Compare antivirus protection for Windows 11: featured offers, independent AV-TEST results, subscription terms and an included-with-Windows alternative.
Eight products · commercial placement order, not an independent quality ranking. Always verify plan details before purchasing.
Real-time antivirus and optional security extras
FEATURED PARTNER · PAID LINKReview the included protection tools and current promotional terms before deciding whether a subscription is right for your devices.
Established multi-layer security suite
Compare security features, device coverage and subscription levels directly with the manufacturer.
Windows security with a strong tested result
Explore current Windows protection plans and compare additional features by subscription tier.
Free and paid antivirus options
Explore free and paid antivirus options and check which capabilities are included with the edition.
Household and device-security subscriptions
Compare household security plans, eligible devices and renewal conditions before purchase.
Anti-malware focused security options
Explore protection against malicious software, with features varying by edition and plan.
Additional paid antivirus partner option
PAID PARTNERCompare currently available protection plans and their pricing, included tools and renewal conditions.
Antivirus included with Windows 11
A built-in antivirus option for Windows 11 users who may not require a separate paid subscription.
About placement: TotalAV is our featured commercial partner and PCProtect also has a paid link. Other brands link to their official websites or to our free guide. Commercial order does not imply a scientific score. Review our methodology.
WINDOWS 11 BUYER'S CHECKLIST
Windows 11 comes with Microsoft Defender Antivirus in Windows Security. Buying a separate subscription is a choice, not a prerequisite for basic malware protection. Start by identifying which risk you are trying to reduce: malicious downloads, phishing links, unsafe browsing, or several people sharing the same computer. A paid package may add services, but an advertised feature is not proof that the product protects better in every situation.
The independent AV-TEST July–August 2026 Windows 11 results test specific product editions and versions. The results cover protection, performance and usability, each scored out of six. A good laboratory result is valuable evidence, but it cannot verify today's subscription price, support quality, or how each optional feature works on your device.
Open Windows Security and review your built-in antivirus status before purchasing anything. Keep the operating system and browsers updated, turn on protection against suspicious downloads, and have a recovery plan for important files. You can then compare whether additional identity, VPN, support, or device-management features justify a separate bill.
A discounted first term and the renewal price can differ. Verify how many devices the advertised plan protects, which platform-specific features it includes, how you cancel, and whether the renewal is automatic. Visit our antivirus renewal-cost checklist before completing a purchase.
Some links on this page are paid affiliate referrals and are labelled as such. Featured placement is commercial, not an independent laboratory winner. If a free option meets your needs, compare Microsoft Defender with paid antivirus first. If you need coverage for several people, use our multiple-device buying guide.
Sources: Microsoft Support — Windows Security · AV-TEST, August 2026. We have not run our own malware-detection tests.
Windows 11 already has Microsoft Defender Antivirus. Use the rankings to compare additional products and decide if paid extras are worth the cost.
Match lab scores to the exact tested product and Windows edition. Scores from a single round do not prove one product is always best.
Introductory pricing can differ from renewal pricing. Compare currency, taxes, device licenses and cancellation terms.
Windows 11 already includes Microsoft Defender. Additional paid suites make sense when their extra features justify the cost for you.
AV-TEST home Windows 11, July–August 2026. Scores below refer to specified products and versions, not a general ranking of our affiliate partners.
| Product | Protection | Total /18 |
|---|---|---|
| Norton 360 | 6/6 | 18 |
| Bitdefender Total Security | 6/6 | 18 |
| TotalAV | 6/6 | 17.5 |
| Microsoft Defender | 6/6 | 17.5 |
On Windows, registering a compatible third-party antivirus generally changes which provider supplies real-time antivirus protection. Check Windows Security after installation rather than assuming that two full antivirus engines are running independently. See the Windows Defender guide.
No. AV-TEST rates protection, performance and usability of tested product versions; the public Trustpilot links on our comparison cards describe company-level customer reviews. These measure different things. The August 2026 Windows 11 round describes its methodology.
Check the product's supported editions, any business-use restrictions, device management and support requirements. The exact Windows edition is only one part of a buying decision; many personal needs are covered by built-in security features.
No. Antivirus reduces malware risk, VPNs protect some network traffic, and backups help recover lost files. See antivirus versus VPN and ransomware backup planning.
Use the product cards, dated independent lab evidence and official plan information before choosing.