Most computer users with Windows they know they need an antivirus program to protect themselves from the infinite threats of the modern web. Although there are many free security programs, few are truly free.
Why
Many apps try to force you to upgrade to a pro version that is paid for, or to install an unnecessary browser extension.
Of course the "tricks" don't stop there. There are antiviruses that show you ads or some popups that are trying to get your attention. To mention that there are others that if you do not pay attention to the installation will fill your PC with unnecessary applications (see Comodo).
For this reason, we have selected some free protection applications that do not fill you with rubbish. We start with the cleanest apps and finish with some that have popups by default, but are easily disabled by changing a setting.
You may notice that two big names (AVG and Avast) are completely missing from the list below. This is because both of these apps, though well known, fill your computer with garbage, or with popups. This is simply not worth using if there are other available solutions.
Windows Defender
Let's get started with it the default WindUws 10 antivirus. Windows Defender had some problems with its "childhood", but it has evolved into a stable antivirus with many professionals working on its development.
One of the best reasons to use it is the complete lack of popups. There is no Premium version of Windows Defender, so you will never see one emerging window that will ask you to pay it. Windows Defender is quiet and does its job, only alerting you if there's a problem.
Sophos Home
Sophos is not one of the biggest names in antivirus programs, but it's still a trusted company. You will need to register to download it antivirus, but this is the minimum price for an application that runs without nags and popups. The installer is big enough, so it may take several minutes to install it. After installation, however, you will notice that the application is clean.
Immunet
The security application is open source ClamAV running on Linux platforms recommends that you try it Immunet, a complete antivirus developed by Cisco and powered by the ClamAV engine.
Immunet does not have a paid version, so you will not see popups or bloatware. What makes this antivirus unique is that it is based on its community. When the application detects an infection in one's system, it automatically blocks the threat to everyone who uses Immunet. Only a few MBs are required to install the application.
Bitdefender Antivirus Free
Bitdefender is another friendly and trusted antivirus. It does not have many options to not even confuse the most novice user. It works discreetly in the background, protecting your computer. It will not install junk during installation, but you have to watch two things.
1. After installation, Bitdefender will ask you to sign in to an account on their site. The software will not work until you add your account.
2. Once you have activated Bitdefender, click the gear icon at the top of the application and select Account Information. Turn off Prealerts screen with special offers to prevent pop-ups advertising the paid version of Bitdefender. After that, you won't need to open the panel again.
Gladly Avira
Avira is one of the "big three" providers of free security applications (along with Avast and AVG), and is undoubtedly the least annoying application. Since you avoid installing additional rubbish, it is a relatively lightweight antivirus.
However, even though we did not see anything in our tests, some users report that Avira displays occasional ads messages. So, we added it at the end of the list, in case you do not like any of the above applications.
Caution: On the Avira download page, make sure to download Free Antivirus and not the Free Security Suite. The latest application includes bloat tones that you do not need.