Antivirus Software for Windows 7 in 2026: What Still Works

Still running Windows 7? When we wrote this post in 2009, Windows 7 was a brand-new beta and antivirus companies were racing to support it. In 2026 the picture is reversed. Microsoft ended Windows 7 support in January 2020 and paid security updates ended in 2023, so antivirus software for Windows 7 is now your last line of defence. Here is what still works, and what you should really do.

Quick answer: Windows 7 no longer gets security updates, so antivirus alone cannot make it safe. A few vendors, including Avast, still offer Windows 7 versions, but support is winding down. Use one only as a stopgap, keep the PC off risky sites, and plan to move to Windows 11, a supported Linux system or a new PC.

Why Windows 7 is risky in 2026

• No security patches: new flaws in Windows 7 are never fixed. Antivirus can block known malware but cannot repair holes in the operating system itself.
• Old browsers: Chrome, Edge and Firefox have ended or limited Windows 7 support, so you browse with outdated, unpatched browsers.
• Software stops working: new versions of apps, drivers and even antivirus programs no longer install on Windows 7.

Antivirus software for Windows 7 that may still work

• Avast Free Antivirus: Avast still has a Windows 7 download page and has been one of the longest-supporting vendors.
• Other big brands: AVG, Bitdefender, ESET, Kaspersky and Norton have each set their own end dates for Windows 7. Check the current system requirements on the vendor’s site before you buy or renew.
• Microsoft Security Essentials: Microsoft’s old free antivirus for Windows 7 is no longer updated, so do not rely on it.
• Second-opinion scanners: portable tools like McAfee Stinger can scan for specific threats without full installation.

Only download antivirus from the vendor’s official site. Fake “free antivirus for Windows 7” downloads are a common source of malware.

How to stay safer if you must keep Windows 7

1. Install the last Windows 7 updates (Service Pack 1 and all updates available through Windows Update).
2. Use a standard (non-admin) user account for daily work.
3. Keep the PC offline if you only need it for one old program or device.
4. Do not use it for banking, shopping or email.
5. Back up important files to an external drive regularly.

Better options than antivirus on Windows 7

• Upgrade to Windows 11: if your PC meets the requirements. Check with the free PC Health Check app.
• Upgrade the hardware: a new SSD and more RAM can give an old desktop years more life. See my old desktop PC upgrade guide.
• Switch to Linux: Linux Mint and Ubuntu run well on older PCs and get regular security updates for free.
• Use ChromeOS Flex: Google’s free system turns older PCs into Chromebook-style computers.

Note that Windows 10 also reached end of support in October 2025. If you upgrade, aim for Windows 11 or a supported alternative.

FAQ

Is there still free antivirus for Windows 7?

A few vendors, such as Avast, still offer free Windows 7 versions, but support may end at any time.

Is Windows 7 safe with antivirus?

Safer, but not safe. Without security patches, attackers can use known Windows flaws that antivirus cannot fix.

Can I upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 11 for free?

There is no official free upgrade path from Windows 7. You need a Windows 11 licence and compatible hardware, and a clean install is recommended.

Are you still using Windows 7 for something? Tell us why in the comments.