The best Windows 10 antivirus software is not only free, it is pre-installed on your device. Microsoft Defender is the second-best consecutive antivirus software for home users, according to freelance IT security firm AV-Test.
AV-Test, in its latest report, gave Microsoft Defender the best scores in all three categories: defense, performance, and usability. McAfee, Avast, AVG, Avera, and many more solutions got full marks.
Passing the exam
To evaluate antivirus solutions, AV-Test submits everyone to a rigorous testing process, including real-world threats. It explores the latest exploits of cyber-attackers, including zero-day malware, drive-by attacks, infected emails, and more to see how antivirus software copes.
In addition to the effectiveness of any selected antivirus program, AV-Test also examines whether a solution adversely affects the performance of the device it is protecting. Often, one of the main reasons people choose antivirus solutions is the fear of slowing down the launch of websites and applications.
The latest approval reinforces the notion that Microsoft’s built-in antivirus software is sufficient to protect your devices. It benefits from the lack of regular updates and bloatware. However, there is also a range of very effective third party antivirus solutions that you may still want to consider.
