best anti-malware software for windows, let’s have a look: 

Best Free Anti-Malware Software For Windows in 2021

1. Advanced System Protector

One of the best malware removal tools for windows , Advanced System Protector keeps your computer safe from viruses, malware, spyware, adware,  phishing scams, and other infections.

Features Of Advanced System Protector:

Pros:
  • Easy to use
  • Comes with fast scanning
  • Has an extensive database of spyware definitions.
Cons:
  • Not available for other platforms.
  • Trial version available for 24 hours

2. Bitdefender Antivirus FREE

Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition is free anti-malware software for windows, which is simple to use and comes with an intuitive interface. This best malware protection tool comes with all the basic security features needed to protect your computer. 

Features Of BitDefender Antivirus Free

Pros:
  • Simple interface
  • 24*7 tech support available
  • Sleek and user-friendly design.
Cons:
  • Installation takes time

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3. AVG AntiVirus Free

Yet another anti-malware for Windows 10, AVG AntiVirus Free comes with essential features to protect your PC. This free malware removal software for windows PC comes with easy installation and simple intuitive interface, and real-time security updates.

Features Of AVG AntiVirus Free

Pros:
  • Simple interface
  • Available for Windows, Mac, and Android
  • Fast & reliable
Cons:
  • Performance scan doesn’t work properly

Download 

Also Read: Best Malware Removal For Mac

4. SpyBot Search & Destroy

 

Another best anti malware for Windows, SpyBot Search and Destroy, search and deletes malware, spyware, and adware. It removes usage traces and browser history making it difficult to track your activity. 

Features Of Spybot Search & Destroy

Pros:
  • Simple interface makes it easy to use
  • Comes with immunization tools
Cons:
  • Less information available for threats
  • trial version only comes with anti-spyware
  • Slow-scanning

5. Avira Free Security Suite

Yet another best free anti-malware software for windows which protects your computer from malware and other online threats in real-time is Avira Free Security Suite. Along with protection, it comes with best software updater which helps you keep your software and drivers updated.

Features Of Avira Free Security Suite

Pros:
Cons:
  • Doesn’t have Ransomware Protection

6. Avast Internet Security

Another malware removal tool, Avast Internet Security comes with an advanced defence system against viruses, ransomware, phishing and spyware, along with vulnerabilities.  The software is available for Windows 7 and other latest versions.

Features Of Avast Internet Security:

Pros:
  • Smart Scan ensure complete protection of your PC
  • Comes with Sandbox
Cons:
  • Expensive
  • Separate download for mobile

Also Read: Best Anti-Malware Apps For Android

7. Comodo Anti-Malware Software

Want enterprise-grade security for your home PC, then get Comodo AntiMalware to fight all internet threats including malware, rootkits, keyloggers, and more. Moreover, with its sandbox technology, this anti malware for Windows 10 provides you with the freedom to run unknown files in an isolated environment. 

Features Of Comodo Antivirus:

Pros:
  • Simple interface
  • Cheapest than all software in this category
Cons:
  • Software only available for Windows

8. TotalAV

WIth smart Antivirus engine and advanced features Total AV is one of the best malware removal tools. The tool provides real-time protection along with daily virus definition updates.

Features Of Total AV:

Pros:
  • The software is available for Windows, Mac, iOS and Android
  • the free version can detect malware and boost performance
Cons:
  • Web Shield works for just Chrome and Firefox

9. Norton Antivirus Plus

Looking for powerful protection shield for your computer, get Norton Antivirus Plus and ensure complete security for PC from malware and other threats. It secures your private and confidential information when online.

Features Of Norton Antivirus Plus: 

Pros:
  • Lightweight
  • Beautiful Interface.
Cons:
  • Hefty on system resources.
  • No trial version.

10. Emsisoft Anti-Malware

 

Emsisoft Anti-Malware is another best anti malware tool available both in trial and paid version. It protects your computer from ransomware, bots, PUPs, banking trojans. The app doesn’t need installation to run the program.

Features of Emsisoft Anti-Malware:

Pros:
  • Portable app.
  • Comes with Command line option.
Cons:
  • Slow scan and update.

Which Is The Best Anti-malware Software For Windows 10?

Anti-malware software is a tool which can protect your computer from malware and online threats. One of the best anti-malware software for Windows 10 is Advanced System Protector. It smartly scans your computer for malware, spyware, adware and phishing scam. This malware removal tool identifies and stops threats while you are online. It can remove all unwanted toolbars as well. 

This malware protection tool has a huge database of spyware definitions which keeps on updating daily. Along with fast cleaning and scanning, the software is light on your system resources which makes it an easy choice for your computer. 

Difference Between Anti-Malware And Anti Virus

People often get confused between anti-malware and antivirus. Whenever a person begins a search to find online protection, they often provided with two choices: Antivirus and Anti Malware. Before understanding the difference between antivirus and anti malware, you need to know the difference between virus and malware. 

A Virus is a piece of code which comes with a property to copy itself to do damage to your PC. this can include destroying your data and corrupting data. On the other hand, malware comprises of various malicious codes, such as spyware, adware, worms, Trojans,  ransomware, including viruses. 

So, to be clear, all viruses are malware, but not all malware are viruses.  However, with time and advancement in technology, viruses are becoming more complicated.  That’s why antivirus companies are evolving to fight more than just viruses such as keyloggers, worms, rootkits and more. 

Well, to conclude antivirus and anti-malware software are differentiate by kind of malware, they deal in.   When it comes to Antivirus, it fights off the conventional ones such as Trojans, worms, and viruses. Wherein, Anti malware deals in rather new and dangerous kinds of malware such as zero-day exploits. Antimalware can provide the best protection against malware as it has an ability to update its rules faster as compared to antivirus. 

 How Do I Protect My Windows 10 From Malware?

To prevent your Windows 10 from getting infected from malware, you must know a few things, namely, Keeping your system updated, Installing Windows update on time and more. We have listed some of the best tips to secure your computer from malware attacks. 

1. Keep Your Windows & Apps Updated 

One of the most important things is to keep your Windows Updated to its latest version. Also, you need to make sure that apps installed on your Windows PC are not outdated. With every Windows update, Microsoft strengthens security, patch vulnerabilities and fixes bugs, same happens upon updating a program. An outdated Windows or program might act as a loophole at the time of malware attack. 

To update your Windows version, follow these simple steps: 

Apps installed from Microsoft store are updated automatically whenever a new version is available. If you have an older version of Windows or have installed an app from a third-party website, go to the website of the app in question and check for the newer version. 

2. Use  Anti-Malware Software

Anti malware is an essential application for your Windows computer. It helps in removing malware and other infectious files which could erase your data, affect PC’s performance or worse. One of the best anti-malware software for Windows is Advanced System Protector. It is a combination of antimalware, antispyware, and antivirus to keep your computer protected. It deletes unwanted adware and toolbars; detected malware. This malware removal tool comes with a huge database of spyware definitions and the database is updated every day. 

3. Keep Your Firewall Turned On

It is recommended to keep the Windows Firewall turned on. A firewall is a network security system that controls all incoming and outgoing network traffic on the basis of set security rules. It can help you block malicious attacks from ransomware, worms, viruses and other kinds of malware from entering your computer. To enable Windows Firewall, follow these steps:

Now check whether your Firewall is turned on. 


4. Multiple Backups

It is best to create backups to avoid data loss in any scenario. It is also suggested to create two backups; one offline and the other one, in the cloud. 

The offline backup can be created in an external hard drive or local network location. Never keep this external drive or local network location connected to your device. Therefore, in the case of malware attack or hardware failure, your files stay safe and can be restored with ease.  

If you want to create a backup of system settings and app, then you must use the System Image Backup tool to create a backup of your system files, apps and Windows installation. 

Another one is an online backup, you need a good online service which could keep your files safe. One of the best online storage services is Right Backup. It can keep all your music, photos, videos, and text files secure. All you need to do is sign in and store your data. It comes with an automatic backup feature, which eliminates the stress of backing up your data every now and then. 

Be Prepared To Deal With Malware Infection

Other things that you should know are never clicking on the link of a shady email or website pop-up. Don’t open emails from unknown senders as it could be malicious.

After performing these steps and keeping in mind the important tips, if you are unfortunate and your system gets infected. Don’t worry, you must remain calm and deal with the situation intelligently. 

Disconnect your computer from the Internet, remove the ethernet cable, turn off the Wifi adapter to stop further infection. Go for offline scan, most of the antivirus or anti malware comes with offline scan feature. 

In case you are not able to detect and remove the malicious infection, it is better to reset your computer and restore data from the backup created. Post-installation, you need to install apps and software on your computer. 

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