Skip to main content
Tech Radar Tech Radar Pro Tech Radar Gaming
TechRadar TechRadar the business technology experts
Asia
flag of Singapore
Singapore
Europe
flag of Danmark
Danmark
flag of Suomi
Suomi
flag of Norge
Norge
flag of Sverige
Sverige
flag of UK
UK
flag of Italia
Italia
flag of Nederland
Nederland
flag of België (Nederlands)
België (Nederlands)
flag of France
France
flag of Deutschland
Deutschland
flag of España
España
North America
flag of US (English)
US (English)
flag of Canada
Canada
flag of México
México
Australasia
flag of Australia
Australia
flag of New Zealand
New Zealand
RSS
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
Trending
  • Best office chairs
  • Best web hosting
  • Best website builder
  • Best antivirus
  • Expert Insights
Don't miss these
Person using a laptop with a padlock symbol
VPN Services I've spent over 100 hours testing VPNs this year – but 3 things are stopping me switching from NordVPN
Phone lock code. Smartphone protection with 2fa (two factor authentication). Smartphone protection and security with pin number. Encrypted data. Personal online privacy. Cyber hacker threat.
Security Best free password manager of 2025
A young man working on laptop in office writing notes
Software & Services Best free office software of 2025
"Best Free Antivirus Software" next to a laptop being opened
Antivirus The Best Free Antivirus in 2025: Expert Insights, Reviews, and Rankings
Split image of three home security cameras
Home Security I'm a smart home tech reviewer, and these are the top 3 subscription-free home security cameras I recommend
An image of network security icons for a network encircling a digital blue earth.
Security Best free torrent client of 2025
A 3d illustration of a server room with node base programming. Data design element. Concept of big data storage and cloud computing technology.
Security Best Firewall Software of 2025
Best free file recovery software
Software & Services Best data recovery software of 2025
Composite image of three video doorbells
Home Security I'm a smart home tech editor, and these are my 3 favorite cheap video doorbells – with no sneaky subscription fees
Split image of three video doorbells mounted on walls
Smart Home I test smart home tech for a living, and these are the top 3 subscription-free video doorbells I recommend
Person writing on computer.
Software & Services Best free word processor of 2025
A young boy hugs his father from behind while they look at a laptop.
Pro Best PC cleaner of 2025
Best antivirus software
Antivirus Best Antivirus Software 2025
Split image of two video doorbells, and person recoded by video doorbell
Smart Home Want a Ring doorbell, but don't want to pay a monthly fee? Here are 3 subscription-free alternatives – tested, and recommended
VPN toggled on on an iPhone
VPN Services Best free VPN for iPhone in 2025 – the safest free solutions for your phone, based on expert testing
  1. Pro

How to protect Windows 10 from viruses for free

How Tos
By Matt Hanson published 6 December 2015

No subscription needed

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Keep Windows 10 free from viruses

Keep Windows 10 free from viruses

Windows 10 is Microsoft's most secure operating system ever thanks to powerful anti-virus tools that help keep you protected from internet nasties.

While keeping your Windows 10 machine virus-free is easier than ever before, there are still things you can do to help keep your data safe. For complete protection there are several powerful free tools to download to prevent malicious software from infecting your machine.

There are also a number of best practices you should follow so you don't put yourself at risk online. Follow our guide to guarantee safe computing, knowing you can enjoy browsing the internet safe in the knowledge your data is safe.

  • Check out our collection of guides on how to use Windows 10
Page 1 of 11
Page 1 of 11
1. Windows Defender

1. Windows Defender

If you've upgraded from Windows 8 and Windows 8.1, then you'll recognise Windows 10's built-in anti-virus tool, Windows Defender. It comes installed automatically and runs in the background, making sure you're protected (without you even realising!).

If you've upgraded from Windows 7, think of Windows Defender as an upgrade from Microsoft Security Essentials.

Page 2 of 11
Page 2 of 11
2. Scan for viruses

2. Scan for viruses

Windows Defender keeps everything secure behind the scenes. However, if you want it to scan your computer to make sure you've not picked up any malicious software, type Windows Defender into the search box on the taskbar and press [Enter].

Select 'Quick' and press 'Scan now' to sweep your files and folders. For a deeper scan select 'Full'.

Page 3 of 11
Page 3 of 11
3. Customise your scan

3. Customise your scan

If you want more control over what Windows Defender scans select 'Custom', then click 'Scan now'. A window will appear with a list of hard drives you can choose to scan.

If you want to scan one, check the box (all sub folders included will be ticked as well). If you want to go deeper, click the '+' symbol to view the folders on each drive, allowing you to customise what scans.

Page 4 of 11
Page 4 of 11
4. Keeping Windows Defender updated

4. Keeping Windows Defender updated

The reality is new threats regularly crop up, which means its essential Windows Defender is kept updated so it has the tools to combat the latest attacks.

You can manually update Windows Defender, or check it is updated, by clicking 'Update'. However, it's best to update automatically, and by default its updates will be included with Windows 10 updates.

Page 5 of 11
Page 5 of 11
5. Viewing quarantined files

5. Viewing quarantined files

When Windows Defender finds an infected file it quarantines it, so you can safely check the file before deleting it. Sometimes quarantined files are, in fact, harmless.

To check quarantined files, click the 'History Tab' in Windows Defender, then click 'View Files'. If you think it is a virus, click 'Remove all', if not select 'Allow item' – but only if you're sure it's safe.

Page 6 of 11
Page 6 of 11
6. Windows Defender settings

6. Windows Defender settings

For even more control over how Windows Defender operates, click 'Settings'. This gives you access to further advanced settings. You can turn real-time protection and cloud-based protection on and off (though we'd recommend leaving both on), and you can add exclusions.

If you are certain a file is not a virus, add it here and the scanning process will speed up.

Page 7 of 11
Page 7 of 11
7. An alternative - Avast Free Antivirus

7. An alternative - Avast Free Antivirus

Windows Defender is good, but for even more security there are alternatives you can install. Windows Defender will pause if you install another antivirus, so no conflicts will occur.

Avast Free Antivirus is a popular free anti-virus software alternative. If you want more tools there are paid versions that offer additional features.

Page 8 of 11
Page 8 of 11
8. Another alternative - Malwarebytes

8. Another alternative - Malwarebytes

Malwarebytes is a free tool that often finds and eliminates viruses and malware that other anti-virus scanners miss. It's fine to run alongside Windows Defender, and we'd recommend letting it scan your PC if Windows 10 is behaving strangely and Windows Defender has not detected any viruses.

Page 9 of 11
Page 9 of 11
9. Virus-free best practice - part one

9. Virus-free best practice - part one

The best way to keep your PC safe is by following some best-practice advice. Be wary of sites you've not visited before, and take notice of pop-up adverts that appear. While most are safe, some will try to trick you into downloading files.

Other pop-ups make it look as if Windows is asking you to download an antivirus program as you are infected. Never click these.

Page 10 of 11
Page 10 of 11
10. Virus-free best practice - part two

10. Virus-free best practice - part two

Be careful opening attachments sent via email or instant messaging, especially if you don't know the sender. If something seems too good to be true, there's a reason.

So if you see a message saying you've won something in a competition you never entered, then this hasn't happened. Common sense will help you know whether to download something or leave it alone.

Page 11 of 11
Page 11 of 11
TOPICS
Windows 10
Matt Hanson
Matt Hanson
Social Links Navigation
Managing Editor, Core Tech

Matt is TechRadar's Managing Editor for Core Tech, looking after computing and mobile technology. Having written for a number of publications such as PC Plus, PC Format, T3 and Linux Format, there's no aspect of technology that Matt isn't passionate about, especially computing and PC gaming. He’s personally reviewed and used most of the laptops in our best laptops guide - and since joining TechRadar in 2014, he's reviewed over 250 laptops and computing accessories personally.

Read more
"Best Free Antivirus Software" next to a laptop being opened
The Best Free Antivirus in 2025: Expert Insights, Reviews, and Rankings
 
 
Secure technology. Polygonal wireframe shield with check mark sign on dark blue. Secure service, protect data, cyber shield, antivirus solution, internet safety, firewall system, privacy
Is paid antivirus really worth it?
 
 
Malware attack virus alert , malicious software infection , cyber security awareness training to protect business
How to choose the best antivirus for you
 
 
Best alternative to Microsoft Defender
Best Alternative to Microsoft Defender Antivirus of 2025
 
 
Best antivirus software
Best Antivirus Software 2025
 
 
Hacker with malware code in computer screen. Cybersecurity, privacy or cyber attack. Programmer or fraud criminal writing virus software. Online firewall and privacy crime. Web data engineer
Best Malware Removal in 2025: Trusted Rankings
 
 
Latest in Pro
Oracle AI World 2025 lobby
Oracle AI World 2025 - we're live in Las Vegas for all the latest Oracle news as it happens
 
 
Dreamforce 2025 sign
Dreamforce 2025 - we're live in San Francisco for all the latest Salesforce news as it happens
 
 
Hasee X5 15.6 laptop
Newegg sells a new Core i9-12900H laptop for $439 and I don't understand why it is so cheap
 
 
TP-Link Wi-Fi 8 announcement
Forget Wi-Fi 7 already - successful trial means Wi-Fi 8 technology could be here sooner than you think
 
 
Handshake of man and robot. Modern technologies. Art collage.
A new wave of 'Shadow AI' is worrying workplaces
 
 
Windows 10 EOL
Ahead of EOL-geddon, Windows 10 interest has shot up - but it's all for the wrong reasons
 
 
Latest in How Tos
Acer’s Swift laptops deliver performance and portability to fit any budget
How to turn a Windows 10 laptop into a Chromebook
 
 
Elvis Merzlikins #90 of the Columbus Blue Jackets makes a save in the second period during the game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG PAINTS Arena on September 27, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
NHL 2025/26 - Stream it *FREE* with these trial offers
 
 
BBC Celebrity Traitors Image
The Celebrity Traitors UK LIVE: how to watch, free streams, live updates, Episodes 2 & 3
 
 
Luke Littler of England smiles during the Final match between James Wade of England and Luke Littler of England on day nine of the 2025 Betfred World Matchplay at Winter Gardens on July 27, 2025 in Blackpool, England.
How to watch PDC World Grand Prix of Darts 2025 online: free live streams, schedule
 
 
 Matthew Tkachuk #19 of the Florida Panthers celebrates with the Stanley Cup after defeating the Edmonton Oilers in Game Six of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena on June 17, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida.
How to watch NHL 2025/26: live stream every game, TV channels
 
 
Xbox Game Pass
How to cancel Xbox Game Pass on PC, console, and the app – a step-by-step guide to ditching the service if you've had enough of the price rises
 
 
LATEST ARTICLES
  1. 1
    This new accessory might just be what my Kobo ereader needs
  2. 2
    Your next smartphone could have SSD-class storage as JEDEC UFS 5.0 specification plans for speeds approaching 11GB/s, faster than PCIe 4.0 SSDs - and yes, it's all because of AI
  3. 3
    The Pixel Watch 4 has been crowned the smartwatch king in one key area – even beating the Apple Watch
  4. 4
    Oracle AI World 2025 - we're live in Las Vegas for all the latest Oracle news as it happens
  5. 5
    Remember audio tapes from TDK? The company just developed an analog reservoir AI chip that does real-time learning - and will even challenge humans at a game of rock-paper-scissors

TechRadar is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Web notifications
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...