All Windows computers need an anti-virus program that is current and updates daily. The "free" anti-virus program that came with your computer will only work for a limited period of time. If you don't purchase a subscription, then the program will no longer be protecting you.
Your options are:
- Purchase a subscription for the program that came with your computer.
- Purchase a new program from another software vendor. See below.
- Use a free anti-virus program. There are several good free anti-virus programs. They are listed below. Some of the free programs have paid versions, which offer additional features and options.
If you are not going to purchase a subscription or upgrade for your current program, then you need to uninstall it using the add / remove applet in the control panel. You should not and can not have two anti-virus programs on your computer, it will create problems.
If you have a Symantec / Norton program, they can be difficult to uninstall and you may need to use the
Norton Removal Tool from Symantec.
Please heed the notice in the footnote at the bottom of this page. The programs are listed in alphabetical order. The links below are to the actual product pages. If you use a search engine to find a program, you may end up at a fake web page.
Commercial Anti-Virus ProgramsAvastAVGAviraKasperskyMcAfeeSymantecTrend MicroFree Anti-Virus ProgramsAvastAVG FreeAviraMicrosoft Security EssentialsNorton Removal Tool You should also have an anti-spyware program
Free Spyware Removal ProgramsMalwarebytesSpybot Search & Destroy