The presence of Windows Defender, the sin of feature creep, and a merciless market have placed independent antivirus solutions in an uncomfortable position. However, there are many people out there who don't trust Microsoft's security solution, and with a new operating system around the corner, the question is inevitable: What are the best antivirus for Windows 11? The folks at AV Comparatives published a preliminary list of compatible options, and today we're going to take a closer look.
Antivirus: yes or no?
Many of our readers say they haven't installed an antivirus in years. This is also repeated in other forums and specialized sites. Two reasons come to mind automatically: Windows Defender is 'sufficient' to protect the operating system from the main threats, and several major antivirus solutions have become giant balls of bloatware that destroy the performance of your computer.
Antivirus compatible with Windows 11
AV Comparatives recently published a compatibility list of antivirus for Windows 11. Here are the versions that reportedly work:
- Avast Free Antivirus 21.7.2481
- AVG Free Antivirus 21.8.3202
- Avira Antivirus Pro 1.1.54.22911
- Bitdefender Internet Security 25.0.26.89
- ESET Internet Security 14.2.24.0
- G Data Total Security 25.5.11.316
- K7 Total Security 16.0.0556
- Kaspersky Internet Security 21.3.10.391
- Microsoft Defender Antivirus (Build 22454.1000 of Windows 11)
- Malwarebytes Premium 4.4.6
- McAfee Total Protection 16.0
- Norton LifeLock Norton 360 22.21.8.62
- Panda Free Antivirus 21.00.00
- Total AV Total Security 5.15.69
- Total Defense Essential Antivirus 13.0.0.545
- Trend Micro Internet Security 17.0.1181
- VIPRE Advanced Security 11.0.6.22
As expected, AV Comparatives makes some warnings. First, Windows 11 is still in preview phase. Their list confirms that the reported versions work correctly, but a last-minute hotfix could break something. Then, they confirm that none of the developers have declared their antivirus as 'compatible with Windows 11' yet. It's most likely that certification will come with an update, or who knows, a new edition.
Best free antivirus for Windows 11
Finally, AV Comparatives joins Microsoft in recommending running Windows 11 on supported hardware, since an antivirus cannot cover the lack of updates. Another detail to keep in mind is that most of the mentioned antivirus use their Pro or Premium variants. Considering that they all must compete with the free and integrated Defender, the question is: What are the best antivirus for Windows 11 at no cost?
Bitdefender Free
A personal favorite for many years, Bitdefender Free has managed to maintain its free basic protection offering. Telemetry can be disabled, but the program will display notifications with special offers from time to time, and creating a Bitdefender account is mandatory.
Its RAM usage is certainly reasonable, but the system for downloading definitions will put some pressure on the processor when updates are needed. Its integration with Windows 11 security worked perfectly, without errors or alerts. Anyone looking for a free antivirus for Windows 11 should start here.
Avira Free
Right after installation, Avira Free will recommend running a smart scan, but it's possible to do it later. From a technical standpoint, Avira Free is not just an antivirus, but behaves as a security suite with free VPN (500 megabytes of data per month), password manager, secure file deletion, and privacy control. Some of these modules depend on browser extensions.
Avira Free's main strength is also its weakness, because all those tools could become optional and offer a free antivirus for Windows 11 with a lighter footprint... although we haven't noticed performance issues, and its detection in Windows 11 security went without a hitch.
Panda Dome Free
Downloading Panda Dome Free doesn't happen on its main page; the link sends us to its mirror on CNet. The installer will offer a copy of Opera, but it's not an obligatory step. Panda Dome Free suggests sharing an email and creating an account (optional), and once we get past all that, we'll reach its simple and intuitive interface.
Panda Dome Free's protection extends to checking processes and USB devices. It also includes a VPN module (150 MB), and the Dark Web Scanner tool that works similarly to HaveIBeenPwned. Two points in favor of this antivirus are its reduced resource usage (part of the antivirus is 'in the cloud') and the game mode that reduces notifications. Windows 11 security detected Panda Dome Free immediately.
Malwarebytes
Antivirus? Antimalware? Both? Beyond the answer, Malwarebytes has not lost relevance, and it remains one of the most recommended tools for cleaning up a system that isn't behaving as it should. Installation will try to add Browser Guard (optional), and will automatically activate the trial of its premium edition, which lasts 14 days.
That's the key: Malwarebytes' real-time protection is a premium feature. After the trial ends, the program will return to its free mode that we all know. That means it will work as a manual complement to Windows Defender, a condition that many users prefer. Windows 11 security adapted to the presence of Malwarebytes without issues, and simply recommended a quick scan.
Best antivirus for Windows 11: summary
I imagine AV Comparatives will update its list in the coming weeks, but if someone needs to know what are the best antivirus for Windows 11, this article is a good starting point. Personally, I still believe Bitdefender is a step above the rest... although I'm also a Windows Defender user, and usually let it handle everything on most computers, just as the overlords of Redmond wish. Good luck!
Source: AV Comparatives
