Consumer antivirus software providers for Windows

If you’re running Windows 10, Windows 8.1, or Windows 8, you’ve already got Windows Defender built in, helping to protect you against viruses, spyware, and other malware.

Malware consists of viruses, spyware and other potentially unwanted software. Windows Defender is free and is included in Windows, always on and always working to protect your PC against malware.

Hackers and scammers sometimes use fake antimalware software to trick you into installing viruses or malware on your computer. Should you wish to explore alternatives to the already installed or available Microsoft antimalware software on your Windows PC, the reputable security companies listed below provide consumer security software that is compatible with Windows. Just click the company name to see the Windows-compatible product they offer. For business security software that is compatible with Windows, please contact your security vendor of choice.

Many companies, including those listed on this page, distribute anti malware software. You should carefully investigate the source of anti malware and other products before downloading and installing them. For more information, see Protect your PC.

Important: Windows Defender will turn off if you install another anti malware program to protect your PC. Before you install anti malware software, check to make sure you don’t already have an anti malware product on your computer. If you do, be sure to remove the product you don’t want before you install the new one. It can cause problems on your computer to have two different anti malware products installed and running at the same time.

The antivirus providers listed on this page might be unavailable for your version of Windows or in your country or region.

The most secure Windows ever

Windows 10 provides comprehensive, built-in protection—at no extra cost. 1 Learn how Windows Hello facial recognition and biometric logins, coupled with comprehensive antivirus protection, keep you more secure than ever.

Microsoft Defender Antivirus

Formerly known as Windows Defender, Microsoft Defender Antivirus still delivers the comprehensive, ongoing, and real-time protection you expect against software threats like viruses, malware, and spyware across email, apps, the cloud, and the web.

Always defending—at no extra cost

No need to download—Microsoft Defender comes standard on Windows 10, protecting your data and devices in real time with a full suite of advanced security safeguards. 1

Files are secured and accessible across devices

Save your files to OneDrive to keep them protected, backed up, and accessible from all your devices, anywhere.

You manage your privacy

Set your location, camera and data usage options in the easy-to-access account settings panel.

Help keep your family safer online

With Windows 10, schedule screen time, limit access to mature content and restrict online purchases, including apps, games and films. 2

Say goodbye to passwords with Windows Hello

Windows Hello logs you in 3x faster than a password. 4 Use your camera to recognise your face or try your fingerprint reader. 3 You can always keep your PIN as a backup.

Sign in your way

Enabling Windows Hello turns on sign-in with your face or fingerprint. 3 Log in faster and more securely to your laptop, tablet, device, app or even websites; you can even make in-app purchases.

Apps enabled for Windows Hello

Windows Hello works with compatible apps like iHeartRadio and Dropbox, so you can bypass the password and breeze right through with facial recognition biometric security. 3

Your companion devices unlock your PC

Windows Hello lets you use your digital wristband, smart watch, phone and other companion devices to quickly unlock your Windows 10 PC without using a password. 5

Prevent PC updates from interrupting your workflow

Windows 10 provides new features and security updates for free on an ongoing basis. Now you have the option to update when it’s convenient for you.

You’re in control with searching, streaming and gaming

Set parameters with Ask a Parent tool 6

If your kids want more screen time or to purchase a game, app or film, you can require them to request your permission first.

Get things done securely and quickly on the web

Microsoft Edge and Bing feature built-in learning tools, 4K 7 streaming and advanced cyber protections—all optimised for Windows 10.

Sync your files with OneDrive Learn how to store and access files across devices with OneDrive. Watch step by step how to set up, sync and access files on your iOS, Android and Windows devices.

Share and edit files in OneDrive

Save files to OneDrive to keep them protected, backed up and accessible from your iOS, Android and Windows devices, virtually anywhere. 8 Even offline.

Security and privacy you can count on

Privacy starts with putting you in control. You should have the tools and information to make informed choices. You can manage your data saved to the cloud.

Find My Device

Find My Device is a feature that can help you locate your Windows 10 device if it’s lost or stolen. It works for any Windows device, such as a PC, laptop, Surface or Surface Pen.

1 For the supported lifetime of the device. Internet access fees may apply.

2 Requires a Microsoft family account with Device health sharing permissions enabled.

3 Windows Hello requires specialised hardware including a Windows Hello capable device, fingerprint reader, illuminated IR sensor or other biometric sensors and capable devices.

4 Based on average time comparison between typing a password respectively detecting a face or fingerprint to authentication success.​

5 Available for selected companion devices and selected Windows 10 editions. Might require PC and companion devices to be joined in Azure Active Directory or Active Directory and paired via Bluetooth.

6 Requires a Microsoft family account with Device health sharing permissions enabled. Also requires Android devices with Microsoft Launcher installed and signed in with the same Microsoft account associated with their Microsoft family account. For a parent to access and view a child’s locations and app activities through the Family web page, Microsoft Launcher must be installed on each child’s device. For a parent to access and view their child’s location(s) and app activities through Microsoft Launcher, Microsoft Launcher must be installed on both the parent’s device and each child’s device. In each case, location and app usage permissions must be allowed through Microsoft Launcher on the child’s device. Activity reporting features require Android 5.0+ on each child’s device. Family settings available on Windows 10 and Xbox One devices. Some settings available on Android devices with Microsoft Launcher installed. Family settings work on the Microsoft Edge browser only.

7 4K Ultra HD exclusivity is limited to PCs running Windows 10. 4K works in both Microsoft Edge and Netflix app. Only 7th Gen Intel® Core™ processor or higher devices can decrypt PlayReady 4K DRM. Netflix Ultra HD plan required. Requires Dolby Vision-supported PlayReady content and capable hardware.

8 Internet access may be required. Fees may apply.

The most secure Windows ever

Windows 10 provides comprehensive, built-in protection—at no extra cost. 1 Learn how Windows Hello facial recognition and biometric logins, coupled with comprehensive antivirus protection, keep you more secure than ever.

Microsoft Defender Antivirus

Formerly known as Windows Defender, Microsoft Defender Antivirus still delivers the comprehensive, ongoing, and real-time protection you expect against software threats like viruses, malware, and spyware across email, apps, the cloud, and the web.

Always defending—at no extra cost

No need to download—Microsoft Defender comes standard on Windows 10, protecting your data and devices in real time with a full suite of advanced security safeguards. 1

Files are secured and accessible across devices

Save your files to OneDrive to keep them protected, backed up, and accessible from all your devices, anywhere.

You manage your privacy

Set your location, camera and data usage options in the easy-to-access account settings panel.

Help keep your family safer online

With Windows 10, schedule screen time, limit access to mature content and restrict online purchases, including apps, games and films. 2

Say goodbye to passwords with Windows Hello

Windows Hello logs you in 3x faster than a password. 4 Use your camera to recognise your face or try your fingerprint reader. 3 You can always keep your PIN as a backup.

Sign in your way

Enabling Windows Hello turns on sign-in with your face or fingerprint. 3 Log in faster and more securely to your laptop, tablet, device, app or even websites; you can even make in-app purchases.

Apps enabled for Windows Hello

Windows Hello works with compatible apps like iHeartRadio and Dropbox, so you can bypass the password and breeze right through with facial recognition biometric security. 3

Your companion devices unlock your PC

Windows Hello lets you use your digital wristband, smart watch, phone and other companion devices to quickly unlock your Windows 10 PC without using a password. 5

Prevent PC updates from interrupting your workflow

Windows 10 provides new features and security updates for free on an ongoing basis. Now you have the option to update when it’s convenient for you.

You’re in control with searching, streaming and gaming

Set parameters with Ask a Parent tool 6

If your kids want more screen time or to purchase a game, app or film, you can require them to request your permission first.

Get things done securely and quickly on the web

Microsoft Edge and Bing feature built-in learning tools, 4K 7 streaming and advanced cyber protections—all optimised for Windows 10.

Sync your files with OneDrive Learn how to store and access files across devices with OneDrive. Watch step by step how to set up, sync and access files on your iOS, Android and Windows devices.

Share and edit files in OneDrive

Save files to OneDrive to keep them protected, backed up and accessible from your iOS, Android and Windows devices, virtually anywhere. 8 Even offline.

Security and privacy you can count on

Privacy starts with putting you in control. You should have the tools and information to make informed choices. You can manage your data saved to the cloud.

Find My Device

Find My Device is a feature that can help you locate your Windows 10 device if it’s lost or stolen. It works for any Windows device, such as a PC, laptop, Surface or Surface Pen.

1 For the supported lifetime of the device. Internet access fees may apply.

2 Requires a Microsoft family account with Device health sharing permissions enabled.

3 Windows Hello requires specialised hardware including a Windows Hello capable device, fingerprint reader, illuminated IR sensor or other biometric sensors and capable devices.

4 Based on average time comparison between typing a password respectively detecting a face or fingerprint to authentication success.​

5 Available for selected companion devices and selected Windows 10 editions. Might require PC and companion devices to be joined in Azure Active Directory or Active Directory and paired via Bluetooth.

6 Requires a Microsoft family account with Device health sharing permissions enabled. Also requires Android devices with Microsoft Launcher installed and signed in with the same Microsoft account associated with their Microsoft family account. For a parent to access and view a child’s locations and app activities through the Family web page, Microsoft Launcher must be installed on each child’s device. For a parent to access and view their child’s location(s) and app activities through Microsoft Launcher, Microsoft Launcher must be installed on both the parent’s device and each child’s device. In each case, location and app usage permissions must be allowed through Microsoft Launcher on the child’s device. Activity reporting features require Android 5.0+ on each child’s device. Family settings available on Windows 10 and Xbox One devices. Some settings available on Android devices with Microsoft Launcher installed. Family settings work on the Microsoft Edge browser only.

7 4K Ultra HD exclusivity is limited to PCs running Windows 10. 4K works in both Microsoft Edge and Netflix app. Only 7th Gen Intel® Core™ processor or higher devices can decrypt PlayReady 4K DRM. Netflix Ultra HD plan required. Requires Dolby Vision-supported PlayReady content and capable hardware.

8 Internet access may be required. Fees may apply.