5+ best antivirus software for Windows Server [2012 & 2016]
- A powerful and trustworthy Antivirus for your Windows Server will keep your company's data safe.
- We included lots of Windows Server antivirus choices that include data encryption features.
- Some of the software below has special clouds for you to store your company's information.
- Still haven't made up your mind? Try some of these out before you buy them since they include free trials.

Every company must store its sensitive, valuable, and confidential data on a Windows file server for backup and safety purposes.
So we’re asking: are your security tools strong enough to protect your information from unauthorized access?
Whatever security software you are running, you still need a strong enterprise antivirus for your Windows Server.
The need for high-level security is one of the priority concerns for IT experts and professionals today. Especially since emerging new threats coupled with high profile security breaches continue to hit the headlines.
Such security exposures can be costly in terms of fixing the damages. As they can be disastrous for your company and clients.
So knowing that any technology is at risk of being compromised means you need to find ways to combat it before it strikes.
Common Windows Server security exposures include weak passwords, neglecting malware protection and security patches, and shared permissions, among others.
You need strong protection to harden and lock down your servers. And that is what this post is all about.
Therefore, we wrote an article containing the best Windows Server 2012 Antivirus software that you can get.

Secure your devices with award-winning cybersecurity technology.

Best security tool for intense browsing activity.

Keep secure with groundbreaking AI detection and prevention technology.

Browse the web securely for up to 3 devices across Windows, Mac, iOS or Android systems.

Prevent data breaches and malware infections with user-friendly controls.
What is the best antivirus for Microsoft Windows Server?
ESET Smart Security

ESET Smart Security for Microsoft Windows Server protects all your sensitive files running on Windows operating system.
This cross-platform antimalware protection safeguards against shared-file and host-system infection, keeping your data safe and private.
The ESET Technology working with Exploit Blocker and Advanced Memory Scanner will neutralize any new and sophisticated threats.
Some benefits you can enjoy with this best antivirus for Windows server include low system demands, and remote management fully manageable via the ESET Remote Administrator web console.
Here are some of the software’s key features:
- Data protection with specialized cleaners
- Optimization for virtual environments
- Storage scans
- Log collection
- Simple licensing
- Customizable GUI visibility

ESET Smart Security
Keep your Windows Server safe from attacks, data breaches, and malware with ESET NOD32 Antivirus!
Bitdefender Gravity Zone
Bitdefender Gravity Zone is an incredibly powerful enterprise security solution for both medium-sized and large companies, and if you need antivirus for Windows Server 2003 and 2008, or newer, it’s a perfect choice.
As a top pick antivirus for Windows Server, it offers layered protection for your endpoints. Bitdefender’s Process Inspector constantly monitors running processes for signs of malware.
All laptops, desktops, and servers benefit from advanced memory protection, quarantine/rollback features, and automatic updates.
That’s how all your sensitive data is safe from all known and emerging threats and no cybercriminals could end up exploiting network vulnerabilities.
Let’s quickly look at its key features:
- Adaptive-layered architecture that includes prevention, detection, and remediation
- Network-based security against threats like Network Exploits
- All security features are centralized into a single console
- Accurate results based on machine learning and event correlation

BitDefender Gravity Zone
Get a new level of protection for your company’s desktops and servers with Bitdefender Gravity Zone!
Avira Antivirus

By integrating powerful, cutting-edge protection technologies with versatile management solutions, Avira can significantly reduce your admin workload while enhancing your server’s performance.
Needless to say that by deploying a proper server security solution, you can prevent disastrous scenarios in which your data, network, or traffic are compromised and run hassle-free business operations.
Avira is a light and powerful security software intended to protect your data from breaches, malware, adware, and other types of dangers.
Equipped with a free VPN tool, the program also keeps your identity private so you can safely browse the internet without worrying about data theft.
In addition, Avira also comes with a PC cleaner tool that will remove any unnecessary files from your system that could cause it to slow down. In regards to the performance. Avira is the perfect antivirus for Windows Server 2012 protection.
Let’s have a look at Avira’s core features:
- Comprehensive security suite to protect your servers, clients, and Exchange servers
- Protect your File Server against malware infections and other cyber threats
- Secure all confidential data stored on your servers
- Prevent viruses from spreading through your network
- Lightweight solution that does not take up a lot of resources
- Behavior-based virus detection to salvage your server before being compromised

Avira Antivirus
Benefit from Avira’s fast VPN, identity protection, and many other awesome security features!
Vipre Endpoint Protection
In an enterprise network, endpoints are the most exposed to threats of all kinds, and VIPRE Endpoint Protection has a priority in protecting them.
This solution is powered by advanced machine learning, real-time analysis for software behavior, and a threat intelligence network.
Besides an impenetrable barrier for the outside threats, VIPRE Endpoint Protection also monitors the Internet usage policies with safeguards systems and controls.
Apart from the powerful protection against Zero-day threats and ransomware, this smart solution comes with additional device control and patch management for endpoints.
When you’re an IT manager, you want to have access to quick situation assessment and the built-in dynamic dashboards deliver a comprehensive look at the status of the network.
With VIPRE Endpoint Protection it’s extremely easy to manage both PC and Macs, control settings, and get reports, all from a single point.
And the best part is that all this is available for trial so you can make the best decision for your enterprise.

Vipre Endpoint Protection
The best enpoint protection comes from an easy to use, powerful tool, VIPRE Endpoint Protection!
Kaspersky Endpoint Security Cloud
Kaspersky’s security offers the best antivirus for Windows Server in today’s complex corporate IT networks, which need the highest and top levels of protection.
A single piece of malware can spread across all nodes, disrupting business processes, and destroying your IT infrastructure.
File servers need dedicated storage security solutions that protect critical data against emerging new threats while performing continuously under the heaviest load conditions with minimal impact on resources.
Kaspersky Security for Windows Server is designed to protect complex networks and help ensure your most valuable corporate resources are secured effectively and efficiently.
You’ll benefit from a highly stable Windows server solution with superior security and wide-ranging compatibility to protect heterogeneous environments.
You’ll clearly save time and money with centralized management, and advanced protection with its Powerful Application Startup Control combined with Global Security Intelligence and Anti-Cryptor.

Kaspersky Endpoint Security Cloud
Kaspersky offers a safe and private storage cloud for you to store your server’s important data.
Avast Free Antivirus

Avast Free Antivirus offers complete protection with advanced features that will detect and block malware the moment it attempts to enter your computer.
This free antivirus is tested and approved by the most prestigious anti-malware institute and is an award-winning antivirus security tool, with 100 percent certified protection against zero-day threats.
Avast Free Antivirus is perfect for your company’s security, being a really popular antivirus. It is constantly updated, therefore it will be able to protect you from new emerging threats.
Moreover, you have a free and a premium version, each coming with different features, so you can check the software out for yourself before you make the decision of upgrading to the premium version.
In case you’re looking for antivirus software for Widows Home Server, we’ll pleased to inform you that Avast can work on that platform as well.
Here are some of the perks of using Avast Free Antivirus:
- Frequently updated
- Limited resource footprint
- Efficient malware removal
- The free version comes with tons of features
- Works silently during gaming and movie-watching sessions
That’s about it for our article today. We hope these products caught your attention.
If you’re looking for antivirus solutions for newer versions of Windows Server, you can take a look at our list of best antiviruses for Windows Server 2021.
Which of these best antivirus solutions for Windows Server are you ready to try out?
Let us know your top pick by leaving a comment in the section below.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Microsoft Defender is indeed installed on the latest Windows Server versions. However, it is not that secure. Check out this helpful list containing the best Antivirus software for Windows Server and pick one of those up for better protection.
-
If you wish to turn off the Windows Defender, we suggest installing one of the Antiviruses from this useful article to keep you protected from any threats.
-
Even if you’re short on cash, it may not be a wise idea to rely on a free antivirus. If you’re determined to do so, choose one from this thorough list containing trustworthy free antivirus software solutions.