Keep your computer and other devices safe from viruses and other harmful software with these top-rated antivirus programs.

In 2025, most devices feature built-in antivirus software that scans files you attempt to download, blocking anything it deems suspicious. Antivirus tools also perform automated scans to remove ...

When the IBM PC was new, I served as the president of the San Francisco PC User Group for three years. That’s how I met PCMag’s editorial team, who brought me on board in 1986. In the years since that ...

Firewalls scan data sent to your computer for malware and attempt to block files or other data they deem suspicious. Like ...

Dianna Gunn built her first WordPress website in 2008. Since then, she's poured thousands of hours into understanding how websites and online businesses work. She's shared what she's learned on blogs ...

Best Antivirus Best Free Antivirus in 2026: What You Get (and What You Don’t) Free antivirus software in 2026: compare Avast, Bitdefender, AVG, and Malwarebytes. Discover what free protection includes ...

Many people today question the need for a dedicated antivirus program, considering that Windows Defender comes installed with the OS. However, Avast Free Antivirus is not only free but also provides a ...

b The two free antivirus programs I've recommended most in the past are Avast Free Edition and AVG Free Edition. Both are solid means of real-time protection (meaning they run continuously on your ...