Seeking User-Friendly Free Antivirus Alternatives to Windows Defender

When it comes to protecting your computer, Windows Defender is often the go-to solution for many users. However, not everyone appreciates its approach, especially when it comes to handling files. If you’ve had a frustrating experience like trying to recover files that were deleted without prior warning, you’re not alone.

Recently, I encountered a situation where Windows Defender removed files from my NAS server without asking for my permission. After realizing the deletion, I spent an hour attempting to restore those files, only to find out that the software did not provide options for recovering them easily. Moreover, the lack of clear error messages and guidance made matters even more complicated.

This led me to ponder: are there any free antivirus options available that treat users with a bit more respect? Ideally, I’m looking for a solution that is lightweight and prompts me before taking any drastic actions, such as deleting files.

If you have suggestions for antivirus software that align with these requirements, I would love to hear from you. It’s crucial to find a balance between effective protection and user control over the files we hold dear.