Microsoft Defender isn't bad, but it's not enough to fully protect your PC. You don't have to pay extra, though—just use one of the top free antivirus apps we've tested.

Marshall Gunnell is a Tokyo-based tech journalist and editor with over a decade of experience covering IT, cybersecurity and data storage. Alongside CNET, his work has appeared in ZDNET, Business ...

ZDNET tested the best antivirus software on the market, with support for multiple operating systems, VPNs, and robust protection.

Back in 2023, we asked anti-virus expert Andreas Marx of AV-Test how so many infections escape antivirus software, even though it actually protects well. His answer: “Many programs successfully fend ...

— Recommendations are independently chosen by our editors. Purchases you make through our links may earn us and our publishing partners a commission. We all learned our lessons about computer viruses ...

The word 'virus' gets tossed around a lot. Here's what actually counts, what to watch for, and how to stay two clicks ahead A computer virus is a type of program that, much like a regular virus, ...

Malwarebytes vs. McAfee: Which Antivirus Offers Better Protection in 2025? McAfee has been around forever. Malwarebytes started life as a favorite cleanup tool when other antiviruses failed. How do ...

Realizing that your computer is infected with a virus can be a heart-stopping moment, but there's no need to panic. Viruses or other malware can have a devastating effect on your PC, slowing its ...

It's important to know the signs of a virus, so that you can act quickly to get rid of any malware and stay safe in future. A virus is a type of malicious software, or malware, that can replicate ...

There’s an unspoken rule in PC gaming that goes a little something like this: “Bar cutting off your right leg, you should do everything you can to maximize your PC performance for games.” Because of ...