For the report on continued Windows 7 support, they checked company websites and queried the manufacturers directly about continued support for Windows 7. That gave the researchers plenty of experience with validating protection on multiple operating systems. While the latest tests all use Windows 10, this lab used to cycle between all active Windows versions. Those that manage 17.5 or better receive the designation "Top Product." Mistakenly flagging a valid app or website as malicious lowers the product's usability score.Ī given antivirus can receive up to six points in each category, for a maximum of 18 possible points.
A good performance score means the product did its job without dragging down system performance.
Protection naturally refers to the product's essential ability to fend off malware attacks and wipe out malware infestations. Testers rate each antivirus on three criteria: Protection, Performance, and Usability. Reports come out every few months, like clockwork.
Antivirus TestingĪV-Test Institute is known worldwide for its testing of antivirus products. Will that happen then? The researchers at AV-Test Institute in Magdeburg, Germany, decided to find out. Even worse would be the possibility that your security software might abandon your devices. If you don't upgrade, you won't get security updates from Microsoft, which isn't great. This is an especially important consideration for users of Windows 7, which died this month. If hardware considerations, legacy software, or some other snag keeps you stuck on a defunct operating system, what happens to your antivirus protection? The simple solution is to continue upgrading, but that's not always possible. Even Windows 10-the "last" version of Windows-has a "best used by" date coming up in 2025. Nothing lasts forever, and when a new version of Windows arrives, the end-of-life timer starts ticking. How to Set Up Two-Factor Authentication.How to Record the Screen on Your Windows PC or Mac.How to Convert YouTube Videos to MP3 Files.