Best Antivirus For Low Spec Win7 Machines.

OK, I know I am opening a huge can of worms with this question, but this is a legit question for a specific situation. I specialize in older machines, and getting a few more years out of them for people on a small budget. I still rebuild machines that work best, or only with windows 7. As everyone is aware windows 7 is no longer receiving updates. So I want to install antivirus on them to make them as secure as can be. I have used Immunet antivirus cloud based for years, and it is very lightweight and works well. But it is ending Jan 1st 2024. I need something comparable to replace it. I searched through the list here on MG's. I need something free, and prefer no, or very few nag screens. Lightweight, as several machines I rebuild are dual core with 4Gigs or less of ram. I am on one of them right now. It is a Gigabyte MB with a dual core 2.8GHz amd cpu, and 2 GB's of ram. Machines like this I can sell for very cheap, and help people with little funds. If they dont sell I usually donate them to the local abilities unlimited. They work with disabled children and adults to help them find jobs. I am basically retired these days, so I dont do this for money, but to just stay busy, and help a few ppl along the way. Sorry this is so long winded, but I want you to understand why I do this, and why I am looking for cheap to free. So any experience you have had good or bad with free antivirus is good nfo for me. Thank you all in advance, and wishing everyone a great Christmas.

 

Try Avast free, build 18.2.3827 or build 20.3.5200

Search for the full offline installer ie full program. Several sites have them

 

Thank you both for your suggestions/advice. I was not aware microsoft essentials was still updating on win7. I will try it as I know it is lightweight, and does not nag. Thank you Plodr.

 

I just went back and read that microsoft security essentials will end updates at the end of this year. Maybe I will give avast a try. I did try bitdefender free, and it does work, but uses a little over 500mb of ram to run in the background. On some really low spec machines I may have to install clamin, and just stress scanning as it does not have real time scanning. It is however really lightweight. Thanks again guys, & Merry christmas.

 

It is in the second link you posted: https://www.lifewire.com/microsoft-security-essentials-1356604

 

I would also suggest Microsoft Security Essentials it's the same as Windows Defender on windows 10/11