Adaware Antivirus 14.3 for Windows

Adaware Antivirus 14.3.43577.3505 is a Windows security program from Lavasoft. It scans files and programs for viruses, spyware and other malware and runs in the background to catch threats as they appear. The basic edition is free, and you can download Adaware Antivirus for Windows from adaware.com.

Specifications

What it does

Lavasoft's name goes back to Ad-Aware, an early tool for removing spyware and adware from Windows PCs. The current product is a full antivirus: it checks files when they are opened or downloaded, scans the disk on demand or on a schedule, and quarantines anything suspicious so you can restore it if it turns out to be harmless. The free edition covers the core protection, while paid editions add extras such as web and email protection. For most home users, the practical question is not which antivirus has the longest feature list, but whether one reliable real-time scanner is installed, kept up to date and not in conflict with another. Windows already includes Microsoft Defender; installing Adaware usually switches Defender's real-time protection off, so the two do not compete. Do not run two real-time antivirus programs side by side.

Careful installation

1. Download the installer from the official Adaware download page.
2. Remove any other third-party antivirus first.
3. Choose the custom or advanced installation if offered and read every screen.
4. Untick additional programs or browser changes you did not ask for.
5. Run a full scan after installation and let the program update its signatures.

Licence and price

The free edition costs nothing. Paid editions with more features are sold on the official site; check the renewal price and cancel automatic renewal if you do not want it. Company news is posted in Adaware's press releases.

What to do when it finds something

Let the program quarantine the file rather than delete it straight away, then search the file name and the detection name to see what it is. If it is a program you trust, such as a tool from a known developer, you can restore it and add an exception. If it is something you do not recognise, keep it in quarantine and run a second scan with another tool to be sure the system is clean.

Good habits

• Keep Windows and your browser updated.
• Back up important files to an external drive or the cloud.
• Be careful with email attachments and cracked software.
• Use a standard user account for everyday work.

Pros and cons

• Pro: free edition with real-time protection.
• Pro: small download.
• Pro: long history in anti-spyware.
• Con: installer may offer extra software.
• Con: some protection layers only in paid editions.

Alternatives

Other antivirus programs in our listings include Avast Antivirus, AVG Antivirus, Avira Free Security, Bitdefender Antivirus, Norton Antivirus and Panda Antivirus. Malwarebytes and AdwCleaner are good second-opinion scanners.