Prevent Malware on Windows 10 with These Antivirus Programs

Kenoxisav | 12 Jun 2025

In today's associated world, it is more important to keep your Windows 10 PC safe from malware. Whether you use your computer for work, school, or personal tasks, always causes discount and loss of malware. From stealing personal data to slowing down your system, malware can make your digital life unhappy.

Fortunately, you will not have to deal with these dangers alone. A good antivirus program can protect your device, scan for harmful files, and prevent attacks before causing trouble. In this blog, we will find out what malware is, why you need antivirus software on Windows 10, and the top antivirus programs that you can trust in 2025.

What Is Malware?

Malware is short for “malicious software.” It’s a broad term that includes viruses, spyware, ransomware, trojans, worms, and other harmful programs. These threats can:

Steal your personal data like passwords and credit card numbers

Lock your files and demand payment to unlock them (ransomware)

Slow down or crash your system

Spy on your activity

Hijack your browser or change your settings

You can get malware from infected websites, email attachments, fake software downloads, USB drives, and even ads. That’s why strong protection is essential.

Why You Need Antivirus for Windows 10

Although Windows 10 comes with Microsoft Defender Antivirus, it’s not always enough on its own. Defender provides basic protection, but it might not catch newer, more complex threats. Third-party antivirus programs often offer:

Better real-time protection

Faster threat detection

Advanced tools like ransomware protection, phishing protection, and firewalls

Extra features like password managers and secure VPNs

Adding a trusted antivirus gives you a stronger defense against all types of malware.

Top Antivirus Programs to Prevent Malware on Windows 10

Here are some of the best antivirus solutions in 2025 that can help you stay safe.

1. Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

Why it's great:

Bitdefender is known for its excellent malware detection and low system impact. It runs quietly in the background while keeping your PC safe.

Key features:

Real-time protection from viruses, spyware, ransomware, and more

Web attack prevention

Anti-phishing and anti-fraud tools

Password manager and VPN included

Best for:

Users who want strong security with extra privacy tools and don’t want their PC to slow down.

2. Norton 360 Standard

Why it's great:

Norton has a long history of protecting computers, and its 360 package offers powerful protection along with cloud backup and a secure VPN.

Key features:

Real-time malware protection

Firewall for blocking suspicious traffic

10GB of cloud backup

Secure VPN for private browsing

Dark web monitoring for personal info leaks

Best for:

People who want an all-in-one security solution with backup and online privacy features.

3. Kaspersky Anti-Virus

Why it's great:

Kaspersky delivers top-notch virus detection and easy-to-use tools for everyday users.

Key features:

Strong protection from malware and ransomware

Fast scanning with low system usage

Automatic updates

Gaming mode to reduce interruptions

Best for:

Anyone looking for reliable antivirus protection without too many extras.

4. ESET NOD32 Antivirus

Why it's great:

ESET is a lightweight antivirus with advanced threat detection that’s perfect for users who want strong control over their protection.

Key features:

Fast and efficient scanning

Advanced malware detection

Customizable settings

Gamer-friendly performance

Best for:

Tech-savvy users and gamers who want to fine-tune their antivirus setup.

5. Avast One Essential

Why it's great:

Avast One is a free antivirus program that offers more than just basic protection. It’s great for those on a budget who still want solid security.

Key features:

Malware and ransomware protection

Email and Wi-Fi network scanning

Built-in firewall

System cleanup tools

Best for:

Users who want a free antivirus with some extra features included.

Tips to Stay Safe from Malware

While antivirus software is a must, you can reduce your risk even further by following smart online habits:

Keep your software updated:

Regularly update Windows and all your programs to fix security holes that malware could exploit.

Don’t click on suspicious links or downloads:

Be careful with email attachments, pop-ups, or links from unknown sources.

Use strong passwords:

Use different passwords for each account and consider a password manager to keep them secure.

Avoid pirated software:

It often comes bundled with malware and isn’t worth the risk.

Back up your files regularly:

Use an external hard drive or cloud service in case ransomware or another threat damages your data.

What About Microsoft Defender?

Microsoft Defender, the built-in antivirus on Windows 10, has improved over the years. It provides decent protection against most threats and is great for users who don’t want to install extra software.

However, many third-party antivirus programs offer better malware detection rates and extra tools that Defender doesn’t include—such as secure VPNs, password managers, and more detailed controls.

For basic use, Defender may be fine. But for complete protection, especially if you work online or handle sensitive data, a dedicated antivirus is recommended.

Conclusion

Preventing malware on Windows 10 is all about staying proactive. With so many threats available, relying solely on built-in safety might not be enough in 2025. Choosing the right antivirus can prevent from severe problems like records loss, identity robbery, or a slow, infected PC.

Each antivirus program listed here—Bitdefender, Norton, Kaspersky, ESET, and Avast—has its strengths. Your best pick depends on your needs: whether you want something simple, something powerful, or something free.

No matter what you choose, make sure you stay updated, browse wisely, and back up your important files. With the right tools and good habits, you can keep your Windows 10 PC safe and running smoothly all year long.