Microsoft Defender isn't bad, but it's not enough to fully protect your PC. You don't have to pay extra, though—just use one of the top free antivirus apps we've tested.

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 ...

Having some sort of antimalware protection is a must on Windows PCs, but if you're trying to pick between Bitdefender and McAfee, Consumer Reports may help.

ZDNET tested the best antivirus software on the market, with support for multiple operating systems, VPNs, and robust protection.

We explore how Windows Security and Microsoft Defender protect your Windows 11 computer and why you might want to consider an alternative. Dianna Gunn built her first WordPress website in 2008. Since ...

Zephin Livingston is a former staff reviewer at Forbes Advisor, specializing in testing and reviewing privacy and security software, like VPNs, antivirus software, password managers and more. Zephin ...

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 ...

Over 300,000 new types of ransomware and other malicious software are discovered daily, according to the IT security research institute AV-TEST. Computer viruses can slow your devices, create a slew ...

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 ...