Microsoft Defender Alternatives for Windows

There are many alternatives to Microsoft Defender for Windows if you are looking for a replacement. The best Windows alternative is Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which is free. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 100 alternatives to Microsoft Defender and loads of them are available for Windows so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Windows alternatives to Microsoft Defender are Avast Free Antivirus, ClamAV, Bitdefender Antivirus and Spybot - Search & Destroy.

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Microsoft Defender alternatives page was last updated

Alternatives list

  1. Comprehensive protection software utilizing AI and machine learning to detect and neutralize threats. Features include RDP and Ransomware Protection. Efficiently uses minimal system resources with customizable settings for scan modes and performance adjustments.

    113 Malwarebytes Anti-Malware alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Chrome OS
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Kindle Fire
     
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    2
  2. Provides free real-time protection against viruses, malware, spyware, and ransomware, with secure HTTPS scanning, customizable scans, password management, home network security, antiphishing, Smart Scan, rescue disk creation, and software updating.

    137 Avast Free Antivirus alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
     
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    1
  3. ClamAV icon
     249 likes

    Clam AntiVirus is an open source (GPL) anti-virus toolkit for UNIX, designed especially for e-mail scanning on mail gateways. It provides a number of utilities including a flexible and scalable multi-threaded daemon, a command line scanner and advanced tool for automatic...

    100 ClamAV alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
     
  4. Free antivirus offering comprehensive protection with real-time threat detection, AI-powered security, lightweight performance, Game mode, user-friendly interface, and auto updates. Supports multiple platforms and provides live customer support. Ideal for all users.

    63 Bitdefender Antivirus alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
     
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    2
  5. Detects and removes spyware, adware, keyloggers, browser hijackers, and tracking cookies, offering system immunization, real-time protection, manual or scheduled scans, quarantine and secure deletion, detailed reports, and multilingual support.

    100 Spybot - Search & Destroy alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • PortableApps.com
     
  6. Avira Antivirus icon
     407 likes

    Offers real-time protection from malware, ransomware, viruses, and spyware, with advanced repair, browser safety, software updates, VPN, PC optimization tools, cloud-based updates, and system clean-up. Available for Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS devices.

    77 Avira Antivirus alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
     
  7. Kaspersky AntiVirus offers protection from a range of IT threats and provides the basic tools needed to keep your PC secure.

    83 Kaspersky AntiVirus alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Mac
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Android
    • Android Tablet
     
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    2
  8. Experience a fast, efficient antivirus with ESET's AI-powered defense against viruses, ransomware, and phishing. Enjoy features like cloud-powered scanning, Enhanced Exploit Blocker, Device Control, and Gamer Mode for uninterrupted use. Optimize your security and maintain speed.

    75 ESET NOD32 Antivirus alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
     
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    1
  9. AdwCleaner icon
     183 likes

    Detects and removes adware, PUPs, toolbars, browser hijackers, and unwanted plugins with fast scanning and cleaning. Requires no installation and runs as a portable utility. Cleans files and registry traces, fixes altered browser settings, and can run from flash drives.

    54 AdwCleaner alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free Personal
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
     
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    1
  10. Tron Script icon
     34 likes

    Tron is a collection of programs, tools, utilities, and Windows functions that are all scripted together. Those programs and such are designed to remove malware and bloatware, repair damaged operating systems, update old versions of very common applications, free up drive space...

    170 Tron Script alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source (MIT)

    Platforms

    • Windows
     
  11. AVG AntiVirus icon
     286 likes

    AVG AntiVirus Free provides basic antivirus and antispyware protection for home users. Virus database updated every day. Includes innovative LinkScanner for web-protection.

    75 AVG AntiVirus alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Android
    • Chrome OS
     
  12. Comodo Internet Security is a free, very voluminous and multi-layered security application that keeps hackers out and personal information in.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
     
12 of 93 Microsoft Defender alternatives