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.

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 ...

Computers of any kind are at risk of receiving malware, and even though Windows 11 comes with Microsoft Defender Antivirus ...

Both Avast and Bitdefender originally built their reputations on their high-quality, free solutions. Even though they've both grown into professional-grade security companies, they still offer ...

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 ...

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

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 ...

Antivirus has become these days a catch-all term. It doesn’t just mean blocking literal computer viruses, trojans, and other bits of malicious code meant to attack your PC. When you opt to go beyond ...

Security software used to be a non‑negotiable line item, as essential as your internet bill. Today, built‑in protections and smarter operating systems have turned that old rule on its head, leaving ...

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 ...

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 ...