Top 10 free antivirus programs for Windows 10 in 2025

With the growing number of cyber threats in 2025, protecting a Windows 10 computer is becoming critically important, especially considering the end of official support for this OS by Microsoft on October 14, 2025. Free antivirus programs offer a decent level of protection without financial cost, although their functionality is often limited compared to paid versions.

We analyzed the best free antivirus programs available in 2025, evaluating them based on threat detection effectiveness, system performance impact, additional features, and ease of use. All programs in the list have been tested by independent labs (AV-Test, AV-Comparatives) and are compatible with Windows 10.
Important: Download antivirus software only from official websites to avoid malware infection.

1. Microsoft Defender (Windows Defender)

• Developer: Microsoft
• Link: Built into Windows 10
• Features:
• Real-time protection, automatic and manual scans
• Folder access control to protect against ransomware
• Integration with Microsoft Edge for phishing protection (limited to this browser)
• High scores in AV-Test (98.8% malware detection)
• Pros: Fully integrated with Windows, minimal system load, no ads, automatic updates
• Cons: Limited web threat protection outside of Edge; won't protect against new threats after October 2025
• Why in the top list?
  Microsoft Defender is the best choice for users needing basic protection without installing third-party software. It is effective against most known threats, doesn't burden the system, and requires no setup. However, its effectiveness may decline after Windows 10 support ends, making the use of additional tools relevant.

2. Avast One Essential

• Developer: Avast
• Link: avast.com
• Features:
• Protection against viruses, ransomware, and phishing with high ratings (9.9/10 in AV-Test and AV-Comparatives)
• AI-based Web Guard assistant to block scam websites and downloads
• Network inspector for Wi-Fi security checks
• Free VPN (5 GB/week)
• Pros: High detection effectiveness, extra features (VPN, optimization), support for Windows, macOS, and Android
• Cons: Limited features compared to paid version, premium plan ads
• Why in the top list?
  Avast One Essential leads with its powerful Gen Stack engine, high threat detection rate, and additional tools rarely found in free versions. Ideal for users seeking comprehensive protection.

3. AVG AntiVirus Free

• Developer: AVG (owned by Avast)
• Link: avg.com
• Features:
• Same Gen Stack engine as Avast, with perfect 10/10 rating from both labs
• Ransomware protection, malicious downloads and links blocking
• Basic network inspector and web threat protection
• Support for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
• Pros: High performance, minimal system load, simple interface
• Cons: No automatic junk cleanup (requires paid version), limited web protection
• Why in the top list?
  AVG AntiVirus Free is a simplified alternative to Avast with a similar protection level. Ideal for those who prefer a minimalist antivirus without extra features.

4. Avira Free Security

• Developer: Avira
• Link: avira.com
• Features:
• Cloud scanning, phishing and tracker protection
• Free VPN (500 MB/month), basic password manager, system cleaner
• Safe Shopping browser extension against trackers
• High AV-Test ratings (6/6 for protection)
• Pros: Many extra features, cross-platform (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS), minimal system load
• Cons: Limited VPN, intrusive ads for paid version
• Why in the top list?
  Avira stands out with its additional tools such as VPN and password manager, making it a full-featured free protection ecosystem. Great for users who value functionality.

5. 360 Total Security

• Developer: Qihu 360
• Link: 360totalsecurity.com
• Features:
• Three engines: Bitdefender, Avira, QVM II for heuristic analysis
• 360 Cloud Engine for real-time checks, System Repair for recovery
• System optimization, Wi-Fi security checks
• Support for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
• Pros: Comprehensive approach, high efficiency due to multiple engines, optimization tools
• Cons: Complicated interface, possible false positives
• Why in the top list?
  360 Total Security offers a unique combination of three engines, providing strong protection and additional optimization features. Suitable for users seeking a multifunctional solution.

6. Kaspersky Free

• Developer: Kaspersky
• Link: kaspersky.com
• Features:
• Real-time protection, email and file scanning
• High AV-Test ratings (almost 100% detection)
• Beginner-friendly simplicity
• Pros: High efficiency, minimalist interface, phishing protection
• Cons: Heavy system load, frequent notifications, limited features in free version
• Why in the top list?
  Kaspersky Free is a powerful antivirus with an excellent reputation, ideal for beginners, but may annoy experienced users due to notifications.

7. Dr.Web CureIt

• Developer: Dr.Web
• Link: free.drweb.ru
• Features:
• Portable scanner, no installation required
• Effective detection and removal of viruses missed by other antiviruses
• USB drive scanning support
• Pros: Easy to use, up-to-date database, no conflicts with other antivirus software
• Cons: No real-time protection, manual launch required
• Why in the top list?
  Dr.Web CureIt is a perfect additional tool for checking systems alongside another antivirus like Microsoft Defender. Suitable for occasional deep scans.

8. Adaware Antivirus Free

• Developer: Adaware
• Link: adaware.com
• Features:
• Protection against viruses and phishing, camera/microphone monitoring
• Minimal system load
• Regular database updates
• Pros: Lightweight, good for weak PCs, privacy protection
• Cons: Ads, limited features in free version
• Why in the top list?
  Adaware Antivirus Free is a great choice for old or low-end computers thanks to its low system requirements and basic phishing protection.

9. ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus

• Developer: Check Point
• Link: zonealarm.com
• Features:
• Antivirus with strong firewall, traffic control
• Protection from botnets and hacker attacks
• High detection effectiveness (AV-Test)
• Pros: Comprehensive protection including firewall, simple interface
• Cons: Limited features in the free version, requires configuration
• Why in the top list?
  ZoneAlarm stands out with its built-in firewall, rarely found in free antivirus solutions. Suitable for users concerned with network threats.

10. ClamWin Free Antivirus

• Developer: ClamWin
• Link: clamwin.com
• Features:
• Open-source, regular updates
• Manual scanning for virus detection
• Integration with Windows Explorer
• Pros: Minimalist interface, suitable as a secondary scanner
• Cons: No real-time protection, outdated interface
• Why in the top list?
  ClamWin is a niche solution for users who prefer open-source software and use it as an additional scanner.

How to Choose a Free Antivirus for Windows 10?

• Detection Effectiveness: Choose antiviruses with high scores in AV-Test or AV-Comparatives (Avast, AVG, Kaspersky, Avira). Microsoft Defender is also good, but less effective against new threats.
• System Load: For low-end PCs, consider Adaware, Avira, or Microsoft Defender. Kaspersky and 360 Total Security require more powerful hardware.
• Additional Features: Avira and 360 Total Security offer VPNs, optimization, and Wi-Fi protection. ZoneAlarm adds a firewall. Dr.Web and ClamWin are for scanning only.
• Compatibility: Ensure the antivirus doesn't conflict with Microsoft Defender (Dr.Web and ClamWin are suitable as additions).
• Windows 10 Limitations: After October 2025, Microsoft Defender will stop receiving updates for Windows 10, making third-party antivirus software essential.

So, Which to Choose?

• For basic protection: Microsoft Defender is the best choice due to integration and simplicity, but it needs a complement after October 2025.
• For maximum protection: Avast One Essential and AVG AntiVirus Free lead in effectiveness and additional features.
• For low-end PCs: Adaware and Avira — lightweight and effective.
• For comprehensive protection: 360 Total Security and ZoneAlarm offer unique features (optimization, firewall).
• For additional scanning: Dr.Web CureIt and ClamWin — great tools for periodic checks.

Choose your antivirus based on your needs and PC performance. For optimal protection, combine Microsoft Defender with periodic scans using Dr.Web CureIt or ClamWin. If you need comprehensive protection with a firewall or VPN, check out ZoneAlarm or Avira. Always download software from official websites to avoid counterfeit versions with malicious code.