Best Antivirus For Windows Xp
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- Best Antivirus For Windows Xp 2018
- The Best Antivirus For Windows Xp
How to Stay Protected When Using Windows XP 1. AVG Antivirus Free. Comodo Antivirus. Avast Free Antivirus. Panda Security Cloud Antivirus. BitDefender Antivirus Free. The Necessity of the Best Antivirus for Windows XP. The Comodo Free Antivirus for Windows XP automatically detects and eliminates all types of malware such as viruses, worms, and Trojans. It quickly responds to malware threats through cloud-based scanning. Typically, it offers powerful on.
Updated: June 4, 2019 Home » Computer and Internet Security » Free Portable USB Antivirus
10 Best Antivirus Software For Windows PCs – 2018 Bitdefender Antivirus Plus 2018. Avira Antivirus Pro 2018. Norton Security 2018. Kaspersky Antivirus 2018. Avast Pro Antivirus 2018. McAfee Antivirus Plus 2018. ESET Nod32 Antivirus 10. AVG Internet Security 2018. Panda Antivirus Pro 2018.
360 Total Security is the best software against dangerous viruses like ransomeware.It also offer other options to keep your Windows faster. Link: Skip navigation. Official antivirus for Windows XP. AV Comparatives successfully tested Avast on Windows XP. And being Windows XP's official consumer security software provider is yet another reason why more than 400 million users trust Avast.
Is something not quite right with your computer even when you have an antivirus installed? Are you being plagued by pop-up windows trying to get you to download security software or alerts claiming your PC isn’t secure? It appears like your antivirus could have been compromised, therefore a portable antivirus that works alongside your existing antivirus can provide a second opinion.
Alternative Article ➤ Top 16 Free 60, 90 & 180 Days Antivirus Trial – Norton, McAfee, Kaspersky, AVG, Avast, BitDefender And More
If your Microsoft Windows is infected by malware, chances are, your antivirus has been disabled by the virus or trojan. Uninstalling and reinstalling any antivirus is useless because the malware is programmed to disable it. This is where portable USB antivirus comes to the rescue. Two heads is better than one, having a second opinion from a different security software is better than none. Without further ado, here are the complete list of the best portable anti-virus scanner that can be used without installation to scan and clean infected computers
Pro & Con of Portable Antivirus
Portable standalone antivirus needs to be updated regularly; some antivirus allows you to download the database, while other requires you to download the entire software. Some standalone antivirus are not updated frequently, thus it might not be able to detect the latest malware. Here are the complete list of all portable antivirus, they are compatible with fully featured antivirus.
↓ 01 – Microsoft Safety Scanner
Do you think your PC has a virus? The Microsoft Safety Scanner is a free downloadable security tool that provides on-demand scanning and helps remove viruses, spyware, and other malicious software. It works with your existing antivirus software. Microsoft Safety Scanner expires 10 days after downloading. To re-run a scan with the latest anti-malware definitions, please download and run Microsoft Safety Scanner again.
This tool does not replace your antimalware product. For real-time protection with automatic updates, use Windows Defender Antivirus on Windows 10 and Windows 8 or Microsoft Security Essentials on Windows 7. These antimalware products also provide powerful malware removal capabilities.
↓ 02 – Avira PC Cleaner
Avira PC Cleaner is a malware scanner that works alongside other anti-malware products. It protects PCs, laptops and netbooks running Windows XP (SP3) and above. Best of all, PC Cleaner doesn’t require installation, registration or any additional drivers. On-demand scanners are often called second-opinion scanners, as they may be run next to any installed antivirus solution.
The main idea is to verify that resident security software is working correctly and that no malicious software slipped by it. While running on-demand scanners is no guarantee that the system is indeed clean, it increases the likelihood that it is.
↓ 03 – Intel McAfee GetSusp
McAfee GetSusp is intended for users who suspect undetected malware on their computer. GetSusp eliminates the need for deep technical knowledge of computer systems to isolate undetected malware. It does this by using a combination of heuristics and querying the McAfee Global Threat Intelligence (GTI) File Reputation database to gather suspicious files.
↓ 04 – Intel McAfee Stinger
McAfee Stinger is a standalone utility used to detect and remove specific viruses. It is not a substitute for full anti-virus protection, but a specialized tool to assist administrators and users when dealing with infected system. Details on new or enhanced signatures added with each Stinger build are listed in the Readme details.
Stinger now includes Real Protect – a real-time behavior detection technology that monitors suspicious activity on an endpoint. Real Protect leverages machine learning and automated behavioral based classification in the cloud to detect zero-day malware in real-time.
↓ 05 – Intel McAfee Security Scan Plus
McAfee Security Scan Plus is a free diagnostic tool that ensures you are protected by actively checking your computer for up-to-date anti-virus, firewall, and web security software. Security Scan Plus scans for threats such as malware, Trojans, and unwanted programs actively running on your computer. It even scans your browser history for suspicious activity.
When a scan is complete, a report provides details on the presence and status of your security protection. If problems are detected, Security Scan Plus provides security recommendations. Security Scan Plus automatically scans your computer on a weekly basis to ensure your antivirus software, firewall protection, and web security are active and up to date.
↓ 06 – Intel McAfee RootkitRemover
McAfee RootkitRemover is a stand-alone utility used to detect and remove complex rootkits and associated malware. Currently it can detect and remove ZeroAccess, Necurs and TDSS family of rootkits. McAfee Labs plans to add coverage for more rootkit families in future versions of the tool.
↓ 07 – Comodo Cleaning Essentials
Comodo Cleaning Essentials (CCE) is a set of computer security tools designed to help users identify and remove malware and unsafe processes from infected computers. Designed as a portable application, the software requires no installation and can be run directly from removable media such as a USB key. CCE consists of two core technologies:
Fully featured malware scanner capable of unearthing and removing viruses, rootkits, hidden files and malicious registry keys hidden deep within a system. The scanner is highly configurable, uses the latest heuristic techniques to detect previously unknown viruses, features first-class malware removal capabilities and is capable of detecting hidden drivers and services loaded during system start-up.
- Instantly identify and stop every untrusted process running on an endpoint with a single click
- Powerful antivirus scanner capable of removing malware, rootkits, hidden files and malicious registry keys hidden deep within a system
- Forensic level stats and graphs allow internal processes and resource usage to be analyzed with unrivaled granularity
- Integration with Comodo cloud scanners provides real-time safety verdicts for unknown processes
- Perfect for ensuring network endpoints are totally clean of threats
- No installation required – can run direct from USB or user desktop via RDP
↓ 08 – Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool
They’ve changed the way this software runs now, it is not portable anymore but still perform the scan as usual. Checks for known malware and software vulnerabilities on your PC – plus advises you on your PC’s security status with the free Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool. Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool uses Kaspersky Lab’s latest technologies – plus real-time access to cloud-based security information – to ensure it can scan your PC for the latest viruses and emerging threats.
A very simple quick scan for viruses and malware, during the download of Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool, there will be a download of Kaspersky Security Scan installation files, as well as Kaspersky Software Updater which is an integral part of Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool. Get FREE & quick help for your PC – download an efficient tool to clean up your computer from viruses, Trojans, malware, adware and more.
↓ 09 – Kaspersky TDSSKiller
A rootkit for Windows systems is a program that penetrates into the system and intercepts the system functions ( Windows API ). It can effectively hide its presence by intercepting and modifying low-level API functions. Moreover it can hide the presence of particular processes, folders, files and registry keys. Some rootkits install its own drivers and services in the system (they also remain “invisible”). Remember, TDSSKiller is not a substitute for anti-virus or Internet security software protection. To keep your computer and devices secure, you should install Internet security software.
↓ 10 – Symantec Norton Power Eraser
Eliminates deeply embedded and difficult to remove crimeware that traditional virus scanning doesn’t always detect. Norton Power Eraser is a free tool that can be downloaded and run to remove threats from your computer. You can run this tool to scan for threats even if you have a Symantec product, or any other security product. If you cannot start the computer in Normal mode, you can run this tool in Safe mode. Norton Power Eraser is easy to download, and scans your computer quickly to detect the most aggressive computer viruses. You don’t need to install this tool.
The Norton Power Eraser tool is compatible with computers running Microsoft Windows operating systems only. It does not work with computers running on Mac OS X. Norton Power Eraser uses aggressive methods to detect threats, and there is a risk that it can select some legitimate programs for removal. You should carefully review the scan results page before removing files.
↓ 11 – Symantec Norton Security Scan
The power and speed of Norton scan technology, available to you for FREE. Scans your computer and lets you know if viruses or malwares are present.
Use Norton Security Scan to determine if your system has been infected with viruses, malware, spyware, or other threats. Newly added — the Cookie Manager that you can use to check for suspicious or dangerous cookies and remove those that raise a concern.
↓ 12 – Dr.Web CureIt!
Run Dr.Web CureIt!® (no need to install it) is Russian antivirus that quickly scan your computer and cure it of any malicious objects. Dr.Web CureIt! is an indispensable tool for curing computers running MS Windows 8/7/Vista/XP/Server 2003/2008/2012 (32- and 64-bit systems). Dr.Web CureIt! detects and neutralizes viruses, rootkits, Trojan horses, spyware, and other malicious objects that have gone undetected by your anti-virus software.
The Dr.Web CureIt! utility will cure an infected system once, but it is not designed to provide your PC with real-time protection from viruses. The utility available on our website always features the latest virus definitions, but its virus databases aren’t updated automatically. Included in Dr.Web CureIt! is a set of virus databases that are only current until a new update is released (usually one or more times per hour).
↓ 13 – Zemana AntiMalware Portable 14 Days Free Trial
Clean your computer in minutes, no matter how badly infected! Zemana AntiMalware Free makes it possible! Zamana AntiMalware is an excellent choice to have installed on your computer, because of the low resource consumption you can use the program daily to make sure your not infected with any malicious files, and because of the ease to use interface the program is avaiable to every computer user and not only expert.
- Advanced Malware Detection and Removal
- Browser Cleanup
- Effective Against Rootkits and Bootkits
↓ 14 – Emsisoft Emergency Kit
The Emsisoft Emergency Kit contains a collection of programs that can be used without software installation to scan for malware and clean infected computers: Emsisoft Emergency Kit Scanner and Emsisoft Commandline Scanner. The Emsisoft Emergency Kit Scanner includes the powerful Emsisoft Scanner complete with graphical user interface. Scan the infected PC for Viruses, Trojans, Spyware, Adware, Worms, Dialers, Keyloggers and other malicious programs.
↓ 15 – Sophos’s HitmanPro 30 Days Free Trial
HitmanPro is only 12 MB and requires no installation. It can start directly from a desktop, USB Flash Drive, CD/DVD, or a remote storage device. Even if your antivirus is being manipulated by malware or ransomware is getting a hold of your files, HitmanPro functions normally, detecting and removing the threat.
HitmanPro has the ability to remove persistent threats from within your operating system and replaces infected Windows resources with safe, original versions, all while proactively blocking reinfection attempts. A new host of malware is activated every day and can be found everywhere, even on trusted websites, evading regular antivirus programs. HitmanPro is designed to run alongside your antivirus, using its behavioral deep scanning to find and eliminate zero-day, next-gen malware that has avoided detection.
↓ 16 – ESET Free Online Scanner
Detect and remove malware on your PC with a powerful and user-friendly tool that uses the same ThreatSense® scanning technology and signatures as ESET Smart Security and ESET NOD32 Antivirus — just by using your web browser. One-time scan to remove malware and threats from your computer for FREE.
- Smart way to test your antivirus – Easy-to-use tool that can run alongside any existing antivirus
- Comprehensive malware detection – Find and remove viruses, Trojans, spyware, phishing and other internet threats
- FREE and easy-to-use tool – No commitment, no registration and completely free one-time scan
- Periodic scanning of your device – Regular and automatic monthly check for infections and suspicious applications
↓ 17 – TrendMicro HouseCall
HouseCall is Trend Micro’s highly popular on-demand antivirus software scanner for identifying and removing viruses, trojans, worms, unwanted browser plugins, and other malicious software. HouseCall Antivirus includes the following features:
- Stand-alone eliminates compatibility issues associated with browser-activated scanners
- Smart Scan delivers the latest antivirus protection while reducing download times
- Enhanced Detection and Cleanup addresses rootkits and other sophisticated threats
- Enhanced Scanning performance speeds threat detection
- Vulnerability scans find threats on other devices connected to your home network
↓ 18 – F-Secure Online Scanner
F‑Secure Online Scanner helps to get rid of viruses and spyware that may cause problems on your PC, and it works even if you have another security software installed on your computer. F‑Secure Online Scanner is easy to use with just a couple of clicks: just download it and run it. It does not leave anything on your PC. Virus worries? Run a scan for free and get rid of malware.
- Find and remove viruses, malware and spyware on your PC
- Easy to use, doesn’t leave anything on your computer
- Works with any other security software installed
- Completely free to run and use
↓ 19 – Panda Cloud Cleaner
Panda Cloud Cleaner is an advanced disinfector based on Collective Intelligence (scanning in-the-cloud) that detects malware that traditional security solutions cannot detect. Disinfect your computer with Panda Cloud Cleaner, they help you keep viruses at bay. Greater detection capacity than traditional antivirus solutions thanks to its latest generation technologies.
Online detection of all types of malware, vulnerabilities and unknown threats. It is easy to use from your browser and always up-to-date against the latest threats. A free report about threats detected and the status of the security protection installed on your computer.
↓ 20 – ClamWin Portable
ClamWin is a Free Antivirus for Microsoft Windows. It provides a graphical user interface to the Clam AntiVirus engine. It features high detection rates for viruses and spyware, regular antivirus updates from the ClamAV team, and a standalone antivirus scanner. ClamWin allows for manually scanning individual files, folder, or drives but does not include an always-on background scanner.
↓ 21 – Sophos Virus Removal Tool
Using cutting edge technology found in our enterprise-grade software, this powerful tool detects all types of malicious software on your computer—including viruses, spyware, rootkits and Conficker—and returns it to a working state.
The tool has direct access to virus data from SophosLabs, our global network of threat researchers, ensuring that even the very latest viruses are detected and removed. And it works alongside your existing antivirus. Their free Virus Removal Tool is a quick and easy way to find and get rid of any threats lurking on your computer. Our tool identifies and cleans up infections your antivirus might have missed.
- Removes viruses, Conficker, rootkits, and fake antivirus
- Supports Windows XP SP2 and up
- Works alongside your existing antivirus
↓ 22 – VIPRE Rescue
VIPRE Rescue is a handy, easy to use tool designed to clean your computer if you are already infected with a virus and your operating system is not working properly as a result of the infection. If you are already running VIPRE and a virus has disabled it, you can still run this program to clean your computer.
↓ 23 – eScan Anti-Virus Toolkit
eScanAV Anti-Virus Toolkit (MWAV) is a FREE utility that enables you to scan and clean Viruses, Spyware, Adware and any other Malware that may have infected your computer. The eScanAV Anti-Virus Toolkit (MWAV) requires no installation and can be run directly from anywhere, on your computer, USB Drive or from a CD ROM. It can also run if you already have other Anti-Virus software installed on your computer.
The eScanAV Anti-Virus Toolkit (MWAV) also gets updated on a daily basis with the latest updates to detect spyware and adware released recently, plus the engine is constantly being improvised for faster and intelligent detections. Free eScan Antivirus Toolkit Download for Windows® 2012 R2 / 2012 / 2008 R2 / 2008 / 2003 R2 / 2003 / 10 / 8.1 / 8 / 7 / Vista / XP. Scan for Viruses, Spyware and Adware in your computer. Just download and run. No installation of this software required.
↓ 24 – Avast aswMBR
aswMBR is the rootkit scanner that scans for MBR/VBR/SRV rootkits. It can detect TDL4/3(Alureon), ZAccess, MBRoot (Sinowal), Whistler, SST, Cidox, Pihar and other malware. The current version of aswMBR uses “Virtualization Technology” to improve detection of stealth malware. Please note that to use this feature your machine & CPU must support hardware virtualization.
↓ 25 – BitDefender Quick Scan [ Discontinued ]
Bitdefender QuickScan uses in-the-cloud scanning technology to detect active malware on your system, in under a minute. Because it focuses on active e-threats, the product uses just a fraction of the system resources needed by a regular virus scan and requires no time-consuming virus signature updates, as the detection process is performed by remote Bitdefender servers.
How To Stop Viruses, Trojan and Malware
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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, Avira can speed up your computer and reduce boot 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 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 remarkable how well Bitdefender runs despite its minimal design. Drag and drop folders and files directly into the program to run a scan against them, as well as 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—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.
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 potentially 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 primary antivirus program.
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 feature 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).
For 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; supplemental modules enhance the virus shield and provide additional services related to security and privacy.
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 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 excluded in advance from scans
- Custom scans are easy to save for use in the future
- A Rescue Disk utility 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
- 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).
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, the password manager and Cleanup tools are only trial versions that will expire after a time-limited trial. 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. 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 program's 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.
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:
Best Antivirus For Windows Xp Free Download Full Version
- Password protect the entire application
- Have the quarantine emptied every three days, every week, every month, or never
- A gaming/multimedia option disables 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
- Enable USB protection to 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
- Optionally install Panda Safe Web during setup to protect you from 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 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.
Best Antivirus For Windows Xp 2018
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.
AVG AntiVirus Free is highly customizable. You can either install it and leave the settings alone to have regular protection, or go into the settings and make adjustments to nearly anything.
Choose how to scan files— include only content that might include malware (like executable data), only files that use a file extension considered potentially dangerous (like EXE), or all files regardless of content type or file extension.
Enable rootkit detection, hardcore mode, and CyberCapture technology, which helps detect threats in unrecognized files.
During setup, you have full control over which components should be enabled or disabled after 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. Installshield 2010 sp1 crack download.
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 starts to make sure your computer is safe. 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.
The basic view for the program's settings runs scans, unblock applications, updates the program, and runs software in a virtual mode, while the advanced view reports more details about those areas of the program and displays logs as well as toggles various things like HIPS and VirusScope.
Check out 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. 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
- Show 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
- 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, manually checks your programs for vulnerabilities, functions as a VPN client, and includes a firewall.
Installing this program lets you block websites by URL and site category, such as bandwidth-consuming sites, illegal sites, and ones flagged as including content relating to hacking, discrimination, erotica, games, advertising, shopping, child abuse, and plagiarism.
Sandbox files opened from a web download, email attachment, removable drive, or network drive. This feature 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, 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 it's toggled, 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).
Immunet offers real-time protection for Windows. 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 that prevents all programs from being installed unless they first pass a security scan
- Gaming Mode prevents notifications from the program while you watch movies or play games.
- Automatically excludes certain folders and file types from scans, including temp folders and certain system32 folders
- Manually exclude any file, folder, or threat (by its name)
- Toggle scanning for archives and packed files
- Runs 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 Security Cloud Free
What We Like
The Best Antivirus For Windows Xp
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 Security Cloud Free is a good choice for a free antivirus program if you want a simple program that boasts lots of features. It’s easy to use and offers many 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 Security Cloud Free can automatically postpone scans and reduce display animations if the CPU runs too high. It supports idle scans for when you’re away and lets you favor performance over protection by altering the overall security level.
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 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 auto-pauses when specific applications start up 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
- 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.
- 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 runs 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
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 blocks 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 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
ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus + Firewall works on Windows 10, 8, and 7.