Seeking User-Friendly Free Antivirus Alternatives to Windows Defender

Hello, dear readers!

In today’s digital age, having reliable antivirus protection is essential, especially when balancing security and user experience. Recently, I faced a frustrating encounter with Windows Defender, which got me thinking about the need for an alternative that respects user autonomy.

After working tirelessly to retrieve files that were erroneously deleted by Windows Defender from my NAS server—without so much as a prompt—I found the experience to be less than straightforward. Restoring those files became a challenge, particularly since Windows Defender did not provide a clear mechanism for restoring them to their original location, nor an option to choose an alternative destination.

This incident left me questioning: are there any free, lightweight antivirus solutions out there that prioritize user input and discretion over aggressive file handling? Ideally, I’m looking for Software that will thoughtfully request permission before taking drastic actions, such as deleting files that may be false positives.

If you have any suggestions for antivirus programs that marry effective protection with respect for user decisions, I would love to hear about them. Your insights could greatly benefit those of us seeking a more user-friendly experience in our digital security endeavors. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!