By the way—if your PC has a free trial for another antivirus service already installed, you’ll need to disable it (or better, uninstall it) to allow Windows Security to take over. Cons: Bare-bones ...

Protect your computer with effective antivirus protection and smart computer security strategies to prevent hacking, malware, and viruses for safer online experiences. Pixabay, TheDigitalArtist ...

When the IBM PC was new, I served as the president of the San Francisco PC User Group for three years. That’s how I met PCMag’s editorial team, who brought me on board in 1986. In the years since that ...

ZDNET experts put every product through rigorous testing and research to curate the best options for you. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn Our Process 'ZDNET Recommends': ...

Malwarebytes is best known for its free malware cleanup tool, but its full-featured antivirus software is also worth considering. Here, I compare it with Editors' Choice winner Bitdefender to show you ...

In 2025, most devices feature built-in antivirus software that scans files you attempt to download, blocking anything it deems suspicious. Antivirus tools also perform automated scans to remove ...

Even if you're cautious, there's always a chance that a virus could sneak onto your PC. Sure, Windows does have built-in security to block malware, but all it takes is one wrong click. Maybe it's a ...

There’s an unspoken rule in PC gaming that goes a little something like this: “Bar cutting off your right leg, you should do everything you can to maximize your PC performance for games.” Because of ...