4 Best Open-Source Antivirus for Windows
There are only a handful of these tools, so choose carefully
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Open-source antivirus tools offer a transparent, free-of-charge alternative to proprietary solutions. They also give users more control over their security.
In this guide, we’ll show you some of the best open-source antivirus tools for all needs – whether you like simplicity, customization, or lightweight performance, we got all you need.
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Which is the best open-source antivirus?
ClamWin Free Antivirus – A reliable open-source option
ClamWin is a free, open-source antivirus for Windows. It uses the ClamAV engine, which is known for its robust virus detection.
However, ClamWin is much more user-friendly. ClamAV is primarily a command line, but ClamWin brings its features in a simplified UI.
You can perform scheduled scans, manually san files, and get regular virus data base scans.
The only downside is that ClamWin doesn’t offer real time protection. The on-demand scan is very reliable, but it won’t detect viruses on the spot..
Other great features:
- Highly effective at identifying malware and virus
- Automatically downloads any new additions to the threat database
- It can be used to scan files right from the context menu
- Has an add-in for Outlook to scan attachments
MoonSecure Antivirus – Easily scalable solution
MoonSecure Antivirus is simple, so even first-time users will have no issues using it on their PC. It also uses little resources, which makes it perfect for older or low-end PCs.
This software is open-source and free, and according to the developers, it’s funded by bundling the installer with other security software, so that’s something you should keep in mind.
The software is also scalable, and you can scan computers remotely. However, this feature is only available in the Enterprise version.
Overall, it’s a small but effective open-source antivirus software that you want to try out.
Other great features:
- Completely free and open-source
- Simple to use
- Low resource usage
- Allows remote scanning
Armadito Antivirus – For security experts
Armadito Antivirus can protect both computers and servers from malware. It uses signature-based malware detection and supports heuristic detection modules for binaries.
According to developers, this tool is designed so that anyone can improve the antivirus by developing its modules. There’s also a plugin system that allows users to test and implement new features.
As for regular features, you can find on-demand scanning, real-time protection, threat journal, quarantine, etc. Overall, it’s a solid antivirus, and while it’s aimed at experts, others can also use it.
Other great features:
- Supports on-demand scanning, real-time protection, and other standard features.
- Uses signature-based malware detection.
- It is highly customizable, thanks to the plugin system.
The OpenAntivirus Project
OpenAntivirus Project is a collaborative open-source project. It includes a virus scanner, email filter, and disinfection tools.
The downside is that the project isn’t actively maintained anymore, but many people stil use it.
Additionally, its soruce servers as a foundation for many modern open-source antivirus efforts.
Key features of OpenAntivirus:
- Modular design with virus scanning, email filtering, and disinfection tools
- Cross-platform support for Windows and Linux
- Open-source under the GPL, customizable by users
- Virus detection via signatures and pattern matching
- Community-driven development
⇒ Get The OpenAntivirus Project
Is it safe to use open-source antivirus?
While open-source antivirus does offer some form of protection, it might not be updated as often as the closed-source counterparts. Windows Defender or any other antivirus solution should usually be a more reliable option.
Speaking of such programs, we have a list of antivirus software with lifetime licenses for you to check out. All of them are great, offering robust sets of features. Even more, note that these solutions can help you too when facing the Windows Error Code 0x800700E1: Virus Detected.
If you have any other suggestions for this list, please leave them in the comments section below.
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