Serious Discussion Do Free Antivirus Solutions Still Offer Enough Protection in 2025?

[DDE_Server]

The free version was discontinued.

Thanks for the info i have expected that

 

[DDE_Server]

It was discontinued last month, but no official announcement.

You still can find the global in English 21.21 installer in many sites for freeware. The already installed KFree 21.21 I know are auto updating to 21.22, so it seems will continue working probably for some time.

it will install the Kaspersky Anti-Virus trial version. i have tried installing it converted to trial and cannot register after the trial license if there is no active subscription

 

[DDE_Server]

I installed Kaspersky Free a few months ago and was unable to register it.

the same experience i had from one week ago. Did you check Bitdefender because i failed to register the free version also, so i have installed AVG

 

[roger_m]

the same experience i had from one week ago. Did you check Bitdefender because i failed to register the free version also, so i have installed AVG

No, it's been years since I've installed the free version of Bitdefender. But it still should be working, as they released a new version two weeks ago.

Download Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition 1.0.21.234

Download Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition - Feather-light and free antivirus solution from renowned developer that keeps the PC protected at all times from malware without requiring user configuration

www.softpedia.com

 

[Parkinsond]

I’m testing AVG Free Antivirus

I consider it the best free AV available at the current time.
Just be aware of its few bugs.
If you use its firewall (which is the best free firewall you can get) in "ask" mode, it will completely block internet connectivity for Edge; it runs just fine for the rest of browsers.
Also, it may cause Windows explorer to freeze occasionally after opening context menu of recycle bin on desktop; to avoid, just open recycle bin with double click.

 

[DDE_Server]

I consider it the best free AV available at the current time.
Just be aware of its few bugs.
If you use its firewall (which is the best free firewall you can get) in "ask" mode, it will completely block internet connectivity for Edge; it runs just fine for the rest of browsers.
Also, it may cause Windows explorer to freeze occasionally after opening context menu of recycle bin on desktop; to avoid, just open recycle bin with double click.

thanks for info . i see perfomance is very good . i leave fiewall in automaic mode (not configured anything ) and it is work fine

 

[Parkinsond]

and it is work fine

Except for the conflict with Edge, AVG firewall is great.
It prompts your, not only for each program trying to connect, but also for each port the programs trying to connect to; I can allow Chrome to connect outbound only, using ports 80 and 443 and blocking its connection using ports 5222 and 5228, for example.
In addition, it shows you which program is actively connecting at the moment, and the amound of bandwidth used by since starting Windows.

 

[Nunzio_77]

I consider it the best free AV available at the current time.
Just be aware of its few bugs.
If you use its firewall (which is the best free firewall you can get) in "ask" mode, it will completely block internet connectivity for Edge; it runs just fine for the rest of browsers.
Also, it may cause Windows explorer to freeze occasionally after opening context menu of recycle bin on desktop; to avoid, just open recycle bin with double click.

But is it the same as Avast Free?
Or are there substantial differences beyond the graphical interface?

 

[Parkinsond]

But is it the same as Avast Free?
Or are there substantial differences beyond the graphical interface?

The same protection (except for scam detection module which has been recently added to Avast, but not to AVG) and better UI for AVG.

 

[Shadowra]

Bitdefender Free is the best AV Free at moment in my opinion.

There is no such thing as the best antivirus.
And I keep saying it, even in videos

There are good antivirus programs and less good ones (hello Panda Dome ^^ ), and some people don't have the same criteria as others when choosing their security solution.
Microsoft Defender is enough for many people. If someone wants another free AV, there are others available (Kaspersky, Bitdefender, Avast!, Avira, etc.).

 

[bazang]

AppGuard

People still using that thing? The consumer version has not been developed for years. There never was a version for home users, even though it was sold to the general public.

 

[bazang]

I follow @oldschool and stick to KISS - hardened Microsoft Defender and combine with @Andy Ful 's Hard_Configurator (all modules set to maximum settings), even use Smart App Control (what a SAC, right?) sometimes.

I follow @Jonny Quest and use F-Secure (even as an Avira blue skinned pimp masquerading as Finnish security software) combined with @Andy Ful 's Hard_Configuator (all modules set to maximum settings).

I got problems, but my localhosts getting infected have never been one of them. Not even back in the era of no AV.

As @oldschool would say "Why be paranoid, when one can be happy, joyous, and free? Stay thirsty my friends."

That wiser, older man sayeth the trooth. Now pay attention. Lessons to be learned.

 

[Viking]

If someone wants another free AV, there are others available (Kaspersky, Bitdefender, Avast!, Avira, etc.).

Are Kaspersky still offering their free AV version? I can't seem to find it on their website.

 

[stonjean633]

Are Kaspersky still offering their free AV version? I can't seem to find it on their website.

Yes.

Kaspersky.ru/downloads/free-antivirus

 

[Parkinsond]

Yes.

Kaspersky.ru/downloads/free-antivirus

Accept activation if detecting your IP is outside Russia?

 

[stonjean633]

Accept activation if detecting your IP is outside Russia?

I was able to activate using Central Asia last month from NA without any VPN.

If someone will attempt K Free now, keep us updated so the rest can be guided.