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12 Best Antivirus for Windows 7 [Free Download/ Trial]

Choose the antivirus for Windows 7 that suits you best?️

17 min. read

Updated onMarch 22, 2024

updated onMarch 22, 2024

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Key notes

Following repeated waves of malware attacks, users should make sure that they’re running the best antivirus. Windows 7 has its own built-in security module, but it doesn’t provide complete protection.

While you might continue to use your Windows 7 PC, without ongoing software and security upgrades, it will be more vulnerable to viruses and malware.

Furthermore, you may believe there are no risks, keep in mind that even supported Windows operating systems are vulnerable to zero-day attacks.

When hackers decide to attack Windows 7, as they will most certainly do, there will be no security fixes available. Using Windows 7 securely necessitates greater vigilance than usual.

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Does Windows 7 have an antivirus?

Windows 7 has the Microsoft Security Essential security utility which is a forerunner for what Windows Defender is today. The utility is able to detect and block viruses and malware but is very outdated.

Microsoft stopped offering support for Windows 7 in January 2020. This means that they no longer release updates for the operating system.

That makes Microsoft Security Essential an outdated antivirus that can no longer provide what is required to keep your system fully secured. It is recommended you use a third-party antivirus that’s compatible with Windows 7 and still releases new, updated versions.

Do I need an antivirus on Windows 7?

Windows 7 no longer receives security updates and we expect the number of Windows 7-targeted attacks to grow.

Remember that, as the name implies, it only provides basic security; if you feel unsafe with your Windows 7 PC, it’s always a good idea to try software that is trustworthy and has your back while you go online.

If you want to prevent hackers from infecting your Windows 7 PC with malware, install one of the antivirus software picks listed below.

Which is the best antivirus software for Windows 7?

Chances are that you run Windows 7 on an older machine, which means you have fewer resources, so an antivirus with asmaller file and less resource usageis recommended.

Also, make sure you get an up-to-date antivirus. Whilst there are plenty of old AV versions available for download that are certainly compatible with Windows 7, these are not very useful in blocking current threats.

While all these utilities are very good options, they vary in terms of features. Some of them are more focused on anti-phishing and privacy, while others employ advanced machine learning to detect day-one threats.

ESET HOME Security Essential– Best antivirus overall

ESET HOME Security Essentialtops our list of antivirus tools for your Windows 7 device. It protects against any type of malware, including viruses, ransomware, worms, and spyware.

Once installed, the solution is lightweight, unintrusive, and efficient, which will make it a great asset for your device.

With ESET HOME Security Essential, your online operations are safe and the tool’s permanent background activity ensures won’t interfere with any of the ongoing system processes.

You can use any of the software’s three variants on your Windows 7 computer: Essential, Advanced, or Ultimate. Keep in mind that there are limited functions due to the end of support from Microsoft for Windows 7.

Let’s seeESET HOME Security Essential’s main features:

Additionally, this antivirus will provide security for sensitive information used for banking or other financial needs. With great anti-phishing or fraud tools, you lock your personal data in a few clicks.

There is also a firewall and network inspector tool created to detect harmful software or viruses that get into your PC.

ESET HOME Security Essential

Panda Security Free– Best free option

Panda Antivirusis a free antivirus tool that will bring added value to protect your PC from digital threats or harmful malware.

With this Windows 7-compatible antivirus, you take advantage of real-time malware detection and virus prevention for your computer.

You can easily install this antivirus and use its user-friendly interface to avoid system damage or malfunctions caused by dangerous malware.

The software is light on resources and operates on the cloud so you won’t be interrupted by different updates or processes.

You have access to the followingkey features of Panda Security Free:

Moreover, it can secure your computer from malware infection through USB drives. So every time you insert a USB drive the antivirus will run a full scan.

Panda Rescue Kit also presents a recovery system for your PC, helping you boot and clean an infected computer that won’t start.

There are other helpful functionalities like the Gaming mode or Android device protection to get all-around security for every single device.

Panda Security Free

Bitdefender Total Security– Lightweight and quick installation

Bitdefenderis a powerfulantivirusfor Windows 7 that will keep hackers at bay. Thistoolmakes the Internet safe for you, blocking virtually allthreats.

Bitdefender offers on-demand and on-access scanning to detect and remove allmalware, including viruses, worms and Trojans, ransomware, zero-day exploits, rootkits, and spyware.

Theantivirusalso uses advanced behavioral detection techniques that monitor your active apps, closing the door onmalware.

Let’s see themain features of Bitdefender Total Security:

Your financial data, including passwords or credit card numbers, is safe with Bitdefender. The anti-fraud filtering system detects and blocks suspicious websites that may try to scam you.

No less important, Bitdefender offers severalantiviruspackages, each suitable for specific categories of users.

Note: You need at least Windows 7 with Service Pack 1 to use Bitdefender on your device. Bitdefender offers support for Windows 7 until the 14th of January, 2023.

Bitdefender Total Security

Guard.io– Best for blocking browser adware

Guard.iois not a traditional antivirus, it is a browser extension that acts as a full-fledged antivirus. It doesn’t take up space on your PC, and since most of the processing is done from the endpoint, it’s essentially low resource consumption.

It only takes a few seconds to add Guard.io to your browser and you can immediately see its capabilities. Malicious websites are blocked before you even click, so no attempt is made to steal your data.

With advanced leak monitoring capabilities, you can track all your email accounts and receive data breach notifications so you can take immediate action.

The mainkey featuresof Gurad.io are:

Block unwanted notifications and intrusive annoying ads, remove popups, and eliminate harmful spam.

As an antivirus, it protects you from all risks that come from online or offline threats. It also removes all malicious add-on extensions that may endanger your computer.

Guard.io

Intego– Top-notch virus prevention

Intego comes second on our Windows 7 Antivirus programs list, as it is fully featured with prevention and protection criteria.

It has real-time monitoring that prevents advanced viruses and malware from damaging your computer.

It offers total online safety so you can browse the internet peacefully and evolving-threats-free.

Furthermore, it has a low-resource usage so your Windows 7 PC will not encounter any slow-downs.

Let’s see themain features of Intego:

Intego will have maximum performance and protection for your Windows 7 device without worrying about any negative aspects.

With this software, you can protect yourself and your family from online threats including phishing attacks, fake websites, and others thanks to its world-class Web shield.

Intego

Total AV– Advanced anti-malware

The following solution is a highly trusted antivirus due to valuable anti-malware tools and real-time monitoring for Windows 7 PCs.

If you need unbreakable security for your device, best use this malware protection tool to monitor digital threats in real-time to avoid serious system troubles.

This antivirus solution delivers strong protection against advanced malware and checks different installs or executables before affecting your PC.

You have access to the followingkey features ofTotal AV:

Total AV is the right answer for browsing safety with the WebShield feature that prevents scams and phishing attacks to access your personal data.

You can also block annoying ads or pop-up messages that cover your screen and constantly require information.

It’s also worth knowing that it’s possible to schedule smart scams anytime and detect harmful malware before infecting your computer.

Total AV

Vipre Antivirus Plus– Fast responding

Vipreantivirus is your best alternative to slow or unresponsive antivirus solutions. The technology it uses ensures fast detection against new, emerging, and advanced cyber-threats.

VIPRE Antivirus Plus is also quite effective at stopping malware and preventing infected executable files from being installed and launched. VIPRE is also capable of blocking harmful URLs that might lead to your machine getting infected with malware.

Today, antivirus software’s antiphishing features are equally critical, and VIPRE Antivirus Plus has gone to considerable lengths to improve its phishing detection and prevention from previous versions that were almost great.

More exactly, it outperformed the great majority of other similar products on the market. VIPRE can assist safeguard your email communication as well as your social network profiles in addition to these core functions.

The program includes all the necessary tools to keep your Windows 7 system apps in top shape.

Just take a closer look at itskey features:

Not to mention that if you’re based in the US, Vipre has been awarded for the excellentsupport and customer service it offers.

Vipre Antivirus Plus

Norton 360– Best for online vulnerabilities

If you are using Windows 7 service pack 1 or later,Norton 360will continue to provide enhanced protection. Windows 7 service pack 0 will be in maintenance mode.

Maintenance mode indicates that the Norton security software installed on Windows 7 SP0 will continue to receive certain services, such as malware definition updates, but that other services, such as new product features, will be discontinued.

If you have Windows service pack 1 or higher, you will be able to make use of all of Norton 360’s features.

You have access to the followingkey features of Norton 360:

While having safeguards accessible in Windows 7 is crucial, it is equally necessary to back up that security with dependable help from antivirus software such as Norton 360.

LiveUpdate will continue to provide the most recent malware definitions to your Norton protection software, as well as vulnerability updates and compatibility fixes.

Norton 360

Avast Free Antivirus– Powerful ransomware shield

Avast Free Antivirus’sdedicatedantivirusfully protects yourWindows 7computer and has a very low impact on your PC’s performance.

The antivirus offers complete protection with advanced features that will detect and block malware the moment it attempts to enter your computer.

Avast Free Antivirus features a very clean and easy-to-use interface. Even if you haven’t used this tool before, you’ll quickly get used to it.

You have access to the followingkey features ofAvast Free Antivirus:

With all-around security tools, it’s possible to block advanced cyber threats and dangerous ransomware attacks that can badly damage your PC.

You can as well stay away from malicious websites and guard personal data from phishing attempts on various sites.

The company offers severalantivirussolutions forWindows 7, including a free version.

Avast Free Antivirus

Avira Free Antivirus– Small footprint on PC performance

Avirauses state-of-the-art algorithms to protect you from viruses, worms, Trojans, ransomware, spyware, adware, and rootkits.

In this manner, your PC is protected in real-time both against known and unknown threats.

Avira offers near-perfect detection rates and an intuitive interface. The tool won’t slow down your PC in any way.

The company offers four versatile packages combining online protection, firewall management, performance tools, and a VPN.

Plus, you benefit from blocking trackers tools capable to prevent ad networks to store your personal information online.

You have access to the followingkey features of Avira Free Antivirus:

Avira is fantastic. It is quick, light, and well-rated for compatibility with Windows 7 machines. The majority of activities need human permission, although background protection is automated.

As a result, the system will not be overwhelmed at an inconvenient time, but it is also possible to be unconcerned with its status.

Avira Free Antivirus

AVG Internet Security– Best antispyware and webcam protection

AVGis a reliable solution that combines artificial intelligence and crowdsourced data from millions of users to stay one step ahead of hackers.

The tool warns you about unsafe web links, blocks dangerous email attachments and malware, and updates in real-time to keep your PC safe at all times.

Moreover, keep in mind that AVG is very silent, running in the background without slowing down your Windows 7 computer.

You have access to the followingkey features ofAVG Internet Security:

AVG will continue to protect Windows 7 customers by issuing updated virus definitions and AVG Internet Security software updates.

While as a Windows 7 user, you will continue to benefit from the most up-to-date virus, malware, and other threat protection, please be aware that the risk of using an unsupported operating system escalates with time.

You can always transfer your account if you have an AVG Internet Security subscription but want to update your operating system or move to a different device.

If you decide to upgrade to a newer OS version, your AVGantiviruswill continue working as it’s compatible with all the latest Windows versions.

AVG Internet Security

Kaspersky Standard– Powerful data encryption

Kaspersky’saward-winning security solutions help you protect your data, privacy, and money. If you like this idea, don’t hesitate to give it a try.

You have access to the followingkey features ofKaspersky:

Kaspersky is a top-tier application, that includes a password manager, excellent parental controls, a reinforced browser for online transactions, and revolutionary spyware prevention.

While its malware scanner did allow a few possible dangers to pass, it’s a step ahead of the competition with rapid speeds that have just a little influence on the performance of your computer.

The sole disadvantage is that unrestricted access to Kaspersky’s Secure Connection VPN service costs an additional fee per year.

The company offers threemainantivirussolutions:

?️Kaspersky Antivirus— the perfect choice for protecting the data stored on your computer

?️Kaspersky Internet Security—  the perfect solution to keep your computer safe while browsing

?️Kaspersky Total Security— the cross-platformantivirusthat protects your family against all malware attacks

If you’re not sure whichantivirusvariant to get, you can try the three solutions listed above for free for 30 days.

Kaspersky Standard

These are the bestWindows 7antivirussolutions that you can install on your PC.

As you can see, most of these tools come in three different versions: a free version, an Internet security edition, and a total security version.

What is the best virus protection for Windows 7?

Install theantivirusthat best suits your needs. For example, if you need anantiviruswith a built-in VPN, you can select Avira’s Total Securityantivirus.

If you’re concerned about keeping your PC secure while browsing the Internet, then you should go for anInternet security-focused solution.

Also, we recommend buying anantivirussolution, instead of using a free version. As a matter of fact, freeantivirussolutions generally offer limited protection againstmalware, leaving many areas vulnerable tothreats.

Money spent on a reliableantivirusis money invested in securing your data.

Speaking of protecting your data, you can also install agreat VPN softwarecompatible with your antivirus to block third parties from tracking your online activity.

Can Windows 7 still be used safely?

Using an operating system that is not supported anymore is definitely challenging. Making Windows 7 secure is still possible, but a lot more time-consuming than it would be for operating systems that still get upgrades.

Microsoft still releases security patches for older operating systems, including Windows 7, but these are generally not enough to ensure overall protection.

The main problem is that your applications are not written to comply with today’s requirements. Not only that, but third-party application manufacturers are slowly dropping Windows 7 as well.

This means that it is way more difficult to get a basic application like a web browser or a productivity suite. You will have to make some research and find apps that are up-to-date and compatible with Windows 7.

What are the risks of staying with Windows 7?

Your PC is more vulnerable to cyber attacks when you use an outdated OS and consequently outdated software.

Windows 7 is not prepared to detect threats that did not even exist when its last service pack was released.

This leaves plenty of opportunities for hackers that can more easily access your OS, and damage and steal your data.

How do I secure my computer Windows 7?

To secure your operating system, it’s important to make sure you get updated software from secured, official sources.

This does not include only antiviruses. All your applications should come with Windows 7 compatible versions that still get frequent updates that make them less vulnerable to attackers.

Consider getting a secure browser for Windows 7, as well as a VPN that will help you protect your data. Anetwork monitorcan also help you make sure there’s no suspicious device connected to your Wi-Fi.

This has been our rundown for the best antivirus software for Windows 7. We hoped our insights helped you learn more about the operating system’s security requirements and helped you pick your best bet.

Which ones of this software do you think are the best for the job? Do you have any other recommendations for similar software? Let us know in the comments.

More about the topics:antivirus,Cybersecurity,windows 7

Madalina Dinita

Networking & Security Specialist

Madalina has been a Windows fan ever since she got her hands on her first Windows XP computer.

She is interested in all things technology, especially emerging technologies – AI and DNA computing in particular.

Prior to joining the WindowsReport team, she worked in the corporate world for a number of years.

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Madalina Dinita

Networking & Security Specialist

Madalina is a Windows fan since forever, especially interested in AI, emerging technologies, privacy, and security.