14 DAY TRIAL // If you’re still on Windows 8.1 and don’t plan to move to Windows 10 but instead want to make your system more secure, you’re probably in the market for an antivirus solution that can cope with today’s advanced threats.
Search no more because German institute AV-TEST has just concluded a new series of tests on Windows 8.1 computers that reveal the most effective antivirus solutions for consumers.
Just like in the previous tests, the first top three positions go to Kaspersky Lab, Bitdefender, and Avira, all of which have obtained a maximum of six points in protection, performance, and usability tests. In other words, if you are looking for an antivirus solution for Windows 8.1, these three should be among your top choices.
Microsoft’s antivirus performed unexpectedly well
McAfee is next on the list with 5.5 points for protection, but 6 for performance and usability, while Symantec and Bullguard follow closely with 6 points for protection and usability, but 5.5 points for performance.
What’s more interesting, however, is that Microsoft’s Windows Defender actually did surprisingly well in these tests, performing even better than renowned solutions, such as those from Panda Security, ESET, and Comodo.
Windows Defender got 4.5 points for protection, 5 points for performance, and 6 points for usability, which shows that Microsoft’s solution provides decent results on Windows 8.1.
The most disappointing item on the list, however, is ESET’s NOD32, which obtained only 4.5, 4, and 5.5 points, respectively, which means that it’s one of the last antivirus solutions in the chart. ThreatTrack is at the bottom of the list, however, with 3 points for protection and performance and 6 for usability.
The bottom line: only a few antivirus solutions can protect you if you’re still on Windows 8.1, but as a general recommendation, almost any security app can keep you on the safe side if you stay away from suspicious websites and don’t click any links coming from unknown sources.