Bitdefender Antivirus Free for Windows review
Bitdefender Antivirus Free for Windows: Specs
Malware protection: Excellent
System impact, background: Light
System impact, scans: Moderate
Windows compatibility: 7 through 11
Email scans: No
File shredder: No
Game/silent mode: No
Hardened/secure browser: No
Password manager: No
Performance scanner: No
Ransomware file reversal: No
Rescue disk: Yes
Scan scheduler: Yes
Support options: FAQs, forums, chat
URL screener: Yes
Upsell nag factor: Slight
Bitdefender Antivirus Free for Windows picks up where the venerable Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition leaves off with excellent automatic protection that doesn’t require much user intervention. The new interface matches the company’s paid products and acts like a preview but there is little tweaking and optimizing available.
A fast scanner, the app can find a variety of threats and disarm them. On the other hand, its scanning engine takes up a significant amount of system resources, potentially eating into performance. Still, if set and forget protection is what you crave in a security program, Bitdefender Antivirus Free for Windows delivers. Our Bitdefender Antivirus Free review will help you decide if this free antivirus is right for you or if it’s worth upgrading to one of the best antivirus software solutions instead.
Bitdefender Antivirus Free for Windows review: Costs and what’s covered
An easy to use and minimalist program, Bitdefender Antivirus Free for Windows includes protection for three devices. It’s easy to integrate and control them using the Bitdefender Central online account. Based on the same interface, architecture, malware scanner and back-end support as Bitdefender’s paid programs, the free version lacks several features like webcam and microphone protection or a hardened browser.
The free version works with anything from Windows 7 to Windows 11. There’s also a free app for Mac that requires at least macOS 10 (a.k.a. Yellowstone) as well as for Android phones and tablets. The free iOS version of Bitdefender’s Mobile Security is basic with few features but paying $15 a year gives you web protection. Due to Apple’s…
