Alternatives to Microsoft Defender

Provides real-time protection against viruses, spyware, malware, and other online threats for your Windows device

Avast Free Antivirus

Program license: Free

Free program to help protect a user's devices from viruses

Microsoft Security Essentials

Program license: Free

Package of security programs that helps protect Windows operating systems

Wise Folder Hider

Program license: Free

Prevents others from viewing, reading and modifying files without a password

SecretFolder

Program license: Trial version

Create an undershare location where you won't have to worry about anyone snooping on your data

Comodo AntiVirus

Program license: Free

Tool that fights viruses and malware and offers attached sandbox tech

Avast One Essential

Program license: Free

A utility that can protect you from all kinds of viruses and boost the performance of your computer

FileLock

Program license: Free

Lock files on the PC to prevent them from being deleted

myWIFIzone Internet Access Blocker

Program license: Free

Lets users observe and better control their network and who has access to it

Security Eye

Program license: Free

Local-first surveillance tool for homes and small businesses with motion detection, alerts, and multi-camera support

TakeOwnershipPro

Program license: Free

Free utility that lets you take ownership of files and folders to resolve access restrictions

Windows 8

Program license: Free

A completely redesigned operating system with a slick new user interface and touch-friendly navigation

HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool

Program license: Free

Excellent freeware that cleans thumb drives and creates boot drives

Windows 11 Media Creation Tool

Program license: Free

Create official bootable installation media and seamlessly upgrade compatible PCs to the latest version

AppLocker

Program license: Free

Allows users to restrict access to programs on a Windows PC

BCUninstaller

Program license: Free

Powerful batch uninstaller to clean stubborn programs and unwanted clutter from your PC effortlessly

K9 Web Protection

Program license: Free

Protect your children and others from certain types of internet content via secure blocking features

Lock My PC

Program license: Trial version

Easy-to-use cybersecurity tool for locking Windows computers

Psiphon

Program license: Free

Gain access to censored, blocked, or unavailable websites from anywhere in the world

Microsoft Defender

Program license: Full

Anti-spyware that protects against slow performance and pop-ups

Windows Defender Offline

Program license: Free

Protects your PC from virus attacks when you are offline

Clear Disk Info

Program license: Free

Effortlessly monitor disk health and storage device performance with comprehensive, user-friendly insights and clear diagnostic reports

Bluetooth PC LockItNow!

Program license: Trial version

Keep your computer safe and secure while browsing the Internet

Cheque Factory

Program license: Trial version

Create multilingual checks, labels, and documents with barcode support and an easy step-by-step design wizard

Spam Bully

Program license: Trial version

Efficiently manage and eliminate spam with advanced filtering features and customizable settings

Anvi Smart Defender

Program license: Free

Attack viruses and malware from new angles

HomeGuard Activity Monitor

Program license: Trial version

Activity monitoring and content filtering tool for parental control

Windows Defender Hub

Program license: Free

Free, real-time security solution defending against viruses, malware, and phishing scams with automatic updates and no subscription fees