ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus, also called ZoneAlarm Security and ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus + Firewall, is just what you think: antivirus software with a firewall tool built-in. You not only have protection against threats like spyware, viruses, Trojan horses, and bots but there are also firewall shields to block intruders from reaching your computer.

Spyware is a form of malware that tries to steal information from you without you knowing or approving. It could be disguised as legitimate software or work behind the scenes to do things like track web browsing data or monitor keystrokes to collect passwords.

You might have a spyware infection if your computer's performance has recently started to suffer, and especially if strange pop-ups are showing up, websites are redirecting to places you don't want to go, email contacts are getting odd spam messages that appear to be from you, or you're a victim of identity theft.

Below are several free anti-spyware tools that can scan your hard drive, flash drive, external hard drive, etc. to remove spyware. Some of them only work when you manually start the scan but others will monitor your computer all the time to make sure spyware can't modify your computer or monitor your information.

All the programs mentioned below are known to scan for spyware but they might not scan for other things like viruses. Other scanners remove some kinds of malware but not spyware, so we've omitted those from this list.

Spyware is often bundled with a normal program's installer. See How to Safely Download & Install Software for some tips on avoiding spyware in the first place.

SUPERAntiSpyware

What We Like

• Lots of scan options

• Scans can run quickly by using more processor power

• You can scan anywhere you want, including the system memory

• Works from Explorer to scan any folder/file at any time

What We Don't Like

• Doesn't update automatically

• Can't schedule scans to run automatically

SUPERAntiSpyware should be your very first pick if you want to get rid spyware that's already on your computer. It updates often, installs and scans quickly, and gives you complete control over what gets scanned.

It's able to check inside ZIP files, skip unknown file types (for a quicker scan), ignore files bigger than 4 MB, and skip over non-executable files (so that only EXEs and similar file types are scanned).

What really makes SUPERAntiSpyware stand out among the others in this list is that it can also be set up to only scan files that have been changed within the last so-many days (1 day, 5 days, etc.), ignore System Restore and Volume Information data, use more of the CPU for a faster scan (called Scan Boost), and even scan the files that shortcuts point to.

SUPERAntiSpyware can scan the whole computer or just parts of it where spyware normally exists. You can also run a Critical Point Scan to delete spyware that's currently running in memory or use the Custom Scan option to pick what gets scanned and where to check (flash drives, internal/external hard drives, select folders, etc.).

This anti-spyware tool can also delete temporary Windows files before the scan is started, exclude folders from scans, scan from the right-click context menu, and close down any open web browsers before scanning.

The freeware version is 100 percent free but you do have to manually run scans and definition updates (they don't happen automatically). However, these limitations are lifted with the professional version.

If you want to try the professional edition, you can enable the trial during installation of the free version.

Malwarebytes

What We Like

• Usually finds more threats than similar programs

• It's able to locate PuPs and many types of malware

• Can run from the right-click context menu in Explorer

• Lets you customize the scan settings

What We Don't Like

• Automatic updating requires the premium, non-free edition

• Automatic quarantine isn't included for free

• You can't set up custom automatic scan schedules

Malwarebytes is another big-hitter when it comes to cleaning up spyware. It's easy to use and tends to find a lot more malicious items than similar programs.

It scans through registry values and keys, files, and running processes, plus includes a heuristics analyzer to find potentially unwanted programs (PuPs).

When the scan is complete, it's really easy to tell where the spyware was found, and selecting the ones to quarantine is just a click or two away.

Malwarebytes can also scan individual files and folders as well as whole hard drives, with the right-click context menu in Windows Explorer. There's an option to scan within archives, ignore certain files/folders, and to scan for rootkits too.

Automatic updates, a more detailed scanning schedule, and automatic quarantine is only available in the premium version. You can start a trial from the top of the free version.

Avast Free Antivirus

What We Like

• Checks for spyware automatically, all the time

• Lots of settings you can tweak

• Works from Explorer's right-click context menu

• Includes other useful tools

What We Don't Like

• You might not need or ever use the extra tools it includes

• Takes much longer to install than some spyware cleaners

• Could be considered cluttered with all the other tools

Avast Free Antivirus can detect and remove spyware before you even know it's on your computer. What makes it different than the two from above is that it's always on and always watching for new threats.

There are lots of settings you can adjust in Avast, like to enable CyberCapture to block unrecognized files, use Hardened Mode to really lock down on security, scan for potentially unwanted programs, scan from Windows Explorer, exclude files/folders/URLs from scans, and lots more.

Also included in Avast is a Wi-Fi inspector, VPN client, junk cleaner, software updater, and web and mail protection

Avast sells paid antivirus programs but also offers this free one, all of which provide anti-spyware protection.

AVG AntiVirus Free

What We Like

• Finds spyware automatically

• Scans can be performed during bootup

• Includes an advanced, deep clean procedure

• Makes finding spyware on external drives easy

What We Don't Like

• Uses more system resources than a dedicated spyware cleaner

• Includes features you might not want if you're after just a spyware remover tool

• Includes ads

AVG is another popular antivirus program that serves as a full malware scanner, checking for and removing not only spyware but also ransomware, viruses, and more... all automatically and for free.

AVG provides not only protection for your computer but also for your web activity and email. You can perform a full system scan, a boot-time scan, or a custom scan, but there's also a dedicated button that instantly starts a check for spyware on all your removable devices.

Another unique feature in AVG is its Deep Scan option that runs a much slower but also more thorough scan, a good option if nothing else seems to get rid of the spyware. You can configure it to recognize files by their content and not their extension, which is ideal if the spyware is using a hidden/false file extension.

The Deep Scan option can also open and scan through over 20 archive file types, much more than most other spyware scanners that usually just support the popular ones (ZIP and RAR).

Something else worth mentioning about AVG is its ability to scan through files in the order that they exist on the hard drive, which can speed up scanning since it's not performing an unnecessary number of HDD seeks.

Adaware Antivirus

What We Like

• Checks for spyware automatically, all the time

• Lets you run scheduled spyware scans

• Definitions are updated automatically

• Finds other threats, too

What We Don't Like

• It's missing several features found only in the Adaware Pro and Total editions

Adaware Antivirus is another anti-spyware program that actively blocks new threats as well as scans the computer for existing ones. It has a clean, new design and isn't hard to use.

This program is unlike some anti-spyware tools because it does update on its own and can even run a full system scan on a schedule.

While it doesn't provide an active web, email, or network protection, when it comes to spyware, you can be confident that it will do everything it can to stop and remove those threats.

Like most always-on antimalware programs, Adaware supports silent/gaming mode and exclusions. It can also scan boot sectors, rootkits, archives, processes, cookies, and registry items.

Several additional features that are in other editions of Adaware are not included in this free version; you can see what they are here.

Trend Micro HouseCall

What We Like

• Doesn't require installation (it's portable)

• Uses minimal processor and memory resources compared to other system cleaners

• You can pick which parts of the computer to scan

What We Don't Like

• Doesn't let you start scans from a folder or file in Explorer

• Updates and scans must be run manually

HouseCall is a simple and portable spyware cleaner that doesn't use up a lot of

or disk space but still provides a full scanner against malware.

Just hit the scan button to start the default quick scan, or go into the settings to change where to check for spyware; you can choose everything or custom areas like certain folders or hard drives only.

SpywareBlaster

What We Like

• Protects your computer from new spyware threats

• Lets you restore files damaged by spyware

What We Don't Like

• Can't find spyware that's already on your computer

SpywareBlaster is different from the rest of these programs since it doesn't scan for existing spyware, though true to its name, it does 'blast' new threats before they can reach your system.

The way it works is that you can enable protection for your web browsers to protect against malicious scripts, exploits, and cookies that track your web behavior. It does this by enabling a pre-made list of blockades (which you can update manually at any time) against certain websites, cookies, and scripts.

The System Snapshot option provides a way to create a backup of various system settings so that if spyware does happen to make changes, you can restore the backup to get your settings back to normal.

There are also some very specific spyware protection tools included in SpywareBlaster, like Hosts Safe to back up and encrypt the hosts file (which is one target for spyware), an Adobe Flash blocker for Internet Explorer, and even a list of your own custom ActiveX blocking rules.

Emsisoft Emergency Kit (EEK)

What We Like

• Checks for actively running spyware and spyware in the file system

• Runs in portable mode

• Custom scan options

• Finds more threats than just spyware

• Also works as a command line program

What We Don't Like

• The program files have to be extracted, and they take up nearly a gigabyte of space

• No option to install it to check for spyware automatically

• Scheduled scans aren't supported

Emsisoft Emergency Kit is a portable anti-spyware tool that you can run from anywhere to scan and delete all types of malware in addition to spyware, like worms, adware, keyloggers, etc.

The reason it's on this list is because it's completely portable (doesn't need to be installed) and is capable of scanning for actively running spyware that's currently loaded into memory.

EEK can also check for spyware traces that exist in the registry and elsewhere that could indicate an infection. There are also some options for finding potentially unwanted programs and rootkits.

This anti-spyware utility supports some other features too, like scanning email data files, finding spyware in archives like CAB and ZIP files, and excluding or including only certain file types in the scan.

There are two versions of this tool — one is a regular application with a user interface and the other is a command line utility that's useful for automated or batch scanning. They are both included in this one download.

This program is around 300 MB when downloaded, and after you extract all the program files, the total space required to run it ends up being around 700 MB.

Spybot - Search & Destroy

What We Like

• Great for advanced users

• Helps protect your files from new spyware in the future

• Can scan any file or folder to check for spyware

• Includes lots of options you can customize

• Scans for rootkits, too

What We Don't Like

• Might be too advanced for most people

Spybot is great for advanced users who want total control of how the program scans and protects against spyware, but it's not ideal for novice users who just want to delete spyware. For that, use one of the other programs mentioned above.

One of Spybot's most notable features is its immunization option, which blocks common threats in various web browsers. It's as easy as scanning for the vulnerabilities and then hitting Apply immunization.

Another benefit of Spybot is that it makes it a breeze to disable tracking cookies that could compromise your privacy, again with just one click.

Of course, Spybot can also 'search and destroy' spyware, too, using its system scanner. If you have particular files to scan, you can do that too.

Among the many options you can enable is one to scan and immunize not only the current user's files and settings but also those of any other user on the computer.

You can also add a spyware scan option to autoplay devices like flash drives, tell the program which folder holds your internet downloads so that it will do deep spyware scans there, and run rootkit scans.

Dr.Web CureIt!

What We Like

• No installation needed (it's portable)

• You can choose what to scan, including just the memory

• Lots of scan options

• Removes other threats, too

What We Don't Like

• Free for personal, home use only

The Dr.Web CureIt! anti-spyware scanner is completely portable, which means you don't have to install it and can even keep it on a flash drive or other portable device.

You can scan the whole computer or check for spyware in particular places only, like in the Windows system folder, temporary files, the user's Documents folder, RAM, and some other places.

You can also add your own custom locations like another hard drive or some other folder, as well as scan inside installation packages and archives.

Dr.Web CureIt! is a bit large when compared to these other tools (over 170 MB), but it can also scan for a number of other malware types like adware, riskware, hacking tools, dialers, etc.

Something interesting to note about this program is that it's the only spyware scanner from this list that uses a unique name with each download, which is to help prevent malware from blocking it.

This program is only free for home users. You must purchase Dr.Web CureIt! to use it in any other form.

ComboFix

What We Like

• A spyware scan runs automatically when you start the program

• Important files get backed up automatically before deleting any spyware

• Installation isn't required

What We Don't Like

• Results are hard to read

• No graphical user interface

• Windows 10 isn't supported

ComboFix is very much a hands-off, on-demand spyware scanner. After downloading it, just open the ComboFix.exe file to immediately start the whole process.

Here's how it works: ComboFix backs up the Windows Registry before anything else, followed by the creation of a System Restore point. After that, the scan starts automatically and you see the results populate in Command Prompt.

When the spyware scan is complete, a log file is created at C:ComboFix.txt and then opened for you to read through. It's there that you can see if any spyware was detected and removed and which ones were found but not removed (which you can delete manually or use another tool to remove).

ComboFix only works on Windows 8 (not 8.1), 7, Vista, and XP.

More Not-So-Free Spyware Removers

The following are some other programs that are not free but do provide constant, always-on anti-spyware shields as well as on-demand spyware scanners/removers and automatic updates:

• Norton AntiVirus Plus ($59.99 /year for 1 device): A huge name in antivirus software. The other non-basic editions have more features but are also more expensive.
• Kaspersky Anti-Virus ($59.99 /year for 3 devices): Also protects against phishing attempts and dangerous websites.
• Zemana Antimalware ($24.95 /year for 1 device): Includes a browser add-on/toolbar cleaner and has a very simple interface that makes it a cinch to protect your system from spyware.
• McAfee Total Protection ($79.99 /year for 1 device): Includes a password manager to prevent spyware from collecting your credentials.
• Bitdefender Antivirus Plus ($39.99 /year for 1 device): Light on system resources and can be set up with Autopilot to silently protect against threats.

In addition to offering a discount for the first year and heavy discounts if purchased for multiple years at once, most of these professional anti-spyware programs can be tried for free for a week or so, usually up to 30 days, so make sure to check those out before committing to purchasing something.

A good antivirus program is essential to a secure system, and you most definitely do not have to pay for one to get great protection. Below is our hand-picked list of the 11 best free antivirus programs that you can download for Windows today.

All of these programs perform definition updates automatically, are always running to make sure your files are protected from malware and your personal information remains private, and can start scans on-demand whenever you like.

However, each of them do have a few prominent differences that make them stand out, so pay attention to those as you decide which one to use.

If you're looking for protection on your other devices, check out our list of free antivirus apps for Android and best Mac antivirus articles, too.

If you just need a spyware cleaner, and need it right now without waiting for one of these full AV programs to install, use one of the (preferably portable) applications from our Best Free Spyware Removal Tools list. There are also free on-demand virus scanners you can install. Also consider installing a Windows Firewall alternative from this list of Free Firewall Programs.

If you can't even log in to Windows to install an antivirus tool, access a computer that does work and then use it to make a free bootable antivirus tool that you can then run on the infected computer.

Avira Free Security Suite

What We Like

• Password manager included.

• Optional additional downloadable protection layers.

• In-the-cloud antivirus process.

What We Don't Like

• Additional features can be annoying.

• Only protects Chrome and Firefox browsers.

• Add-on components often require fee to be fully functional.

The main component in Avira's free software suite that makes it stand out is the optional 'in-the-cloud detection' feature called Protection Cloud. This scanning method lets Avira's antivirus tool identify and stop threats before they get out of hand.

This is how it works: When a suspicious file is detected on any computer running Avira, a fingerprint of that specific file is generated and uploaded anonymously to Avira so that they can scan it and report its status (whether it's safe or dangerous) back to every Avira user so that the program can take appropriate action.

Avira can scan and remove existing threats as well as automatically detect and stop new ones. It protects you against ransomware, Trojans, spyware, and other kinds of malware. You can even choose which ones to actively watch out for, and disable others (though it's not recommended) like dialers, jokes, adware, etc.

• Scan on a schedule
• Check files with any file extension or just the ones you manually choose from
• Disable the ability to stop active scans (so that viruses can not stop the program from finding them)
• Adjust the scanner's priority level
• Scan master boot sectors
• Follow symbolic links to scan the actual files
• Search for rootkits before starting a scan
• Scan the Windows Registry
• Ignore files on network drives
• Automatically repair, rename, quarantine, delete, or ignore threats when they're found
• Use heuristic scanning
• Add files, folders, and processes to the ignore list
• Manage Windows Firewall settings
• Password protect the program's settings
• Block autorun on removable devices
• Make the hosts file read-only

The Avira suite offers more than just a very extensive antivirus application. It includes several other 'layers' of security that will install automatically, and they might take a while to download since there are several. However, you don't have to use them and they won't bother you unless you open them.

These separate modules include a VPN that encrypts all your traffic (up through the first 500 MB each month); password manager to securely store complex passwords; and software updater that identifies outdated programs and gives you the download links to update them.

In addition to those, Avira can speed up your computer and reduce boot up time with its tune-up tool, help you find the best deals as you shop online, and warn you of malicious websites or software bundles before you download them (with its SafeSearch add-on).

These extra features can be annoying if you're strictly after an antivirus solution, but again, you don't have to use them; just keep them tucked away where they are and you won't have to worry about them.

Avira Free Security Suite is intended to run on computers with Windows 7 SP1 and newer, including Windows 10 and Windows 8.

There's also Avira for macOS that's similar, but not exactly the same, as Avira for Windows. Namely, the Mac edition is only on-demand, meaning that it doesn't check for viruses automatically like the Windows version.

Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition

What We Like

• Drag-and-drop file and folder scan.

• Minimal, uncluttered design.

• Simple to set up and run.

What We Don't Like

• Limited customization if you're looking for that.

• Large initial program download.

If you want an antivirus program that's not only free but super easy to use and not cluttered with lots of buttons and menus, you should definitely try the free version of Bitdefender Antivirus.

You not only get instant protection against viruses, worms, rootkits, spyware, and other threats, but also anti-phishing and anti-fraud protection to carry security with you when you're browsing the internet and entering passwords.

It's actually remarkable how well Bitdefender runs despite its minimal design. You can drag and drop folders and files directly into the program to instantly run a scan against them, as well as immediately start a full system scan or scan select objects from the right-click context menu—all of which can run at the same time.

Regardless of how they're started or how many scans are running simultaneously, a history of those scans are recorded for you on the primary window of the program as well as within the Events area of the settings.

The obvious downside to a program that lacks many customization options is that there isn't much you can change about it. That might be something you want but it might not be available; so be aware that basically all you can do with this edition of Bitdefender is start and stop scans.

Another downside to this software is how long it takes to become ready for you to use. The initial installer for Bitdefender is quite small but that's just what's used to then download the full program, which is hundreds of megabytes and could take a while if you have a slow internet connection.

Free Malware Removal

It's also unfortunate that you can't pause scans (it just lets you stop them) or set up file and folder exclusions before starting scans like some AV programs allow. With Bitdefender, you can only mark files or websites as safe after they've been identified as malicious.

Ads asking you to purchase Bitdefender's professional programs and scheduled scans not being supported (but they're not necessarily needed since Bitdefender is always checking for new threats) are a few other not-so-greats.

Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition runs on Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7. You can also get this free antivirus software on your Android or Mac.

Adaware Antivirus Free

What We Like

• Lightweight antivirus program.

• Can run as a supplement to other antivirus programs.

• Silent mode mutes notifications and limits resource use.

What We Don't Like

• Some useful features are only usable with paid version.

• Limited configurability.

• Real-time email scanning not included.

Adaware Antivirus installs in minutes, is light on system resources, and can be used in one of two ways. The first is in regular mode where it checks for threats as they happen, but the other lets you use it in addition to your 'main' antivirus program (i.e., along with Bitdefender or Avira).

What this so-called 'second line of defense' does is disables real-time protection but still lets you use Adaware Antivirus to manually scan for existing threats. This is helpful if your primary AV software doesn't seem to find malware that you know is infecting your computer.

Whichever way you use it, Adaware Antivirus provides a defense against ransomware, spyware, viruses, and other forms of malicious software. You can find those threats through a quick, full, or custom scan.

Daily, weekly, and monthly scheduled scans are supported, and you can even run a scan to just check certain things, like only rootkits or just tracking cookies and boot sector viruses, for example.

Adaware Antivirus also lets you choose a custom performance setting to use more system resources to run the scan (to make it faster), exclude files/folders/file extensions from scans, and decide how often to check for new definition updates (every 1/3/6/12/24 hours).

When it comes to real-time protection, you can toggle on or off the following options:

• Scan archive files
• Scan email databases
• Deep scan that checks CHM files and executable files
• Smart scan that skips previously checked files
• Scan boot sectors
• Scan files as they move throughout the network
• Skip scanning files that exceed a custom file size (e.g., 10 MB to skip video files)

You can also protect the program's settings with a PIN as well as enable gaming/silent mode to suppress notifications.

Adware Antivirus definitely has its advantages but because there's also a non-free version you can upgrade to, many additional options are not supported.

For example, parental controls and advanced network, web, and email protection are only available in Adaware Antivirus Pro. These options are visible within the free edition but they're not actually clickable/usable until you enter an Adaware Antivirus Pro license key.

Adaware Antivirus Free works with Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7.

Avast Free Antivirus

What We Like

• Add-ons allow you to increase protection.

• Great customizability.

What We Don't Like

• Password manager and some other tools included are trial only.

• Additional features require purchase.

Avast is used by hundreds of millions of people and ranks high in nearly every 'best list' of antivirus programs, and for good reason. If you want a solid program that is sure to block new threats but is still easy enough to customize, you should consider using it.

Avast Free Antivirus is similar to Avira which we mention above; there are numerous components that you can install along with the virus shield that provide additional services related to security and privacy (more on those below).

The antivirus portion has lots of options you can change but it's still easy enough for anyone to use since there are information blurbs next to most items so you're not left wondering what will happen if you enable them.

Plus, both definition and program updates are performed automatically (a manual option is available, too), meaning you can install Avast and let it do its thing without worrying whether you're running the latest and greatest version.

Avast is highly customizable and lets you make changes to everything from whether to make a sound when threats are detected and how long notifications should remain on the screen, to the kinds of file extensions that should be scanned.

Here are some more features supported in Avast Free Antivirus:

• Scheduled scans
• Custom scans that can check only the memory, rootkits, auto-start programs, etc.
• Checking all files or just certain file extensions
• Identifying files by their content instead of their suffix
• Fine-tuned heuristics sensitivity
• Scanning for potentially unwanted programs
• Follows shortcuts to scan the real file
• Can scan within lots of archive file formats like self-extracting DOS and Win32 executables, CHM, ACE, 7Z, RAR, TNEF streams, Mac archives, ISO, and more
• Windows Explorer context menu integration
• Folders, HDDs, and URLs (but not specific files) can be pe-excluded from scans
• Custom scans are easy to save for use in the future
• A Rescue Disk can be created that lets you use the Avast scanner even if you can't start your computer
• Particular areas of the program can be protected with a password
• Lets you enable Do Not Disturb Mode to deny notifications from other apps while you're using one in full screen mode

Before Avast is installed, you have the option to include over a dozen different tools: file, behavior, web, and mail shields; software updater, browser cleaner, rescue disk, Wi-Fi inspector, security and SafePrice browser extensions; password manager; junk file cleaner; and Game Mode.

Technically, if you only want the antimalware protection, you can install just the shields from the start of that list; the others are add-ons that aren't necessary but could be helpful at some point.

For example, the software updater is a nice tool that will not only check for and report outdated software but also install the newer versions for you (even in bulk). This is a great way to make sure your programs are up-to-date with their latest security patches and features.

Wi-Fi Inspector scans the network for devices that could be vulnerable to attacks. For instance, it might identify that a computer is running a file sharing service that has been known to facilitate the spread of a certain kind of worm.

You can install these tools (it takes less than five minutes) and then disable or completely remove them later. Or, you can ignore them during setup and just install them later, or not at all.

However, please know that the password manager and Cleanup tools are only trial versions that will expire after so-many days. There's also a firewall, file shredder, and sandbox feature that's unusable in this free version.

Avast Free Antivirus is compatible with Windows 10, 8, and 7.

Panda Dome

What We Like

• Light impact on system resources.

• Minimal, uncomplicated design.

• Security news about the latest reports of breaches and threats.

What We Don't Like

• Resets browser home page and default search engine unless specifically deselected during installation.

• Contains advertisements.

Panda Security's free antivirus program, Panda Dome (previously called Panda Free Antivirus), installs in minutes and has a minimal design like Bitdefender, mentioned above. However, even though it's not a CPU or memory hog, and doesn't appear to be customizable, all of its many options are tucked away in the settings.

From there, you can do things like set up both on-demand and automatic scans to check compressed files and scan for potentially unwanted programs.

The automatic, permanent scanner includes some additional options, too, like behavioral and analysis scanning options, the ability to ask you before neutralizing a virus, and blocking files from running for so-many seconds until results on whether it's safe or harmful are obtained from the cloud.

Something entirely unique to Panda Dome is its security news and alerts sections that can show you critical, warning, and informational messages like when a popular vendor experiences a data breach that could affect your personal information. You can, however, turn those off if you want to.

You can complete a scan in just a few minutes if you only want to check for actively running threats, like browser cookies, processes, and things currently loaded in memory. However, there's also, of course, an option for a full system scan or a custom scan.

Here are some other things you can do with Panda Dome:

• Password protect the entire application
• Have the quarantine emptied every three days, every week, every month, or never
• A gaming/multimedia option will disable all notifications if you're using a full screen application
• Exclude particular files or folders from scans, as well as specific file extensions of your choosing
• USB protection can be enabled to always scan removable devices as they're attached, to make sure that they don't spread anything to the computer
• Monitor running processes as well as any URLs accessed by them, and have them terminated if Panda Dome deems them a threat
• Record everything in event reports that you can browse through and even print or export to a TXT or CSV file
• Can optionally install Panda Safe Web during setup to protect you against malicious websites

The Panda Dome antivirus software does a really good job at keeping the important buttons up front and hiding the additional options within menus so that you're not constantly bombarded with options or alerts.

However, the program will change your home page and the search provider in your web browser, unless you uncheck those options during the initial setup.

Panda Dome works in all versions of Windows from Windows 10 back through Windows XP.

AVG AntiVirus Free

What We Like

• Installs in a few minutes.

• Choose what to enable during setup.

• Updates automatically (definitions and the program).

• You have full control over how things work.

What We Don't Like

• Shows features you can't enable in the free version.

• Always advertises AVG Internet Security.

• Doesn't officially support Windows Vista or XP.

AVG's free antivirus program is easy on the eyes and even easier to use. The scan button is right in the middle of the screen, turning features off is dead-simple, and all the advanced options are tucked away from view in the settings.

Like most antivirus tools, this one lets you schedule scans, check for threats in archives, remove viruses right when they're found, scan USB drives, exclude files/folders/websites from scans, and run boot-time scans.

It's worth noting that AVG AntiVirus Free is highly customizable. You can either install it and leave the settings alone to have regular protection, or you can go into the settings and make adjustments to nearly anything.

For example, you can have viruses and PuPs fixed automatically or be prompted to take action, enable/disable scanning of downloaded files and scripts, scan inbound and/or outbound mail, check/skip the scanning of MS Outlook attachments, check or don't check for threats on inserted discs, and scan all archive types or just the most commonly used ones.

Another important feature in AVG's antivirus software is the option to choose how to scan files. You can have the program scan only the files that contain content that might include malware (like executable data), only files that are using a file extension considered potentially dangerous (like EXE), or all files regardless of content type or file extension.

You can also enable rootkit detection, hardcore mode (recommended for inexperienced users), and CyberCapture technology, which helps detect threats in unrecognized files.

During setup, you have full control over which components should be enabled or disabled once AVG is installed. Options include File Shield, Behavior Shield, Web Shield, Email Shield, SafePrice browser extension, File Shredder, Cleanup, and Do Not Disturb Mode.

AVG AntiVirus Free includes a file shredder tool as well, which you can use from the right-click context menu to overwrite files using the Random Data, Gutmann, or DoD 5220.22-M data destruction method.

Windows 10, 8, and 7 are supported. It also runs on Mac (10.10 Yosemite or above) and Android (5.0 or above).

You're asked during setup to also install AVG's web browser, AVG Secure Browser, but you can uncheck that option if you want.

COMODO Antivirus

What We Like

• User interface can conform to your comfort level.

• Lots of settings can be customized.

• Run programs virtually.

• Automatic updates for the program and virus definitions.

What We Don't Like

• Settings sometimes don’t save after editing them.

• Includes other programs and tools you might not want.

COMODO Antivirus excels in a few ways: it can be as simple or as complex as you want it to be depending on your experience level with antivirus tools, it supports cloud-based scans to detect new threats, and the built-in sandbox technology can isolate programs so that they can’t affect your files even if it they do turn out to be malicious.

Right after installing this free antivirus program from COMODO, a scan is started immediately to make sure your computer is safe as soon as possible. You can also run scans at any time, either quick scans, full scans, scans of commonly infected areas, and custom scans.

A custom scan in COMODO Antivirus lets you choose which files or folders to scan and enables a host of other customizations like whether to decompress and scan archives, use cloud scanning, automatically delete threats, enable heuristics scanning, check for threats running in memory, skip files over a maximum size, run the scan with full system resources, delete PuPs, and more.

Provided in this program are two ways to view the settings and features: basic and advanced. The basic view lets you run scans, unblock applications, update the program, and run software in a virtual mode, while the advanced view includes more details about those areas of the program and lets you view logs as well as toggle various things on or off, like HIPS and VirusScope.

It’s important to not overlook the virtualization feature in COMODO Antivirus. You can run any program you want in a virtual space completely separate from the rest of your files. It’s an opportunity to test out an application to ensure that it’s real and not just a trick to get you to install a virus.

However, even if it does contain something malicious, your real data (photos, videos, documents) are unaffected. You can launch programs in this protected container from inside the COMODO program or by right-clicking an executable file and choosing the option in the menu.

• Password protect the program
• Utilize a floating desktop widget
• Hide the “Upgrade” advertisement
• Choose which archive file types to unpack and scan
• Enable real time scanning of files on the network
• Define heuristics scanning level (low, medium, high)
• Schedule scans as frequently as every hour to as infrequently as once a month
• Customize the HIPS rules
• Turn on Silent Mode in seconds
• Force the auto-containment of suspicious or malicious files
• Use a unique password for the Virtual Desktop feature

During setup, you can also install Internet Security Essentials to protect against main-in-the-middle attacks.

COMODO Antivirus officially supports Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7. It's also available for macOS.

The COMODO Dragon Web Browser automatically installs during setup unless you tell it not to. After installation, pay close attention to the options you’re given—you can change your DNS servers to be the COMODO Secure DNS servers (which presumably improve security and speed up browsing), enable Cloud Based Behavior Analysis, send anonymous program usage to COMODO, and change the home page and default search engine to Yahoo.

FortiClient

What We Like

• Automatically downloads and installs updates.

• Lots of control over the settings.

• Simple user interface.

• Comes with an application firewall.

What We Don't Like

• Requires the internet during setup (it’s not an offline installer).

• Slow to download and install all the components.

• Unable to pause scans (only stop).

• Lacks helpful documentation.

The FortiClient free antivirus program is unique for several reasons. Unlike many of the other AV programs on this page, this one includes parental control features, can manually check your programs for vulnerabilities, functions as a VPN client, and includes a firewall.

Installing this program lets you block websites by URL and/or site category, such as bandwidth-consuming sites, illegal sites, and ones flagged as including content relating to hacking, discrimination, adult/mature, games, advertising, shopping, child abuse, plagiarism, and several others.

You can also automatically sandbox files opened from a web download, email attachment, removable drive, and/or network drive. This is great if you’re cautious about opening those types of files because they’re the primary entry points for malware.

Here are some other FortiClient features you’ll like:

• Scan on a daily, weekly, and monthly schedule
• Lock down the program with a password
• Manually check for application vulnerabilities
• AntiExploit is enabled for all your programs automatically, but you have the freedom to disable the feature on any of them

The program interface itself is easy to read and navigate, but it might be a bit too much for a novice user. There’s hardly any information regarding what each component and setting does when enabled/disabled, and a few of the features are really only useful if your computer is being managed remotely by an administrator.

Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7 are supported. You can also get this free antivirus program on Linux and macOS (but with fewer features). FortiClient has a similar tool for web filtering and VPN access, too, for Chromebook, the Chrome browser, iOS, and Android.

During setup, you’re asked if you want to enable the following along with the antivirus program: SSL and IPsec VPN, FortiSandbox detection and quarantine features, and Additional Security Features which include Antivirus, Web Filtering, Single Sign On, and Application Firewall. You can turn them on during setup or later once FortiClient is fully installed.

Immunet AntiVirus

What We Like

• Tons of customizable options.

• No ads.

• Automatic updates.

• Helpful information built-in.

• Small setup file; installs fast.

What We Don't Like

• Runs on Windows only, and probably only newer editions (not XP).

Another free antivirus program that offers real time protection for Windows is from Immunet. It has a bit of an outdated interface but the software is still current, and even connects directly to the cloud for updates.

There are lots of options you can toggle on or off to customize how the software works, but you can also leave all the defaults and it will still check your computer for threats in real time.

Here are some other features you get with Immunet:

• Detects and removes bots, viruses, worms, Trojans, keyloggers, and spyware
• Three scan modes let you check just running processes (Flash Scan), any location of your choosing (Custom Scan), or the entire computer (Full Scan)
• Schedule any scan type daily, weekly, or monthly
• Start scans directly from Explorer on any folder or file
• A timeline shows the history of threats on the computer, to 30 days in the past. There's also an extremely detailed history of events that have happened in the program that you can filter by date, keyword, and type (such as quarantines, cleanings, blocked processes, etc.)
• Lets you run a FlashScan right after installation to check the registry and running processes for threats
• Includes a special blocking mode you can enable that prevents all programs from being installed unless they first pass a security scan
• Gaming Mode can be enabled at any time to prevent notifications from the program while watching movies or playing games.
• Automatically excludes certain folders and file types from scans, including temp folders and certain system32 folders
• Lets you manually exclude any file, folder, or threat (by its name)
• Toggle scanning on or off for archives and packed files
• Can run alongside many other antivirus programs, such as security software from Comodo, Avira, AVG, and Norton.

Immunet AntiVirus has been tested on Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7, as well as Windows Server 2016/2012/2008 R2.

Kaspersky Free

What We Like

• Super clean user interface that’s easy to understand.

• Unique features not found in other programs.

• Protect your email.

• Lots of options you can customize.

• Set up a scanning schedule.

What We Don't Like

• Must create a user account to activate the software.

• Several features you see in the program aren’t free.

• Can’t exclude scans by file extension.

• Slow install.

• Must renew the free license every year.

Kaspersky Free is a good choice for a free antivirus program if you want a simple program that boasts lots of features. It’s incredibly easy to use but has loads of advanced options if you care to look into them.

This free AV program is also useful if your computer is low on system resources. Kaspersky Free can automatically postpone scans and reduce display animations if the CPU runs too high, supports idle scans for when you’re away, and lets you favor performance over protection by altering the overall security level.

Another important feature to know about this program is that it includes Self-Defense, which is a function that blocks all attempts to change or delete Kaspersky’s processes, registry items, and installation files.

• Searches for rootkits and can delete malicious tools, adware, auto-dialers, and suspicious packages
• Can password protect the program to protect its settings from being changed and/or to stop it from being uninstalled or shut down
• Includes a file and web scanner as well as Network Attack Blocker, System Watcher, and Mail Anti-Virus
• Supports gaming mode to suppress notifications while using any program in full screen mode
• The antivirus scanner can be set up to auto-pause when specific applications start up and/or during certain times of the day
• Choose what happens when a threat is detected: notify, disinfect, delete if disinfect doesn’t work, or delete
• Can auto-scan external drives or prompt you to scan them when they’re inserted
• Schedule quick or full scans for every day, every weekend, every weekday, weekly, or monthly
• Choose what gets scanned in a full, quick, and selective scan. Can include any of the following: system memory, startup objects, disk boot sectors, system volume information, email, all hard drives, all external devices, all network drives, any folder.
• Lets you skip items if the scan takes too long
• Speed up antivirus scans by checking only new and changed files
• Exclude files and folders from scans, and even prevent the scanning of specific threats
• Define trusted applications so that they're not scanned

Kaspersky's free antivirus program can be installed on Windows operating systems.

ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus

What We Like

• Updates automatically.

• Includes a free firewall.

• Can run scheduled scans.

What We Don't Like

Antivirus Malware

• Heavy on system resources.

• Slow installation.

ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus, also called ZoneAlarm Security and ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus + Firewall, is just what you think: antivirus software with a firewall tool built-in. You not only have protection against threats like spyware, viruses, Trojan horses, and bots but there are also firewall shields to block intruders from reaching your computer files.

Here are some other important features in this free antivirus tool:

• Real-time, cloud-based security updates that relies on millions of other users to stop threats quickly
• Gamer Mode can be used to block interruptions while gaming, such as scans, updates, and alerts; you can set all alerts to be automatically denied or allowed
• Lock down ZoneAlarm's configuration with a password to protect its settings from being changed
• Back up the program's security settings and restore them later
• Run quick and/or full scans on a schedule
• The network firewall can screen every single program with 'suspicious behavior' alerts that you have to explicitly allow or deny
• The firewall lets you block fragments, trusted servers, and public servers, as well as enable ARP protection, filter IP traffic over port 1394, allow/block VPN protocols, and lock the hosts file
• Set up notifications for suspicious credit activity

Free Antivirus Malware Download

ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus + Firewall works on Windows 10, 8, and 7.