Many people continue to use vintage computers, running operating systems that are past their end-of-support date. While I recommend that these users upgrade to something modern and more secure, I understand when they stick with their classic machines. I don’t judge.
But if those computers are going to hit the internet, they do need antivirus. And as they age, it becomes more difficult to find an antivirus software that is willing to run on a much older OS. Below are some links to free antiviruses that are compatible with bygone OSes, like Windows 7 and El Capitan.
Windows Computers
My favorite free antivirus for older PCs was Microsoft Security Essentials. But Microsoft pulled this from their sites, and disabled its updates in late 2025. So I have to recommend others:
AVG still offers a free antivirus that works Windows 7 and Windows 8.
You can also consider Avast Free Antivirus, which is available for Windows 7 and Windows 8.
These companies used to offer something for Vista and XP, but no longer…
Apple Computers
There’s some debate on whether Macs need additional antivirus protection. For now, I’ll say: You are at greater risk if you’re using an out-of-date computer, so antivirus becomes more relevant if you’re not running the latest MacOS. If your MacOS is so old to be completely out of service, please get some antivirus ASAP.
AVG offers free antivirus for Macs here, and can install on MacOS 10.13 High Sierra or newer.
Avast offers free antivirus for Macs here, and can install on MacOS 10.11 El Capitan or newer.
Stick with Free
If you move to one of these free softwares, understand that these companies are out to make money. They offer a free product, but will ask you to consider upgrading and paying for their other wares. After installing their free AV, they may ask you several times… about several different products… in various pop-ups and alerts.
I recommend against anything other than the basic, free protection that they offer. Be ready to answer No to their sales-messages. It’s about more than just saving money. You also don’t want to add to much software to any older machine. Follow the KISS principle with your vintage PC, and only burden it with a plain-vanilla antivirus.