Best Antivirus for Windows 2026: 6 Tested (Is Defender Enough?)

Windows remains the primary target for malware authors. With over 70% of desktop market share, attackers focus their efforts where the users are. Microsoft has made significant strides with Windows Defender, but the question remains: is the built-in protection enough, or should you invest in third-party antivirus software?

We analyzed results from AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives, tested gaming mode performance, and evaluated Windows-specific features across the leading antivirus solutions. Here’s what Windows users need to know in 2025.

Quick answer: For most Windows users, Bitdefender Total Security offers the best combination of protection, performance, and Windows-specific features. Its automatic Game Mode keeps your FPS stable, while cloud-based scanning minimizes system impact. Windows Defender is a legitimate option for budget-conscious users who practice safe browsing habits.

Quick Comparison: Best Antivirus for Windows 2025

*Malwarebytes detection rates vary across testing labs, from 88% (SE Labs) to 100% (AVLab).

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Is Windows Defender Enough in 2025?

The honest answer: it depends on how you use your computer.

Microsoft Defender (formerly Windows Defender) has transformed from an afterthought into a legitimate security solution. In AV-TEST’s February 2025 evaluation, Defender achieved perfect 6/6 scores across protection, performance, and usability. It detected 99.4% of widespread malware and performed well against zero-day threats.

When Windows Defender is Sufficient

Windows Defender makes sense if you:

• Browse mostly mainstream websites and avoid risky downloads
• Don’t need a bundled VPN or password manager
• Use Edge as your primary browser (SmartScreen works best there)
• Want set-it-and-forget-it protection without subscriptions
• Have Windows 11 with its enhanced hardware security features

When You Need Third-Party Antivirus

Consider paid antivirus if you:

• Regularly download files from various sources
• Want comprehensive identity protection and dark web monitoring
• Need a VPN included with your security subscription
• Game frequently and want optimized performance modes
• Use Chrome or Firefox as your primary browser
• Handle sensitive financial or business data

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Best Antivirus for Windows: Detailed Reviews

1. Bitdefender Total Security - Best Overall for Windows

Bitdefender consistently leads independent testing for Windows protection. In AV-Comparatives’ April 2025 Performance Test, it ranked among the lightest antivirus solutions, using under 5% CPU during gaming sessions. The automatic Game Mode activates whenever you enter fullscreen applications, postponing background scans and notifications without requiring manual configuration.

The Windows-specific features stand out. SafePay launches a secure browser environment for online banking, isolated from your regular browsing. Ransomware Remediation backs up files targeted by encryption attacks and can restore them automatically. The Vulnerability Scanner checks for Windows updates, weak passwords, and insecure network settings.

Bitdefender’s cloud-based scanning architecture particularly benefits Windows users. Instead of performing heavy analysis locally, it offloads much of the work to Bitdefender’s cloud infrastructure. This means faster scans and lower resource usage compared to traditional signature-based antivirus.

The 200MB daily VPN limit is the main drawback. It’s enough for occasional secure browsing on public WiFi but inadequate for regular use. Upgrading to Premium Security removes this cap.

Bottom line: Bitdefender delivers the best balance of Windows protection, gaming performance, and features. The automatic Game Mode and cloud-based architecture make it particularly well-suited for modern Windows PCs.

Get Bitdefender Total Security

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2. Norton 360 Deluxe - Best for Identity Protection

Norton 360 achieves the highest protection rates in independent testing. The 99.96% real-world protection rate from AV-Comparatives and 100% zero-day detection from AV-TEST place it at the top for pure threat blocking on Windows systems.

For Windows gamers, Norton’s Silent Mode suppresses notifications and defers non-critical updates. In benchmark testing with Cyberpunk 2077 at 1440p with ray tracing, Norton showed only a 2-3% decrease in average FPS compared to running without antivirus. The real-time protection engine keeps CPU usage under 5% during gaming sessions.

The bundled unlimited VPN distinguishes Norton from competitors who impose data caps. You get 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch on Windows, and servers in 29 countries. The VPN integrates directly into the Norton dashboard rather than requiring a separate application.

Dark web monitoring scans for your personal information across underground marketplaces and data breach databases. When your email, Social Security number, or financial data appears in a breach, Norton alerts you immediately. The 50GB cloud backup protects your files against ransomware by maintaining clean copies offsite.

The main consideration is price. At $49.99 initially and $119.99 on renewal, Norton costs more than alternatives. You’re paying for the identity protection suite and unlimited VPN. If you don’t need those features, Bitdefender offers similar malware protection for less.

Bottom line: Norton 360 makes sense for Windows users who want antivirus, VPN, and identity monitoring in one subscription. The protection rates justify the premium for those who value comprehensive security.

Try Norton 360 Deluxe

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3. McAfee Total Protection - Best for Multiple Windows Devices

McAfee’s unlimited device policy makes it the most economical choice for households with multiple Windows computers. One Premium subscription covers every Windows PC, Mac, and mobile device in your home without per-device fees.

Protection performance holds up against competitors. McAfee achieved 99.7% real-world protection in testing, with 100% detection of widespread malware samples. The engine uses both signature-based detection and behavioral analysis to catch threats.

The Game Mode on Windows suspends notifications and defers background activities during fullscreen gaming. However, McAfee’s resource usage runs higher than Bitdefender or Norton. Plan for approximately 300-400MB RAM usage, and expect noticeable slowdowns if a full scan runs during gaming.

Identity protection features go beyond basic monitoring. Higher-tier plans include credit monitoring across all three bureaus, Social Security number alerts, bank and credit card transaction monitoring, and up to $2 million in identity theft insurance. Personal Data Cleanup automates the process of removing your information from data broker sites.

The scanning speed represents McAfee’s weakness on Windows. Full system scans regularly exceed an hour, significantly longer than competitors. The interface also frequently prompts upgrades and add-on purchases, which some users find intrusive.

Bottom line: McAfee makes sense for families with many devices to protect. The unlimited coverage and identity protection features provide value, but expect longer scan times and occasional promotional messages.

Get McAfee Total Protection

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4. Malwarebytes Premium - Best as Second-Layer Protection

Malwarebytes occupies a unique position in the Windows antivirus market. Rather than replacing Windows Defender, it’s designed to complement it as a second opinion scanner and specialized threat remover.

Detection results vary significantly across testing labs. AVLab Cybersecurity Foundation awarded Malwarebytes “Product of the Year 2025” with 100% protection in testing. However, SE Labs’ Q3 2024 report showed 88% detection accuracy. This variability suggests Malwarebytes excels against known threats but may miss some newer malware variants.

Where Malwarebytes shines is remediation. If your Windows PC is already infected, Malwarebytes excels at finding and removing malware that other programs miss. IT professionals frequently keep Malwarebytes on hand specifically for cleanup operations, particularly for adware, PUPs, and browser hijackers.

The Play Mode on Windows suppresses notifications during gaming, streaming, or presentations. Resource usage is minimal at around 150MB RAM with negligible CPU impact. This lightweight footprint makes it ideal for running alongside Windows Defender without performance concerns.

In September 2025, Malwarebytes launched Windows Firewall Control, a tool that helps users manage the built-in Windows Firewall with a simpler interface. They also introduced Startup Applications management and System Tweaks for Windows optimization.

The base plan lacks a built-in firewall on Windows, relying on Windows Defender Firewall instead. Malwarebytes Plus adds VPN access for an additional cost.

Bottom line: Malwarebytes works best as a complement to Windows Defender rather than a replacement. The combination provides strong protection with minimal overhead. It’s also the go-to choice for cleaning infected Windows systems.

Try Malwarebytes Premium

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5. Avast Free Antivirus - Best Free Option for Windows

Avast Free proves that effective Windows protection doesn’t require a subscription. In AV-TEST’s February 2025 evaluation, Avast earned perfect 6/6 scores across protection, performance, and usability. AV-Comparatives measured a 99.5% real-world protection rate.

Unlike most free antivirus programs, Avast includes features typically reserved for paid tiers. The Game Mode automatically activates during fullscreen applications, suppressing notifications and reducing background activity. The WiFi network scanner identifies vulnerabilities in your home network. Web protection blocks malicious sites across all browsers, not just Edge like Windows Defender’s SmartScreen.

For Windows gamers specifically, Avast’s Game Mode provides meaningful benefits. It detects when you launch fullscreen games and automatically adjusts settings to minimize interruptions without sacrificing protection.

The 2020 data collection controversy deserves mention. Avast’s subsidiary Jumpshot was caught collecting and selling user browsing data. Avast shut down Jumpshot and overhauled privacy practices, and the company merged with Norton LifeLock in 2022. Current privacy policies appear standard, but some users remain wary.

The free version frequently prompts upgrades to paid tiers. These notifications aren’t malicious, but they can feel like nagging if you intend to stay on the free plan indefinitely.

Bottom line: Avast Free offers legitimate Windows protection that rivals paid alternatives. It’s the best choice for users who can’t afford a subscription but want more features than Windows Defender alone. Privacy-conscious users may prefer sticking with Defender.

Download Avast Free

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Windows-Specific Features to Look For

Gaming Mode Comparison

Not all gaming modes are equal. Some just silence notifications, while others actively optimize CPU usage and pause background scans.

Ransomware Protection

Windows remains the primary target for ransomware attacks. Look for these features:

• Controlled Folder Access: Windows Defender includes this, blocking unauthorized apps from modifying protected folders
• Ransomware Remediation: Bitdefender and Norton can restore encrypted files from secure backups
• Behavior Monitoring: Detects encryption attempts before damage occurs

Windows Integration

The best Windows antivirus solutions integrate with built-in security features:

• Action Center Integration: Status appears in Windows Security dashboard
• Windows Firewall Enhancement: Some products (Bitdefender, Norton) add rules to the Windows Firewall rather than replacing it
• Context Menu Scanning: Right-click scan option in File Explorer
• UAC Compatibility: Works with User Account Control rather than fighting it

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Performance Impact on Windows

AV-Comparatives’ April 2025 Performance Test measured system impact on Windows 11 with an Intel Core i7, 16GB RAM, and SSD storage. Here’s how the top products fared:

Product	File Copy Impact	Application Launch	Browsing Impact	Overall Score
Bitdefender	Minimal	Minimal	None	Advanced+
Norton	Low	Low	None	Advanced+
McAfee	Moderate	Moderate	Low	Advanced
Windows Defender	Low	Low	None	Advanced+
Avast	Low	Low	Low	Advanced+
Malwarebytes	Minimal	Minimal	None	Advanced

RAM Considerations

Plan for these approximate RAM usage levels:

• Windows Defender: 100-150MB
• Malwarebytes: 150-200MB
• Bitdefender: 200-300MB
• Norton: 250-350MB
• McAfee: 300-400MB
• Avast: 200-300MB

Systems with 16GB RAM or more won’t notice this overhead. Systems with 8GB or less should prioritize lightweight options like Bitdefender or Malwarebytes.

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Windows 11 vs Windows 10: Security Differences

Windows 11 includes mandatory security features that strengthen your baseline protection:

Hardware Security (Windows 11 Only)

• TPM 2.0 Required: Encrypts passwords, keys, and credentials in hardware
• VBS Enabled by Default: Virtualization-Based Security isolates critical processes
• UEFI Secure Boot: Blocks malicious code during startup

Same on Both

• Windows Defender: Identical antivirus engine and real-time protection
• SmartScreen: Same phishing and download protection in Edge
• Controlled Folder Access: Ransomware protection available on both

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Windows Defender good enough for Windows 11?

For most users who practice safe browsing habits, yes. Windows Defender achieves perfect 18/18 scores in AV-TEST evaluations. Combined with Windows 11's mandatory hardware security (TPM 2.0, VBS, Secure Boot), you have a solid security foundation. However, Defender lacks VPN, identity monitoring, and works best with Edge browser. If you use Chrome/Firefox or want comprehensive protection, consider Bitdefender or Norton.

Which antivirus has the best gaming mode for Windows?

Bitdefender offers the best gaming experience on Windows. Its Game Mode automatically detects fullscreen applications and reduces CPU usage, pauses background scans, and suppresses notifications without requiring manual activation. In benchmark testing, Bitdefender shows only 2-3% FPS impact compared to running without antivirus. Norton and Avast also perform well for gamers.

Do I need antivirus on Windows 10?

Windows 10 includes Windows Defender, which provides competent baseline protection. However, Windows 10 lacks the hardware security features mandatory in Windows 11 (TPM 2.0, VBS enabled by default). Third-party antivirus adds more value on Windows 10 because you're missing those hardware-level protections. With Windows 10 support ending in October 2025, consider upgrading to Windows 11 if possible.

Can I run two antivirus programs on Windows?

Running two real-time antivirus programs causes conflicts, slowdowns, and potential system instability. However, Malwarebytes is specifically designed to run alongside Windows Defender as a second-layer scanner. This combination works well: Defender handles real-time protection while Malwarebytes provides on-demand scanning and specialized threat removal.

Why do antivirus detection rates vary between testing labs?

Different testing labs use different methodologies, sample sets, and timeframes. AV-TEST uses curated malware samples and controlled conditions. AV-Comparatives runs real-world protection tests with live malware. SE Labs focuses on targeted attacks. A product scoring 100% in one test might score 88% in another because they're measuring different things. Look for products that perform consistently well across multiple labs over time.

Does antivirus slow down Windows gaming?

Modern antivirus with proper gaming modes has minimal impact. In testing, top products like Bitdefender and Norton show only 2-3% FPS reduction. This translates to about 2-3 frames per second on high-end systems, which most players won't notice. Products without optimized gaming modes can show 5-10% impact. Always enable gaming mode if available.

What happened to Kaspersky on Windows?

Kaspersky antivirus was banned in the United States in September 2024 due to national security concerns about the company's ties to Russia. Americans who still have Kaspersky no longer receive security updates, leaving their Windows systems vulnerable. If you have Kaspersky installed, uninstall it and switch to an alternative like Bitdefender, Norton, or Windows Defender.

Is free antivirus safe for Windows?

Reputable free antivirus like Windows Defender and Avast Free provide genuine protection. Windows Defender is funded by Microsoft and has no ulterior monetization. Avast Free had a data collection scandal in 2020 but has since reformed under Norton LifeLock ownership. Avoid unknown free antivirus programs, as some are actually malware. Stick to well-known brands with independent lab testing.

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Final Verdict: Which Windows Antivirus Should You Choose?

For most Windows users: Bitdefender Total Security delivers the best combination of protection, performance, and Windows-specific features. The automatic Game Mode, cloud-based scanning, and minimal system impact make it ideal for modern Windows PCs. At $19.99 for the first year, it offers excellent value.

For identity protection: Norton 360 Deluxe bundles antivirus with unlimited VPN, dark web monitoring, and cloud backup. The higher price ($49.99 first year) includes features you’d pay separately for elsewhere.

For multiple Windows devices: McAfee Total Protection covers unlimited devices under one subscription, making it economical for households with many PCs.

For complementing Windows Defender: Malwarebytes Premium runs alongside Defender without conflicts, providing specialized threat removal and second-opinion scanning.

For free protection: Windows Defender provides legitimate protection with perfect test scores. Avast Free adds gaming mode and network scanning if you want more features without paying.

For Windows 11 users: Your hardware security features provide a strong foundation. Any of the top options work well, but you could also reasonably stick with Windows Defender if you practice safe browsing.

For Windows 10 users: Third-party antivirus provides more value since you lack Windows 11’s hardware protections. Consider this alongside planning your upgrade before Windows 10 support ends in October 2025.

Whichever option you choose, running reputable antivirus on Windows dramatically reduces your risk compared to running unprotected. The differences between top products matter less than the gap between protected and unprotected systems.