I just rebuilt a Lenovo Edge laptop and installed Windows 10 pro on it, it is using the windows defender security but wondering what the best free antivirus is for windows 10 pro since I do not want to have issues with it and also do not want to have to reinstall the os due to virus
I personally use MalwareBytes (the free version) which you can download from here but have heard that AVG is good too (get from here). But if this is going to be used a lot as a work or home computer, I would spend the money for a good antivirus. I once got a One-Year subscription to Norton on 10 devices for only $10.
The default Windows Defender unless you always visit shady sites, but for normal everyday use, it's all you need. I've relied on Microsoft's own AV since Windows 7 came out, and I admit I do visit some sites that may not be the best, but I've never once had any infections.
Test antivirus software for Windows 10 - October 2016 | AV-TEST
AV-Comparatives Comparatives & Reviews - AV-Comparatives
Currently I would pick Avast or 360 TSE (enable Bitdefender and optionaly slower Avira).
To secure your PC even more, use a custom DNS like Google, Norton or OpenDNS.
Top 10 Best Public DNS Servers & Fastest DNS Servers 2017
Just a side note. I was very fond of 360 TSE but I found out it didn't detect some "on the wild" viruses here on Spain (that WD detect and clean with no issues) and I see it has not been updated in a long time.
Yeah, 360 relies on cloud and heuristic mostly, that is why it is important to enable at least Bitdefender.
But it does pretty good on its own: Qihoo Total Security- a Mechanistic Protection Test - YouTube
As far as performance goes, 360 and Avast are also the lightest ones and virtually no conflicts.
I use BitDefender free plus Immunet, it's a good combination. See the review here:
Free Antivirus Challenge Ep-2 | Best Automated Security - YouTube
BD Free lacks in self-protection, can cause memory leaks and even fails to uninstall properly, Windows will still detect it, than again, free version is not their beloved child, more like an orphan they have adopted. Forced registration is also not very appealing. But if you manage to get it running, it is fine AV.
I have used Comodo internet security in the past and never had issues with it , but have heard that windows 10 doesn't need any av protection so a little confused
Quote