Try before you Buy
PREMIUM SECURITY
ESET Smart Security Premium
Built without compromise for users who want it all, including advanced threat detection, extra theft protection and easy password management.
No credit card, no commitment.
How ESET’s antivirus software for Windows protects you
The ESET laptop antivirus solutions are specifically designed with the end user in mind, offering a lightweight solution to detect, remove and isolate cyber threats targeting your laptop computer. ESET offers:

Malware Protection
Malware is malicious software specifically created to cause harm.

Ransomware Protection
Cyber attacks designed to hold your data or laptop to ransom.

See all features

Defence Against Trojan Horses
Insidious software designed to look safe.

Adware Blocking
Adware is designed to slow down your device or install unwanted software via pop-ups.

Spyware Security
Spyware does just that: spies on your personal data and laptop usage.
Secure your Windows devices with specialist antivirus protection.
Windows is one of the most widely-used operating systems in the world, in all its iterations. This makes it a popular target for malware, viruses and other cyber attacks. It’s now more important than ever to have the best antivirus for Windows devices installed and protecting your data. ESET offers antivirus for Windows 11, 10, 8 and 7.
Do I need antivirus for my Windows computer?
Comprehensive, real-time threat protection and software repair
It’s vital you protect your Windows devices with up-to-date antivirus software and malware protection.
ESET antivirus for Windows offers protection from all known and emerging threats. We offer cybersecurity for laptops and desktops running all editions of Windows.
Unlock Windows antivirus for:
OS
Windows 7
OS
Windows 8 & 8.1
OS
Windows 10
OS
Windows 11
ESET strongly recommends upgrading from Windows 7 as there are a number of known security risks associated with the operating system.
Windows antivirus FAQs
Will ESET’s Windows antivirus software slow my PC down?
Not at all! ESET runs in the background and doesn’t require a huge amount of power. You should only notice ESET software when it is alerting you to a security issue from which it’s protecting your Windows device. This makes it perfect for older versions of Windows too, like Windows 7 or 8, although we’d always recommend upgrading to the most recent version.
Is antivirus necessary for Windows 7, 8 and 8.1?
Antivirus is important for any device, and one running Windows 7, 8 or 8.1 is no different. In fact, many cyber criminals deliberately target older operating systems to exploit loopholes, or rely on users sticking with outdated protection.
While there is a free antivirus on Windows 7, 8 and 8.1 known as Windows Defender, it only protects you from specific viruses on an existing database. It won’t protect you from malware, ransomware or newer cyber threats, or the new programs constantly being developed to target Windows.
Will Windows Defender protect my PC from viruses and malware?
Windows Defender is designed to protect your Windows device from the most basic of cyber threats. Windows Defender is an antivirus program which predominantly targets known viruses, but generally doesn’t protect you from malware. ESET is designed to protect you from both existing viruses and new or emerging cyber threats, while also detecting and removing malware from your Windows system.
How do I install ESET antivirus on my PC or laptop?
Installing ESET couldn’t be simpler. You can download a free 30-day trial to get you going or, if you’ve already purchased your ESET protection from our site, simply download the software and follow the on-screen instructions.
Download ESET now.
What devices is ESET software compatible with?
When you obtain a licence for ESET antivirus security for Windows, you’re purchasing a licence which protects all of your devices. Your licence will safeguard Windows, macOS and Android, although the level of protection and number of devices secured will depend on the protection level you choose.
Find out more about your ESET licence.
Does ESET antivirus for Windows protect all versions of Windows?
Yes. ESET is compatible with any version of Windows and your licence can be used across other versions of the operating system (including Windows 8, Windows 8.1 and older iterations).
We would, however, strongly recommend upgrading from Windows 7 if you are still using this operating system, as there are a number of risks associated with that OS.
Can I upgrade ESET Windows antivirus?
ESET offers three levels of protection, so there’s always scope to upgrade your Windows 8 antivirus. Each level of protection is completely flexible and you can upgrade at any time.
If you’re just using free antivirus for Windows, like Windows Defender, then advancing your protection to ESET will offer significantly more security too. Free antivirus rarely protects you from all threats, and Windows Defender itself is designed only to tackle computer viruses.