Best antivirus for Windows 10

Hello,

I have a question regarding antivirus programs on windows 10 - though this will also extend to windows 7 and windows 8.1.

My new windows 10 laptop came preinstalled with McAfee, and the trial has almost expired - hence, I uninstalled McAfee because it likes to use up a lot of CPU power. For example, "mcshield.exe", which is a McAfee component, used up over 50% of my CPU on occasion and Mcafee wasn't even running a scan or open (it was probably something in the background).

I have put AVG Free antivirus on my windows 10 laptop, to test it out (as my subscription on my other two laptops is up soon). Unfortunately I have already had a couple of issues - this new "System Interrupts" process is now using CPU (about 5%) and I can't stop it. Though recently, I have had this weird thing called "TIWORKER" consume up to 25% of my CPU, which is probably the equivalent of TrustedInstaller, the thing I complained about on the windows 7 forums. I had to manually force close it; now the laptops CPU usage is nice and low (as expected).

Which antivirus software would you recommend I use? It needs to work (i.e. stop viruses) and also needs to be light on CPU resources (the whole reason of getting rid of McAfee). Preferably a free version but would go for a paid version if the price is reasonable. (Remember that this will be for 3 PCs, 4 copies will be required if I get my new laptop dual booted.)

Thanks!

BunnyJ said:

FWIW, I use good old defender .. it's just perfect for my current needs.

I did have a look at Windows Defender (it's preinstalled on the laptop) however it then started off SVCHost (or whatever it's called) and had more CPU issues...

Is there a likelihood that in 2016, Microsoft will stop allowing Windows10 to function unless Microsoft Security Essentials/Windows Defender is turned "ON"?

I ask this because Microsoft has taken away the ability to use the Adobe Flash Active-X and replaced it with its own in-house version..and it's causing more problems than it's (supposedly) solving.

The trend seems to be Microsoft wanting to have 100% control over everything that interacts with Windows-10.

Actually there is a "best" and it is Norton Internet Security. Just get it - Trust Me!

Low system resource usage...it "just works" if you want a set it and forget it total system security from hackers trying to get into your computer...email phishing/spam...web browser security...viruses, trojans, you name it.

You can't go wrong with Norton Internet Security (and you can install it legally on 3 devices as well) so what's not to like?

I think good browsing habits with any AV will do however keep this in mind...

If you are not wanting to pay for AV then I recommend Defender as most free AV's don't offer active protection unless you pay. Defender however does. Now if your willing to pay then I recommend

Defender + Malwarebytes Pro as this will cover the two main types of scans Signature (Defender) and Heuristic (Malwarebytes) which means you will be pretty covered. Most AV's usually only scan with one method or at least a primary, Malwarebytes will play nice with defender and give you amazing protection.

Hi:

Vladimir said:

It's true; but two processes running for the same purpose isn't a good resource management policy.

To clarify:

Actually, MBAM Premium is NOT for the "same purpose" as an AV.:)
MBAM is NOT an AV and is not a substitute for an AV.
MBAM Premium is specifically designed to run alongside a real-time AV, to provide complementary protection against certain types of zero-hour and zero-day malware threats missed by the AV.
This is called a layered approach to security.
Any modern system with hardware sufficient for Win10 will have more than sufficient resources to run MBAM + AV.
As for $ resources: the cost works out to pennies a day or less -- much cheaper than the cost/time/aggravation of recovering from a major security mishap/malware infection. <JMHO>

Thank you,
MM (just a home user with no $ interest)