Windows 10: A stable antivirus

Hi,

I am looking for a good free antivirus that wouldn't cause my system to BSOD. I used Norton before and it caused my system to BSOD. I also used Panda free antivirus and it also caused a bunch of BSODs. Right now I am on Windows Defender.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

:)

 

Windows 10 Defender Not Starting

Before using 3rd party realtime antivirus; make sure the system is stable first, or don't expect your chosen AV product to keep a system safe, secure, or stable.

 

Stop code: driver oral not less or equal. IDSVia64.sys

Hi Lori, this is caused by Semantic software (EndPoint, Norton Antivirus . . . etc.)

Uninstall Any Semantic software you have installed and see if your system is then stable.

If so, then install the latest version of that software and check again to see if your system is stable!

 

Avast has run well for me. Advertising popup after login.

Bitdefender has caused latency issues for quite a number reporting here. I don't know if that's been fixed no reports of that for 3 months or so I'd guess.

 

Another vote for Avast, not caused any issues on Windows 10.

 

Pretty much any AV should do as long as you disable all "advanced" features.
Keep just basic realtime module plus maybe webshield, like Avast Minimal has.

 

Hi:

BSOD can be caused by hardware issues, driver conflicts and even certain types of malware (e.g. rootkits).

Assuming you are on an otherwise stable system without corruption or hardware problems, and assuming you are not infected, IFFFF you have been trying multiple different AVs, it's possible that your BSOD might be caused -- at least in part -- by having remnants/leftovers (especially drivers) of different AVs.

It's important to have ONLY ONE INSTALLED AV, whether WD or a 3rd-party program (free or paid).
Even if the others are disabled or turned off, they can still cause issues (especially leftover drivers).
You might want to have a look here at @Slartybart's excellent sticky, and to be sure you have cleanly removed all traces of other AVs, using the vendors' removal tool, when available:
Anti Virus (AV) stand alone removal tools

As for the "which AV is best" and "free or paid or no AV at all" debate, there are already 1000000000 threads about that here and elsewhere. There is no "best" answer to suit all computers, users, budgets.
100 users will offer at least 110 passionate opinions, pro and con.
So, I won't clutter the forum...*Wink

Cheers,
MM

 

If WD is running properly for you then keep it. Add some layered protection (mbae, etc) and you are all set. I am pretty convinced that switching to any other AV solution for w10 is looking for trouble.

 

W D all the way as far as I am concerned Best Free Antivirus I have installed.
It is light and fast and does it job

 

Yes Thank you

Sorry But I have not yet heard any one say my BSOD has been caused by antivirus or anti malware Unless you are infected in memory then that is a different issue

and all the antivirus is trying to tell you is ,, that something is over kill at start up

Good Luck

 

Good advice

I have had Bitdefender all year last year and couldn't wait to get rid of it
very heavy on start up and big on cpu stay away from it for now