If you use a Windows 10 system you are an attractive target for hackers simply because Windows may be the world's most popular PC operating-system. The antivirus situation on Windows has improved dramatically during the last couple of years, however the sheer number of users mean it is still under threat - that's where getting a Windows 10 antivirus is available in.

Yep, we're afraid that the reality remains that you still a regularly updated Windows antivirus package to keep you safe from the most recent threats. That's because unhealthy guys are continually looking for new methods to access your data and control your system.

From ransomware to fileless attacks and blended malware, there are plenty of threats available - some you know the names of, other's you'll never even heard of - and there is the danger is excellent on Windows 10, regardless of how careful you are online.

So what are best virus protecting products for Windows 10 you will get at this time, and it is Windows Defender sufficient to help keep you safe nowadays? Find out with TechRadar's guide to the best Windows 10 antivirus.

Here are the bestStand out features: Safepay banking protection, Wi-Fi Security Advisor, web protection

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus delivers excellent protection for Windows 10 PCs, regularly being the top performer with independent antivirus testing labs. One of those big-name labs, AV-Test, gave Bitdefender a 100% protection rating in the newest test, and also the security firm consistently achieves this (in fact, it's last 'fail' rating from that lab was long ago in 2014). It had been also AV-Comparatives' product of the season for 2019.

In addition to this superb core antivirus engine, you get very capable anti-ransomware protection, and Bitdefender Antivirus Plus is among the best products available with regards to blocking malicious websites.

The package delivers a range of other features, including Safepay - a well-designed and fully secure browser that you are able to execute sensitive tasks like online banking - plus an online password manager, vulnerability scanner, along with a Wi-Fi Security Advisor which evaluates any wireless networks you utilize, rating them for security.

While it's easy-to-use for beginners, Antivirus Plus also provides some nifty more in-depth settings, like being able to setup profiles to, for example, keep any background activity to a minimum when you're on the laptop using electric batteries. One slight drawback with Bitdefender is that it's only center of the pack when it comes to the impact it has on system performance, but at least you are able to tweak things somewhat using the profiles system.

To sum up, this can be a well-featured package with some very smart touches, and the icing on the malware-busting cake is the fact that it's good value for the money, particularly considering everything you arrive hereStick out features: Intelligent firewall, PC maintenance features, backup tool, Norton Insight

Norton AntiVirus Plus just provides you with coverage for one device, but if you simply possess a single Windows 10 PC which needs protecting from online threats, then it's a sterling choice for many good reasons.

The core malware protection provided is among the best within the business, alongside the likes of Bitdefender, and offers a novel touch for additional tech-savvy types by means of the Norton Insight tool. This gauges the reputation of a file on your system, and could help to pinpoint more obscure threats.

Norton Antivirus Plus provides these robust defenses in an extremely minimal cost for your resources. Indeed, PassMark recently ranked Norton because the best antivirus package with regards to the impact around the host PC's performance.

Furthermore, on the internet, this antivirus does a fantastic job of blocking malicious sites, and you also have an ??intelligent' firewall which keeps you well-informed on any potential risks to your computer.

Bonus features include a password manager, useful PC maintenance and gratifaction monitoring utilities, along with a backup tool, that is an unusual inclusion to have an entry-level antivirus (while it's restricted to 2GB of online space, it is also configured to back up files locally).

While its interface is a touch odd and quirky, Norton AntiVirus Plus undoubtedly remains a great choice for those who only desire to protect their own Windows 10 PC and no other devices.

3. Trend MicroStand out features: Ransomware monitoring, Pay Guard banking protection, high-quality URL filtering

Trend Micro's entry-level antivirus is another product which is designed for a single Windows 10 PC only. And, actually, this security option would be only accessible for the Windows platform - so another way of looking at this would be that Windows 10 users possess the company's full attention here.

One of the leading strengths of Trend micro coupon Antivirus Plus is that it's not only centered on Windows, but also on novice PC users. This is an antivirus app you can just install and then forget it's there, letting it work away in the background keeping the pc safe, without having to tweak or configure anything much. But although this is a fantastic choice for that less tech-savvy, more demanding users should probably steer away due to the lack of configurability and options available.

As you might expect, the program's interface is user-friendly. You also get a good quality antivirus engine, even though there is some disagreement as to exactly how good Trend micro coupon is in this respect - with some shakier ratings from some independent lab tests - the app generally arrives near the top of the rankings. Additionally, it delivers strong anti-ransomware protection as well, having a dedicated Folder Shield that may help block even undiscovered ransomware trying to compromise your computer.

Overall, this can be a high-quality antivirus package, even though it's not loaded with features, you do get impressive URL filtering, along with a Pay Guard feature to maintain your online banking secure.

4. Kaspersky Anti-Virus for Windows

Strong malware protection fromStand out features: Highly configurable virus scans, self-protection defence, System Watcher module

Kaspersky is yet another veteran of the security world, even though the organization didn't make all that many changes towards the latest version of Kaspersky Anti-Virus, it didn't particularly have to.

You receive a spectacular degree of antivirus protection here, with Kaspersky being highly regarded through the independent testing labs, and there's enough flexibility with regards to configuring virus scans, too. Furthermore, its System Watcher module allows Kaspersky to get on undiscovered threats like fresh ransomware.

All the main pillars of Kaspersky Anti-Virus are rock-solid in terms of keeping your PC safe, then, although the program's extra features aren't as good as you'll find with a few rivals. There are some passably useful bits and bobs just like a vulnerability scanner and privacy cleaner, but some from the wizards provided are a bit feeble (like the Browser Configuration Wizard which only supports Internet Explorer - very few people use IE anymore).

In short, don't expect much in addition toStand out features: Real-time anti-phishing, firewall monitor, sandbox

Webroot is easily the most compact antivirus package in the world (a minimum of among the main players anyway) and it has barely any impact at all on your PC's resources, that is a great start. Virus scans are also very quick, and also you obtain a decent level of malware protection (although be aware that Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus isn't evaluated through the major independent testing labs).

You also take advantage of real-time anti-phishing protection which does a good job of keeping your PC protected on the web, and an intelligent ??firewall' monitoring system which will keep a watchful eye out for anything suspicious happening in terms of processes connecting to the internet.

There are several nifty additions for expert users, too, just like a sandbox that facilitates running suspicious apps in a closed-off environment, so they can't modify the main system.

The interface is a touch clunky, but overall Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus is a highly streamlined effort with a few useful additional features and impressive protection for when you're browsing the net.

Is Windows Defender sufficiently good to secure Windows 10?

It was once the situation that Windows suffered badly from security vulnerabilities and malware attacks that just third-party antivirus software could protect against. However, over the years Microsoft has made a concerted effort to enhance the safety of Windows, not least with the inclusion of Windows Defender automatically in Windows 10.

Having said that, in the past, Windows Defender has been regarded as a fairly poor security solution, and just a ??better than nothing' option. That isn't true anymore, though: in fact, Windows Defender now holds its very own. One independent antivirus testing lab, AV-Test, rates Microsoft's solution highly, although AV-Comparatives isn't so enthusiastic, merely giving Windows Defender a ??standard' rating for malware protection in the most recent tests.

That's still solid protection, though, not to mention Windows Defender has the benefit of being a hassle-free solution which comes already integrated with Windows 10, and it's free. If you simply want basic protection which fits, Defender is you'll need.

However, the additional security and privacy features that other third-party antivirus apps provide could make them very attractive choices in their own right.

The body is secure with Windows Defender, but if you would like added reassurance, it's likely worth purchasing the additional protection - the top-rated antivirus engines, extra anti-ransomware capabilities along with other features - that Bitdefender Antivirus Plus and also the other best Windows 10 antivirus packages afford.

Must i get free or premium antivirus?

If you are wanting to protect your computer from viruses, trojans, and worms, then free antivirus from the reputable provider for example above, could keep you protected against these.

The main difference with paid-for versions is that they add more features that aim to protect tighter security, better privacy protections, as well as optimize your computer.

For instance, extra security features may include ransomware protection and also the ability to ensure certain files or folders are locked down against any changes by third-party programs.

For privacy protection, there might be the inclusion of a VPN which allows for additional anonymous web surfing. There might also be features in paid software to kill tracking cookies and other privacy protections.

Some paid-for anti-virus even include features for example tuning your PC, by getting rid of junk files from temporary or cache folders, in addition to fix any registry problems that might also be reducing your computer.

So, overall, if all that's necessary is the most essential virus protection, then free software will do its job. However, if you want a wider selection of malware protection, extra privacy controls, as well as additional tools to help your computer run more smoothly, then paid-for anti-virus can often offer some or all of these, and more.