Best free AV for Windows 10

It's been a while since I broached this topic, but since I've changed computers, and we're now on Win10, I'd like to get some opinions about the "best" free AV to use.

By "best", I should add that I'm looking for something which can, ideally, be disabled, easily, for a while, to do things like Zoom meetings (resources best left free for full efficiency on that!). Also something easily set to not auto-update or auto-scan without permission (again, a resource killer).

Something without undue nag screens or trying to take over too much of the computer. But also effective.

I've nothing against paying a reasonable fee, once I find something I like, but, for now, I want to put the proverbial condom on, more than just Windows Defender.

Which raises another question - just how effective is Defender? And how can I get it not to scan or update, automatically, without disabling it, entirely?

 

I have been using MS provided AV as long as it's been available and would not use anything else.
It works completely in the background and if you don't want to be Notified of it's actions - you can set that in Settings > Update and Security and System > Notifications.
IMHO Defender is the best! Who else would be better equipped to look after their own OS?
Why would you want to disable an AV while using ZOOM!!!
ZOOM suffered massive security breaches during the early stages of Covid19.
Why would you also want to stop the AV from downloading and installing the newest Security Patches?
As I stated - Defender runs in the background and is not a Resource "HOG".
I have 4 Desktops and 2 Laptops running W10 and all are protected by Defender and I've never had a breach. Go figure.

 

I and the wife both use Windows Defender. I have lots of friends that use it also. MS has done good with this finally

 

I use Malwarebyte Premium. In free AV, I think Windows Defender is as good as others. Don't need to look further.

 

I have two desktops and a laptop. I use Windows Defender for the sole AV program and have been very pleased with it over the years.

 

Ummm, this is illogical thinking. You want an antimalware program you NEVER EVER have to disable. If your resources are that limited, you need to increase your resources, not disable your security! And that is especially true when doing tasks that require Internet connectivity!

I currently have 5 W10 systems here - all running Windows Defender. It is NOT a resource killer!!!! And it does not nag. In fact, the only time I notice it is when a small notification window slides open to tell it just completed a scan and no threats were found. That tiny screen automatically goes away after a few seconds too.

I have no clue when Windows Defender scans my systems or when it downloads and installs updates because I have never noticed my systems' performance degrade when it does those things!

If you want to bog your system down with resource hogging security programs, there are many alternative free and paid programs that you can choose from. But I say stick with Windows Defender. Its already in there and it works.

That said, regardless your primary scanner of choice, I always recommend users have a secondary scanner on hand just to regularly verify you, the user and ALWAYS weakest link in security, or your primary scanner didn't let something slip by. I generally recommend Malwarebytes Free (or Premium) for that. But to that, since I started using Windows Defender with W8 in 2012 and then when I migrated to W10 in 2015, Malwarebytes has never found any malware on any of my systems.

I like to say you don't need to drive around in an Abrams Tank to be safe. But you do need a recent model car, you need to keep it properly maintained, and most importantly, you need to drive defensively. So with your computers, you need keep your operating system and security current (do NOT disable auto-updates) and you need to avoid risky behavior like visiting illegal gambling or pornography sites, and most importantly, you need to avoid being "click-happy" on unsolicited downloads, links, popups, and attachments.

****

If your computer's performance is an issue, tell us about your computer and maybe we can help with that.

 

Well written as usual Bill.