Best Antivirus Software for Windows 11/10 (Free and Paid)

While 2024 saw nearly 6.2 billion malware infections (mainly viruses), the number is projected to reach a shocking 6.5 billion in 2025. Let that sink in! These statistics are true in this era when cybercriminals are empowered with AI and deepfake technologies, along with regular entry points like file downloads and suspicious websites, to attack your computer and steal your data. However, your savior from these attacks is right here—the best antivirus software for Windows. 

Antivirus software is a security program that protects your computer from malicious software, such as viruses, worms, Trojans, ransomware, etc. They scan your system, detect threats, and remove or neutralize them. 

Moreover, modern antivirus programs are equipped with additional helpful features, such as password management, phishing protection, virtual private networks (VPNs), firewalls, parental controls, and a lot more. 

However, not every antivirus you stumble upon is reliable. Some of them are baits to hack your computer, and many of them do not live up to user expectations. 

Hence, we spent more than a week trying and testing the top 10 antivirus names list. Out of these programs, only a few checked all the right boxes, such as robust malware detection and removal, real-time threat protection, user-friendly interface, minimal system impact, and additional features (for instance, web protection). Let us walk you through them without further ado. 

Well-Researched List of the Best Antivirus Software for Windows

The following are our top favorites (and can become yours too): Windows antivirus software. 

1. Bitdefender Total Security

Meet Bitdefender Total Security, a comprehensive antivirus software for Windows. It is a complete security suite renowned for its powerful malware protection, minimal system impact, and friendly interface. 

Moreover, it delights users with its real-time threat detection, robust anti-ransomware capabilities, and a reliable firewall. Additionally, the following are its more likable features. 

Key features of Bitdefender Total Security

• It offers multi-layered ransomware protection and ransomware remediation
• This software boasts network threat protection to block network-based attacks
• It has an advanced threat defense system with behavioral analysis to detect and neutralize threats
• Bitdefender Total Security identifies and blocks malicious websites and emails to protect you from phishing attacks
• It prevents unauthorized access to your webcam and microphone
• There is a vulnerability scanner to identify potential weaknesses in your system

Click here to learn more about Bitdefender Total Security 

Also know: Best Online Virus Scanners for Windows Operating System

2. Norton 360

Next, we have Norton 360, another comprehensive cybersecurity software, on our list of the best antivirus software for Windows. Much like the other names on our list, it offers a user-friendly online dashboard and foolproof malware detection. However, its cutting-edge machine learning technologies and heuristics to detect and block threats, along with the following features, set it apart from other antivirus software. 

Key features of Norton 360

• With Norton 360, you get real-time threat protection from different malware types
• It offers cloud backup for important files and documents to keep them protected from threats and data loss
• The built-in firewall lets you monitor and control the network traffic, blocking unauthorized device access
• It protects your personal information and alerts you if any potential breach occurs with dark web monitoring
• There is a privacy monitor to scan popular people-search websites
• You get a SafeCam to block unauthorized access to your webcam

Click here to learn more about Norton 360

3. TotalAV

We cannot resist talking about TotalAV. It is a popular antivirus software for Windows with real-time protection, system tune-up tools, a VPN, and an ad blocker, besides a user-friendly interface and strong malware detection (especially against phishing attacks and ransomware). Moreover, the following are some more remarkable features of this software. 

Key features of TotalAV

• There is a WebShield that blocks access to harmful URLs to protect you from malicious websites and phishing attacks
• You can run smart, quick, full, or custom scans to detect threats on your device
• TotalAV boasts an ad blocker that blocks annoying and malicious ads to enhance your browsing experience
• It lets you perform a data breach check to find if your email address is involved in any data breaches
• The malware remediation feature lets you remove detected malware from your system
• There is an application uninstaller to uninstall unwanted applications, including multiple apps in a single shot
• The startup manager lets you manage startup programs to improve your computer’s boot time

Click here to learn more about TotalAV

4. McAfee AntiVirus

Here comes McAfee Antivirus, a genuinely solid security tool, on this list of the best antivirus software for Windows. Besides core antivirus features, such as real-time scanning, scheduled scans, different scan types, and anti-phishing, it offers a robust firewall and the following laudable features. 

Key features of McAfee AntiVirus

• There is a web advisor that warns you about risky websites, files, and links to help you with safe web browsing and navigation
• It boasts many advanced security and privacy features, such as a password manager, a file shredder, identity monitoring, an online account cleanup tool, a social media privacy optimizer, a web boost (improves browsing speed), and an app boost (prioritizes resources for efficient app performance)
• There are essential security features such as a VPN, parental controls, and identity theft protection

Click here to learn more about McAfee AntiVirus 

5. Avast

The list of the best antivirus software, free and paid, for Windows 10/11 cannot be complete without Avast Antivirus. It is an antivirus program loved by users for its strong malware protection, user-friendly interface, firewall, phishing protection, webcam protection, and these delightful features. 

Key features of Avast Antivirus

• It protects your system in real time by blocking malware and viruses as they appear
• There is a WiFi inspector to scan your network for security loopholes
• The password manager securely stores and manages all your passwords
• Avast Antivirus boasts a gaming mode that optimizes your game performance by reducing background processes and interruptions
• The software updater automatically updates all installed software to patch security vulnerabilities
• This software offers a data shredder to delete files permanently, making them irrecoverable

Click here to learn more about Avast Antivirus 

Also know: Best Anti-Malware and Protection Software

Best Antivirus Software for Windows: The Conclusion

That is all for the best antivirus software for Windows 10/11. You can go through our mini antivirus reviews above to choose the one that suits you. While Windows has a built-in Windows Security (formerly known as Windows Defender) antivirus software, which offers baseline protection, it may lack the advanced features necessary to safeguard your data, prevent system damage, and protect you from various online threats, making one of these programs a must-have for your computer. 

However, if you need help choosing an antivirus, have any other questions or concerns, or have any suggestions/feedback about this article, please feel free to reach out through the comments section.