Bitdefender is the highest rated and least intrusive.

I got a great deal on AVG Ultimate.  NOW I have slow downs
and pop-ups galore now, that I NEVER had with Bitdefender,
which I had used for years...so not happy with AVG, and will
switch back once AVG is done...

Just to add my 2 cents...
 
Running Avira here on my DAW PC, with no issues. The Avira Free and the Avira Pro versions both use the same malware detection engine and the Avira Protection Cloud.  The Pro version adds Web protection and Email scanning, neither of which I need.
 
Avira consistently scores in the top tier for malware detection along with Kaspersky and Bitdefender.
 
I also use Bitefender Free on my home theater PC. It is quiet and unobtrusive, but does not offer the real-time scanning exclusion options that Avira does.  Other than that, it is a set it and forget it type of operation.
 
I became a Symantec/Norton refugee 10 years ago.  Had used them for years, but the last time I updated, my computer slowed to a crawl.  Took them up on their refund offer, mailed the disk back, and never looked back.
 
I really cannot see paying for a subscription when there is quality FREE malware protection, unless you just wish to make a donation to the kind developers
 
 

abacab
Running Avira here on my DAW PC, with no issues. 

Hey, just wanted to confirm that you're running Avira FREE on a Win 10 PC. Bitdefender Free says it's not yet compatible with Win 10, so I'm looking for the best free solution. I am running the standard Windows Defender thing, but I'd like to have an additional layer of protection, as long as it doesn't cause any problems of course. Thanks!
 
P.S. Overtone plugs are definitely not viruses! They're among the best bang-for-buck plugins around.
 
Cheers,
Eddie
 

Eddie TX

abacab
Running Avira here on my DAW PC, with no issues. 

Hey, just wanted to confirm that you're running Avira FREE on a Win 10 PC. Bitdefender Free says it's not yet compatible with Win 10, so I'm looking for the best free solution. I am running the standard Windows Defender thing, but I'd like to have an additional layer of protection, as long as it doesn't cause any problems of course. Thanks!
 
P.S. Overtone plugs are definitely not viruses! They're among the best bang-for-buck plugins around.
 
Cheers,
Eddie
 

Avira Free runs on Windows 10.  https://www.avira.com/en/free-antivirus-windows
You can make use of the Scan Exceptions configuration to omit processes and files from the detection process.  Recommend putting your audio stuff here.
 
I use Bitdefender Free on my Windows 7 PC for it's lightweight protection on older hardware.  I believe the free version of Bitdefender is based on an earlier release, which would explain it's lack of Windows 10 support.  Hopefully they will update it someday.
 
Another good free antivirus option that has become available, but I have not tested yet, is Sophos Home.  Same protection as offered to their business clients.  https://www.sophos.com/en-us/lp/sophos-home.aspx
 
As far as Windows Defender goes on Windows 10, it is an either/or decision, but not both.  By default on Windows 10, Defender is designed to activate in the absence of a 3rd party antivirus program, and to deactivate if it detects one.  It is never a good idea to attempt to run two real-time resident antivirus programs together.  That can cause big problems.  It's OK to layer something like Malwarebytes for example, or as many on-demand scanners as you wish.
 

Bitdefender Free runs on Win 10 also...

If you want a GREAT deal on Bitdefender Total Security,
which is what I use, you can get it for $19.99 here

https://store.bitdefender.com/order/checkout.php?PRODS=4657373&QTY=1&OPTIONS4657373=h-3u-1y&CART=2&COUPON=Exp-19-95USD-BD2016&affiliate=52714&__c=1

You can also try it FREE for 30 days...

http://www.bitdefender.com/Downloads/

cclarry
Bitdefender Free runs on Win 10 also...

https://forum.bitdefender.com/index.php?/topic/59225-free-version-for-windows-10/
 
Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition is not compatible with Windows 10.
You will be able to install it but there will be side effects including but not limited to inaccurate detection, unwanted false alarms of legitimate apps that come with Windows 10, etc.
As the best protection for the new OS, we would recommend one of the Bitdefender 2015 classic line products: Antivirus Plus, Internet Security, Total Security
We do not offer technical support for Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition on Windows 10.

That thread is from last year...

http://www.bitdefender.com/solutions/free.html

EDIT:  but I see the free version is from 2014 so still incompatible.

I still recommend the $19.99 for Total Security, and it covers all your devices

cclarry
That thread is from last year...

But the threat ...
 

cclarry
That thread is from last year...

http://www.bitdefender.com/solutions/free.html

EDIT:  but I see the free version is from 2014 so still incompatible.

I still recommend the $19.99 for Total Security, and it covers all your devices

Newer thread (last month): Bitdefender 2016 FREE is still under BETA. Until the product exists BETA status Microsoft will not award the Windows 10 certification.
https://forum.bitdefender.com/index.php?/topic/72565-offical-windows-10-support/
 

cclarry
False positives are not uncommon,
but better safe then sorry

More so with DAW software.  I just use the one with Windows.  If you are insecure about the one included in Windows just about every AV company has an online scan.