Free antivirus apps can protect your PC from common threats—but paid software often adds stronger defenses, extra tools, and peace of mind. I'm here to walk you through the differences.

If you’re new to using a computer or new to Microsoft, or on the flip side, very, very experienced you might be thinking: Do I really need an antivirus program for my Windows 11 computer? The short ...

Apple launched its famous "Get a Mac" campaign in 2006 that was largely focused on presenting Macs as a better alternative to PCs. In one of the classic Apple commercials from the campaign, actor ...

In 2025, most devices feature built-in antivirus software that scans files you attempt to download, blocking anything it deems suspicious. Antivirus tools also perform automated scans to remove ...

Free malware scanners help find hidden threats on your PC that normal antivirus programs may miss.Running regular scans keeps your computer ...

Companies like Norton, McAfee, AVG and Bitdefender have antivirus and security solutions that can help keep your PC safe, but those features overlap with a lot of the features of Windows’ built-in ...

Looking for a new antivirus? My tried and tested favorites will improve the security of your desktop PC, laptop, and mobile ...

Windows 11 users face growing cyber threats, from ransomware and phishing to occasional zero-day exploits. Choosing the right antivirus is no longer ...

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 ...

Your device's built-in antivirus software might not be enough because cyber threats continue to evolve. While a tool like Apple's XProtect offers basic protection, it often lacks essential features ...

Discover the best antivirus software in the US for 2026. Compare top solutions like Bitdefender, Norton, and AVG to protect your devices and data.

We explore how Windows Security and Microsoft Defender protect your Windows 11 computer and why you might want to consider an alternative. Dianna Gunn built her first WordPress website in 2008. Since ...