MUO

Antivirus

Install the right antivirus software for you and learn how to best use it.

Readers like you help support MUO. When you make a purchase using links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read More.

latest

person on laptop with 3D alert page in front of screen
Can You Trust File Malware Scanners?

No one wants malicious code in their files. But can file malware scanners really be trusted to help with this issue?

By 
Mockup of Laptop Showing Pop-up of McAfee Fake Subscription Expiry
What Is the McAfee Virus Pop-Up Scam? How to Get Rid of It

Have you seen a pop-up informing you that your McAfee subscription has expired? It might be a fake. Here's what you need to know.

By 
windows-10-security
The 8 Best Antivirus Programs for Windows 10

Want to tighten security on your PC? Here are the best antivirus software options for Windows 10.

By 
Anti biohazard spray spraying an Android phone with a virus warning
How to Remove a Virus From Your Android Phone Without a Factory Reset

Need to remove a virus from your Android phone? We show you how to clean your phone from a malware infection without a factory reset.

By 
Media elements and the text
The 4 Best Open-Source Antivirus Software for PC

Looking for an antivirus suite that lets you check out the source code? Open-source antivirus software could be the solution.

By 
viewing scan results after running pc repair utility
Why Do Antiviruses Have Scanning Exclusions?

You can stop your antivirus suite from scanning certain files and directories, but should you? What are the pros and cons of doing this?

By 
digital graphic of red virus alert
Are Viruses Still a Threat to Cybersecurity?

Malware might have taken over as a main threat to your devices, but do you still need to worry about viruses? Do you need an antivirus suite?

By 
digital graphic of red padlock in front of binary code
What Is an Antivirus False Result? Can You Stop It Happening?

Antivirus suites aren't perfect: you can get false positives and false negatives. Here's how it happens and what you can do about it.

By 
Cartoon hand coming out of a laptop screen catching a ladybug
No Paid-For Antivirus? No Problem: 6 Ways to Get Your Computer Virus-Free

An infection can wreak havoc on your PC, but you may not need expensive antivirus software to find a cure.

By 
digital graphic of virus highlighted in red and blue code colors
A Brief History of Computer Viruses: From the 1970s to Now

What was the first computer virus? How have they evolved? And do viruses pose a big threat for the future?

By 
Corona Wash & Vax game
Mac
The 7 Best Truly Free Antivirus Software for Your Mac

Viruses and security issues abound, even on Mac. It’s critical that you use a free antivirus for Mac, no matter how smart you are.

By 
graphic of virus being magnified in computer code
What's the Difference Between Antivirus and Antimalware?

Most of us have an antivirus suite installed, but you might've heard about antimalware too. So what actually are they? And which do you need?

By 
digital graphic of laptop next to shield and magnifying glass
7 Features Your Antivirus Software Needs

Looking for a new antivirus suite? Here are some key features you need to make sure your security software has to keep you protected.

By 
smartphone on yellow background with lock icon on screen
Do Smartphones Come With Antivirus?

How are smartphones protected against hackers? Some have in-built security features while others might need some extra help...

By 
A close-up of an iPhone screen showing the App Store icon.
The 3 Best Free iPhone Antivirus Apps

Yes, some iPhones can be infected by malware. That's why you may need an antimalware app. Fortunately, you don't need to pay to get a great one.

By 
An android phone lying on a table showing gesture navigation
Got a Virus Warning on Your Android? Here's How to Respond

Received a pop-up warning that your smartphone has been infected by malware? Here's how to check if it's real and what to do if it is.

By 
Mockup of RAV Antivirus Running on a Laptop Place on a Table
Did RAV Antivirus Suddenly Appear on Your Windows PC? Here's Where It Came From & How to Uninstall It

Has RAV antivirus appeared on your PC without you realizing it? Here's how to uninstall it.

By 
close up shot of macbook keyboard with hazard icon
Snake Keylogger Malware Removal Guide

Snake Keylogger malware could be noting your every single keystroke. Here's what to do to find and remove such a keylogger.

By 
windows defender security notification on laptop screen
Does Antivirus Detect and Remove All Malware?

You pay for a good antivirus suite, so it should be able to detect all viruses and threats, right? That's easier said than done...

By 
An infected computer
Why You Shouldn't Have More Than One Antivirus Program on Your Windows PC

More antivirus programs mean more security, right? Not quite. Here's why.

By 
See more articles +