My free Mccafee expired (from the ISP) Is Windows defender enough or should I get something else?


Avast
AVG ??


The Best Free Antivirus Software for 2025 | PCMag

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Still Running Against the Wind

Windows Defender has a good reputation. I have used Avast free version for many years. Either will do the job.

I'll second Windows Defender. Been using it for years on various computers as I've upgraded. My son works in IT and also recommends it.

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Inconsistently consistent

I have used nothing but Defender for years and never had an issue. The key is to be extra careful with your clicks...but I suppose that's important no matter what service you are using.

Yep. The anti-virus and firewall software built into Windows nowadays is as good as anything else that you'll get without paying for it.

The built-in Windows Security works fine. Avast is good, as well, if you feel you want to install a separate A/V.

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Heavily armed old man.

Presently Using AVAST.

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NRA LIFE MEMBER

...and they start out great but after a few 'upgrades' I'm unhappy with them. I used Norton (got terrible) AVAST (went downhill) I used the Kapeirsky (Russian) one for a while. For a long time now I just use Windows Defender. Keep it updated, stay off dubious sites and you should be fine.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

Defender is pretty decent these days. That wasn't always true, but it has steadily improved over the years. I still use Avast free edition. Most reviewers rate it slightly ahead of Defender. It's unobtrusive and scans run quickly in the background. You get more options in the paid version, but many of those are unnecessary and of questionable value. The basic antivirus is the same.

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Or something like that . . .

Windows defender has served me well for years. Just make sure you keep it updated regularly since most of the updates are for security updates.

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Why duck?? It's a 9mm!

Windows Defender is good but.... it will not defend you against some malware, nor will it protect against trackers installed by many websites.

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So many S&W's, so few funds!!

Of course (and this may not be popular) you really don't need "protection" from trackers which are used almost exclusively to show you ads that may interest you based upon what you've looked at in the past.

Similarly, if your phone "hears" you talk about, for example, a new garage door opener, you will suddenly see lots of ads for them.

But by all means, let's be paranoid, because they are all "out to get us."

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Or something like that . . .

Avast is good. AVG Free was recommended by the shop that has worked on my lap-tops and has served me well for several years.

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Gunsmithing since 1961

I use my computers for business and don't want to take any chances and my IT expert recommended Esset which I think is around $50 per year and never have any problems. He also recommend I use CC Cleaner, Malware Bytes, and Ultra defrag once a week and theses are all free.

I’m not sure why, but in all the years I’ve had a home computer (since the CPM days), I don’t recall using a “free” virus software as a primary security app. I don’t use Microsoft Defender. I’ve tried other anti-virus software but end up with the same two. I’ve used Peter Norton’s software since 1982. I am currently using Norton 360 Deluxe and Spybot S&D.

Windows Defender & Spybot Search & Destroy

Thanks to all. Guess I will just rely on Defender

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Still Running Against the Wind

I use Avast on my steam driven Win7 laptop. I only browse with Firefox and make good use of the tools and additions. This does mean that certain websites have to be finessed into giving information, while others are flat out no gos. In the latter case, and if I really have to go there, it's off to the wife's Win11 machine with Defender. Some webpages are so packed with third party scripts and aggressive data mining I no longer go there. My local Fox affiliate is one of them. My computer, my game.

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Release the Kraken

We got broke into using Windows Defender, our Computer geek recommended the basic Malwarebytes system. Whenever something is free, you get what you pay for. Since getting Malwarebytes, it will shut you down before anything bad happens, no brag just fact. If you stay away from sites loaded with dirt you shouldn't have problems, stuff happens anyway.

I use windows defender. I recommend you download msert.exe off the windows site and run it weekly. It's a free malware removal tool updated regularly. provided by microsoft. I also use paid for malwarebytes. My Edge browser has Ghostery add on installed.

Disabling javascript and setting my email program to never download remote content helps a lot.

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Common sense isn't so common.

Another vote for AVG free. I've used for years on numerous Windows system computers, lap and desk.

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Randy
Provenance nerd

I use Malwarebytes, have for several years with zero problems...The freebie version has you update and scan at your convenience, but it is manual...I use the paid version which updates and scans at least daily and all automatically......Ben

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Cogito, ergo BOOM!...

I've had several free ones, plus the free trial that came with a new computer. Only ONE has stood the test of time.

I run 2 businesses, so having a breakdown is not an option.

I know people that swear by Norton, but not I.

McAfee has been 100% reliable since I began computing. It's cost is reasonable. Free is not free.

I've been using McAfee since 1995. When renewal time is near, if I renew from my McAfee control panel it's around $80 for 5 PC's.

I'll check their web site and they'll charge $39 for the same service to new subscribers, I always call them and tell them how long I've been using their product and every year get the $39 deal.

I looked at PCMAG’s recommendations. Every one had CON’s that I’m will to take a chance on.

I do my banking as well as other things on my computer. I won’t take chances.

You get what you pay for.

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Life Is A Gift. Defend it!

Your point is definitely valid. These days we do everything online. Heck, I just closed on a house online. I did have to go to my bank to send the wire transfer, though.

That said, Avast has never let me down - nor did AVG in the ten years or so I used their free version.

Something like 90% of risks can be avoided by due diligence and staying away from file sharing sites and the ubiquitous porn sites, many of which are notorious for malware.

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Or something like that . . .

Between removing the trackers and using DuckDuckGo for a search engine, I don't worry about being inundated with ads for whatever I happen to search for. My friend can Google lawn mower parts and will get a half dozen ads within a week for parts and entire lawn mowers.

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So many S&W's, so few funds!!