Free Computer Antivirus

[Miska]

Can anyone recommend a good free antivirus protection for a Windows 8 computer

 

[Susan R]

Hello Miska,

My IT guy at work recommended AVG and I've been happy with it for my home laptop and smartphone.

http://http://download.cnet.com/AVG-AntiVirus-Free-2013/3000-2239_4-10320142.html?part=dl-avg_free_ca&subj=dl&tag=button

Thanks,
Susan

 

[Jonathan Swift]

Windows 8 should come with Microsoft Defender built in. However, many PCs have it disabled. Uninstall McAfee or Norton, or whatever garbage it came with and re-enable Defender: http://www.pcworld.com/article/2020260/how-to-activate-windows-defender-in-windows-8.html

 

[Sadie22]

Windows 8 should come with Microsoft Defender built in. However, many PCs have it disabled. Uninstall McAfee or Norton, or whatever garbage it came with and re-enable Defender: http://www.pcworld.com/article/2020260/how-to-activate-windows-defender-in-windows-8.html

After that, download and install Microsoft Security Essentials.

 

[cglaura]

After that, download and install Microsoft Security Essentials.

This isn't needed on Windows 8, Defender now replaces it. (Defender is now a full antivirus/antimalware suite type of thing).

After you uninstall any Norton or McAfee you might have, you should get a prompt that your computer is not protected and will ask to turn on Defender. If not, you can search for Defender on the pop out charm menu, then click (might be right click) and it will open the Defender program where you can turn it on.

Windows Defender for Windows 8 and Windows RT provides the same level of protection against malware as Microsoft Security Essentials. You can't use Microsoft Security Essentials with Windows 8, but you don't need to Windows Defender is already included and ready to go. But if youre looking to protect a PC with an older version of Windows, you can use Microsoft Security Essentials to help guard against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software. It provides free* real-time protection for your home or small business PCs.​

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security-essentials-download

 

[Alexander]

This isn't needed on Windows 8, Defender now replaces it. (Defender is now a full antivirus/antimalware suite type of thing).

After you uninstall any Norton or McAfee you might have, you should get a prompt that your computer is not protected and will ask to turn on Defender. If not, you can search for Defender on the pop out charm menu, then click (might be right click) and it will open the Defender program where you can turn it on.

Windows Defender for Windows 8 and Windows RT provides the same level of protection against malware as Microsoft Security Essentials. You can't use Microsoft Security Essentials with Windows 8, but you don't need to Windows Defender is already included and ready to go. But if youre looking to protect a PC with an older version of Windows, you can use Microsoft Security Essentials to help guard against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software. It provides free* real-time protection for your home or small business PCs.​

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security-essentials-download

Thank you! I have several computers (home and at school) with 7 and Essentials, but on one I upgraded to 8, I will have to see if I have Defender on. Thanks again!

 

[artesian]

Been using AVG and Avast for a long time. Would recommend having Malwarebytes loaded also

 

[jamesedward]

Window 8 is a newer version of Microsoft.This operating system has enabled protection programs in it so the chances of damages are less but still we need to take precaution from the threads coming from the world of web. I would like to suggest you few antivirus which can be run on any Microsofts platform these are:
AVAST
AVG
Immunet
Commodo