Windows is one of the most popular and widely used software programs in the world, but that doesn't mean it's immune to vulnerability. It could easily be infected by a virus, malware, or Trojan. However, this operating system has a fundamental safeguard that prevents any type of attack.
It's always important to remember that when browsing the web, we're constantly putting our computers at risk. Therefore, we must have the necessary tools to protect ourselves against potential external threats. Losing data or experiencing a security breach can have very serious consequences.
To prevent malware from damaging our systems , it's recommended to install antivirus software. You can find and download some of these throughout this article. They generally offer a free service, although it's worth noting that there are premium versions with more advanced features. But for now, we'll focus on the free, publicly available options.
List of the best free antivirus programs to install on Windows 8 and have a secure computer
Often, when looking for an antivirus program, we spend hours searching the internet for one that truly catches our eye. While many do work, others aren't what they seem, which is why we try one after another, making the process complicated.
Sometimes we choose to have more than one at the same time, thinking this is a good option, but it turns out to be quite the opposite. So today we'll make this search task easier for you.
It's important to note that when using your computer, it's essential to protect it from any type of attack. Therefore, our first recommendation is to keep your security settings always activated to provide you with greater protection.
Avira Antivirus Free
This is one of the best antivirus programs , offering a comprehensive and user-friendly interface. Avira provides a free, secure, private, and high-performance service. With it, you can protect your personal data, detect online threats, and safeguard your programs, browsing history, and searches.
It specifically has a scanner that allows you to perform efficient scans whenever you want, checking whether or not there is any malware that could infect your computer.
Download Avira Antivirus for Windows
Bitdefender Antivirus Free
It's an antivirus program with a good reputation, as it's secure, robust, and reliable. However, to use all its features, you must purchase the complete package, which is expensive; this package includes real-time protection, email scanning, anti-spam features, and more.
Even if you can't afford it, you should get the free version, which, although basic, works for what we need, which is to protect the computer; therefore, it includes the most used functions, virus analysis and removal.
It has a system that helps detect any type of virus or malware, ensuring your computer performs at its best and is completely secure. It's easy to use and lightweight to download, helping to keep your computer well-protected without any risk.
Download Bitdefender Antivirus Windows
Avast Free Antivirus
This antivirus offers complete protection against any type of threat you might encounter while browsing the web. In addition, it provides an option to password-protect anything you choose.
The free version doesn't offer many advantages, as it doesn't alert you that you're browsing an illegal website. Similarly, it lacks privacy protections and spam filtering, so if you want to enjoy these and other features, you'll need to purchase the Premium version.
However, the protection it provides in its free version is 100% secure and protects you sufficiently from unknown threats.
It has a very simple and easy-to-use interface. Upon installation, you will be asked to allow it to send you offers so you can stay informed of all updates. Please note that if you accept, some of your personal data will be shared with it.
Download Avast Antivirus for Free
Kaspersky Antivirus Free
It is widely used worldwide and is employed by thousands of internet users to protect the equipment they use daily.
The free version doesn't allow you to use all its features, so if you want to enjoy them you must pay for the Premium version; without it you won't have full protection, which means you won't have protection when making a transaction, connecting to a VPN, or using parental controls.
But you will be able to use the protection for your files, when you browse the web, when you access your email, update software, among other things.
Download Kaspersky Antivirus
AVG Free Antivirus
It's not one of the best free antivirus programs you can download, but we consider it because it provides protection when your computer gets a virus.
It can be used while you're working, so you'll always be protected. The free version alerts you to unsafe websites, and it will automatically block any infected attachments. That's a big plus.
You should know that this type of application generally does not share personal information with any company, although it's a good idea to read the terms and conditions when you install it.
Download AVG Antivirus
Microsoft Windows Defender
This program comes pre-installed with Windows 8, so it's one of the applications that many users use automatically. However, this doesn't happen if it's disabled or if another antivirus is installed.
This version is more up-to-date than previous versions, protecting your computer against viruses and improving its performance. It also detects most malware that can cause damage and offers protection against rootkits and bootkits.
Besides its free version, there is also The paid version offers many more options and tools. that can be run. To use it, you just need to verify that it is enabled.
Check Point ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus
It's an antivirus system that includes a free firewall, authorized by Kaspersky's protection license. This combination of products makes your computer highly efficient, as it provides real-time security thanks to its web-based online service.
Besides this, its built-in firewall makes it invisible to all hackers and data attacks . If they ever try to cause any damage, it will be able to stop them, even if they try to escape.
Download Check Point ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus
Sophos Home Free
It generally provides protection for companies, so its free version offers several features that are included in the paid version. Notably, you can manage it remotely across multiple devices. This means you can install it on devices other than your own and manage it to provide the highest possible level of security.
With Sophos, your computer will be protected against phishing and will block any website containing dangerous content. It features artificial intelligence capable of restricting access to advanced viruses, malware, exploits, and ransomware attacks.
Download Sophos Home Free
Adware Antivirus Free
Its free version has new features, but there are functions that it does not allow you to use, such as having a previous version.
This antivirus program does not protect against malicious websites, but since it offers a free option, it's worth trying to see what benefits it offers compared to other competing programs.
We can point out in advance that it offers protection against viruses, ransomware and spyware, provides security in downloads and blocks malicious processes and infected files.
Download Adaware Antivirus Free
Comodo Antivirus
This is a good option to keep your computer protected, as it's currently updated to the latest version. If the user wants a previous version, they can access it in the settings.
This software offers discretion and precision, and its free version delivers significant results, including real-time PC scanning, sandbox protection, email, file, and network analysis, process monitoring, and more. However, as is typical, if you require enhanced security, you should upgrade to the Premium version.
It is important to note that when you install it, you should carefully check that it does not modify your default homepage, as it usually sets the Yahoo! homepage.
Download Comodo Antivirus
Free Panda Antivirus
It's one of the best systems you can use to detect threats on your computer, and it offers a very modern interface that's incredibly easy and fast to use. It also provides USB protection when you connect a USB drive to your computer.
It's important to note that you should be a little careful with the free version because it has low performance, since its detection rate has decreased in independent virus tests.
It has a unique feature: it doesn't require updates, and it can detect threats and send samples very quickly. Likewise, when analyzing files, it checks them against its policies to ensure compliance with its requirements.
Download Panda Free Antivirus
360 Total Security
It effectively analyzes your computer. Its advantage is that it has firewalls and protects you against any type of attack on your personal data using real-time credit detection tools.
It offers cloud technology that detects ransomware variants, monitors documents for anything malicious, and automatically backs them up so that when your documents are compromised, you have a secure backup.
Download 360 Total Security
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free
It is one of the most downloaded programs, because it provides one of the best and most outstanding services for removing any type of virus that wants to damage your computer.
It's commonly used by technology companies and their support teams because it's a good option. It continuously scans your computer for threats and notifies you of the results so you can take the necessary steps. It offers protection against ransomware, malware, and spyware.
Download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free
Webroot.com
It's an easy-to-use and lightweight tool, thanks to its quick installation and small file size. However, it doesn't receive frequent updates regarding signatures, which could potentially limit bandwidth usage. It offers firewall and anti-phishing features, a network connection monitor, anti-ransomware protection, and other options. A license is required.
ESET Antivirus NOD32
This type of antivirus is generally not one of the best options to download, as it lacks a firewall, file delete tool, attack scanner, password manager, and other extras found in other antivirus versions. However, this doesn't mean you can't try it and verify its real-time virus protection and malicious website blocking capabilities.
Is it really safe to use free antivirus software on Windows 8? Risks
Undoubtedly, antivirus software is essential for protecting your computer, so it's always a good idea to have one enabled. Essentially, antivirus programs prevent your computer from being compromised by malware, viruses, Trojans, or worms, which can cause severe damage.
It's worth noting that Windows comes with a default program that prevents these types of attacks: Microsoft Security Essentials. This tool includes a basic firewall and helps keep your computer free from infection. However, if you don't think it's good enough, you can choose to download one of the programs we've already mentioned.
Some risks we run by not having one are the following:
- Data loss.
- Slow computer.
- spyware.
- Fraud.
- Identity theft or file theft.
