7 Best Antivirus for Windows Server 2019 [Free Picks Included]

Choose the best protection for Windows Server 2019

Reading time icon 8 min. read


Readers help support Windows Report. We may get a commission if you buy through our links. Tooltip Icon

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial team Read more

Key notes

  • All entries from our guide are fully compatible with Windows Server 2019 as well as with older versions of the software.
  • A good server antivirus usually has a behavior analysis feature that monitors your server constantly for any suspicious activities.
  • Free antivirus for Windows Server is somewhat rare, but fortunately for you, all entries from this guide offer a free trial.
antivirus for windows server 2019

Windows Server is one of the most used server operating systems, and in order to keep it secure, you need to have a reliable antivirus for Windows Server 2019.

Windows Server is based on Windows 10, and as such, itโ€™s already pretty secure, but to enhance your security, itโ€™s always a good practice to specialize in antivirus.

All models on our list are compatible with Windows Server 2019 as well as with older versions of Windows Server, so letโ€™s find the best antivirus software for your needs.

BEST ANTIVIRUS WE RECOMMEND

Does Windows Server need antivirus?

The response to this issue can vary according to your needs and resources. If you need additional security to protect business databases, antivirus software will increase your digital security.

You should know that Windows Server 2019 can offer enhanced security compared to its prior versions.

It’s considered to be the most secure Microsoft OS to that date, and you have improved Windows Defender technologies against online threats.

However, you can better protect your data and online privacy using an antivirus tool that detects new emerging malware or cyberattacks.

What is the best antivirus for Windows Server 2019?

Some of the best antiviruses for Windows Server 2019 include Eset, Norton, and Avast, but there are other options you can consider. Here are a few of them:

Now let’s take an in-depth look at each of them.

ESET PROTECT Advanced – Most advanced security features

The first entry on our list is ESET PROTECT Advanced and this antivirus supports all versions of Windows Server, starting from the 2008 version to the 2019 version.

If you’re looking for the best antivirus software for Windows XP or newer, ESET can also be a great choice for older operating systems.

The software comes with a cloud-based console allowing you to manage detected threats, users, and alerts remotely. Itโ€™s worth mentioning that this antivirus has multilayer protection that will keep all your desktop and mobile devices safe, regardless of their platform.

ESET PROTECT Advanced also offers a cloud sandbox feature, so it will analyze suspicious samples in an isolated cloud environment. For data security, thereโ€™s a disk encryption feature that will securely encrypt all your files.

ESET PROTECT Advanced

If youโ€™re looking for the best antivirus protection for Windows Server 2019, be sure to try ESET PROTECT Advanced.
Free trial Visit Website

Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security – Best antivirus for businesses

If youโ€™re looking for antivirus software for Windows Server 2019, then Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security might be just what you need.

Just like other applications on this list, Bitdefender for Windows Server 2019 allows you to monitor your workstations and servers from a single console.

The software is designed to detect all sorts of network vulnerabilities, thus stopping all types of malware.

Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security also provides layered security to all your endpoints, and with machine learning, memory protection, and constant monitoring, you can rest assured that your network is completely safe from malware.

Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security

This next-gen antivirus offers the best protection against all threats on Windows Server 2019.
Free trial Visit website

Norton Antivirus Plus – Best online protection

Next on our list is another renowned antivirus software that’s been offering top-level security tools for a long time.

Norton Antivirus Plus is a great antivirus for Windows Server 2019 as it combines multiple security features to make sure your data is secure.

It has a powerful threat database with all known spyware, viruses, malware, and ransomware that may impose an attack on your system.

It automatically blocks any suspicious activity before it gets the chance to infect your server.

It offers real-time protection against online threats and also implements a powerful cloud backup option.

This can be a great addition for Windows Server users. The antivirus will securely store your data and recover it in case anything happens.

Norton for Windows Server 2019 also provides a secure password manager that you can use to store both account credentials as well as other sensitive information.

Norton Antivirus Plus

Prevent attackers from accessing your Windows Server with reliable multi-layered protection and secure cloud backups.
Check price Visit Website

Avast Business Antivirus Pro – Best AI to prevent online threats

Avast Business Antivirus Pro uses artificial intelligence and behavior analysis to detect all sorts of threats. The software also has cloud analysis that will scan files for any unknown threats.

The software is easy to set up, and once you install it, it will inspect all uploads and downloads for any suspicious activity. Thanks to the next-gen endpoint protection all your devices can be managed remotely from a central point.

Avast Business Antivirus Pro offers great features, and itโ€™s compatible with all versions of Windows Server, starting from Windows Server 2008 R2.

Avast Business Antivirus Pro

Avast Business Antivirus Pro offers simple to use and reliable protection for all versions of Windows Server.
Free trial Visit website

VIPRE Endpoint Security Server – Most advanced ransomware protection

Vipre update screen

VIPRE Endpoint Security Server is another great antivirus for Windows Server 2019, but it also supports older versions of Windows Server. The application offers great protection against both zero-day exploits and ransomware.

The software is easy to configure, and you can install it and configure it and a matter of minutes. Of course, the remote management feature is available allowing you to easily manage all devices on your network.

The software also has advanced ransomware protection as well as real-time behavior monitoring with artificial intelligence for maximum security.

VIPRE Endpoint Security Server

For professional Windows Server 2019 protection, be sure to use VIPRE Endpoint Security Server software.
Free trial Visit website

Kaspersky Endpoint Security – Great overall server protection

best antivirus software for small business

If you need a reliable antivirus for Windows Server 2019, then you should consider using Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Windows.

The software uses multi-layer protection that will keep your entire network completely safe.

Thanks to the Exploit Prevention feature, the software will monitor all vulnerable applications and protect them against zero-day threats. The software can also intercept your HTTPS traffic and block malicious websites.

Using real-time behavior analysis, the Kaspersky for Windows Server 2019 can detect any suspicious activity on your server and automatically block the malware from running.

Kaspersky Endpoint Security

Obtain this highly secured Windows server protection for any device from your network.
Check price Visit website

McAfee Endpoint Security – Great database for detecting threats

McAfee is another well-known cybersecurity software company that provides effective and up-to-date protection against today’s threats.

Not only does it use a comprehensive database to detect threats, but it also implements powerful machine learning capable of detecting very new, not previously known threats.

This antivirus is suitable for organizations, providing central management options that give you information about each device’s security status.

The tool also incorporates powerful anti-phishing filters and lets you create digital vaults where you can safely store your data in case anything is to happen to it.

The scanner and real-time threat detector are configured to minimize response rates and take action right away when a threat emerges.

Machine learning detection uses proactive investigation guides to adjust to the threat at hand and figure out the most efficient way to block it.

McAfee

Stay away from advanced cyber threats with this complex Windows Server reliable defense.
Check price Visit website

Is a free antivirus enough for Windows Server?

There are some reliable cybersecurity tools that offer support for Windows Server, the most notable of which is the built-in Windows Defender Antivirus which is truly free, with a strong firewall and multi-device protection.

Cybersecurity experts do however advise you to use it along with a third-party antivirus that offers more features and has a higher detection rate.

In this regard, there are some antiviruses that do claim to offer Windows Server Protection, but the free versions are somewhat limited and still expose you to some risks.

It is important to take into consideration how you use your Windows Server and at what risks you get exposed, but it is generally recommended to get a premium antivirus for maximum protection.

The good news is that the most reliable antiviruses for Windows Server 2019 do include free trials and money-back guarantees so you don’t have to invest right away.

Conclusion

Windows Server offers great features, and if youโ€™re using it, we suggest that you consider getting one of these antivirus applications.

Choosing any of the presented antivirus tools can enhance your server security and protect the valuable data of your own business.

Hence, you can guard all your devices and protect sensitive information from dangerous cyberattacks using high virus detection antivirus software.

What is your antivirus of choice? Let us know in the comments below.

More about the topics: antivirus, windows server