The best free anti-malware software 2018

INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
If you're looking for the best free anti-malware software for Windows – whether it's a whole new security package, or just an additional
program to give your regular antivirus a boost – then you've come to the right place.Here is our definitive list of the best free
anti-malware software, and choosing the right software for your needs is essential, as malware continues to be a threat and a concern for us
all.It's not just viruses we're talking about here, but also annoying programs such as adware, that can embed themselves in your web browser
and add toolbars or change you homepage
Not only are these annoying, but they also pose a serious security risk.A good antivirus suite is an excellent first line of defence for
your PC, but it's often a good idea to install additional anti-malware software to boost your protection from a more diverse range of
threats
Alternatively, you could replace your existing security software with a whole new suite designed to protect against all kinds of malware -
see our best free antivirus software.Otherwise, read on to find out our pick of the best free anti-malware software you can download
With any of these installed, you'll be able to browse the internet with confidence.BitDefender provides a simple, hassle-free way to keep
your PC safe from malware
It's a whole antivirus and anti-malware package in one1
BitDefender Antivirus Free EditionDiscreet but effective, BitDefender is the best anti-malware for your PCOperating system:
WindowsUser-friendlyClean and simple interfaceNo options or settingsBitDefender Antivirus Free Edition is the strong, silent type
This anti-malware software doesn't even ask questions when you install it – it just quietly gets on with the job of identifying and
eliminating anything that poses a risk to your safety and security.It has B-Have, which looks for apps behaving badly; link scanning to
identify cons; proactive malware and spyware scanning that can detect threats nobody has encountered before; and boot scanning every time
you start your PC.Ad-free, nag-free and hassle-free, BitDefender Antivirus Free Edition is a great product that runs quickly and silently
while you get on with something more interesting.Its comprehensive suite of tools to protect your PC makes BitDefender the best free
anti-malware software you can download today
It's all the protection you need in one handy package.AVG AntiVirus Free presents frequent pop-ups, but is a reliable security solution that
will keep your PC safe from malware2
AVG AntiVirus FreeA simple interface and effective scanning with remote activationOperating system: Windows, Mac, AndroidQuite
configurableGreat track record of malware protectionScans can be rather slowNot the best phishing protectionIf you're looking for
anti-malware software that keeps quiet and won't disturb your work, be warned – AVG Antivirus Free is quite vocal with its notifications,
and irks us from time to time with pop-ups telling us we've done something fantastic with regard to our online safety.As an anti-malware
app, though, it's very good
The dashboard is user-friendly, there's protection not just from downloadable threats, but from dodgy links too, and you can use your mobile
to scan your PC remotely, which is pretty clever.The paid-for Pro model has more security options - it has more robust download protection,
offers data encryption includes a firewall - but the free version offers decent protection for most PC users.The free version of
MalwareBytes Anti-Malware is excellent, but the paid-for version is even better3
MalwareBytes Anti-MalwareAn excellent anti-malware tool, but the free version lacks real-time protectionOperating system: WindowsDetects
adware and other threatsWorks alongside your antivirusNo on-demand scansMight conflict with security appsYou can use MalwareBytes
Anti-Malware free for as long as you like, but there's an important caveat: real-time protection, the fast 'hyper scan' mode and malicious
website blocking features all expire after 14 days - and that means you're missing out on some of the program's best features.MalwareBytes
has a deserved reputation for destroying malware and spyware that other programs miss, and its chameleon technology - which once again
expires after a fortnight in the free version - means it's less susceptible to attacks that deliberately target security software.Think of
the free version as a short-term savior or a test drive; the Premium version costs £19.95 (about US$30, AU$40) per year.The free edition of
SpyBot Search and Destroy does an excellent job of cleaning up adware, malware and spyware4
SpyBot Search DestroyAn anti-malware and anti-spyware stalwart that's ideal for diagnosing existing infectionsOperating system: WindowsEasy
to useImmunization toolsSlow updates and scansLimited information about threatsSpyBot Search Destroy is a veteran of the malware wars,
dating back to the first adware in 2000, and while it doesn't scan for viruses – that's in the Home version, which is $13.99 (about £10,
AU$20) – the free software does a decent job of finding and fixing adware, malware and spyware.It's more of a system repair tool than a
system protection tool, however, and you need to be careful where you get it from: there are fake versions in circulation designed to cause
damage, not fix it
The version linked here is the real deal.You can carry Emsisoft Emergency Kit on a USB stick for use whenever and wherever you need it5
Emsisoft Emergency KitA lifesaver if your PC is already infected, but not a preventative toolOperating system: WindowsRuns as a portable
appCommand line option for prosSlow install and update processNot as effective as resident toolsMost security software tries to stop malware
and spyware getting onto your system
Emsisoft Emergency Kit doesn't: it's the 911 call of security software, the app you use when your PC's been poked by something
unpleasant.It's designed to be portable – an anti-malware app you carry around with you on a USB stick – and its system requirements are
tiny: just 200MB of RAM, so it'll run happily on any PC with 1GB memory or more
With two million malware signatures, Emsisoft Emergency Kit can restore almost any infected PC to rude
health.70e3bd9f562451534b3ebfd5035d2322.jpg#