AV-TEST: 14 Windows 11 security packages put to the test
Approximately 14 security packages for Windows 11 were tested for malware detection and defense. Most performed well, but some showed weaknesses.
German IT security institute AV-TEST has released its latest evaluation of security packages designed for Windows 11. The March-April 2026 test assessed 14 different security solutions on their effectiveness in detecting and blocking malware, system performance impact, and usability.
With cyber threats constantly evolving, often accelerated by AI-generated malware, robust defense mechanisms are crucial. The test focused on how well the software could identify and neutralize over 12,000 malware samples, including the latest 'zero-day' threats.
The overall test results indicate that the majority of the tested products performed exceptionally well. Twelve out of the fourteen security packages achieved 17.5 or the maximum 18 points out of three possible categories, earning them the 'TOP PRODUCT' designation. Notably, eight packages, including Avast, AVG, Bitdefender, ESET, F-Secure, McAfee, Norton, and TotalAV, successfully detected all malware samples without any errors.
However, a few solutions, such as those from K7 Computing, Malwarebytes, and EnigmaSoft, demonstrated weaknesses in their detection accuracy and received reduced scores. AV-TEST emphasizes the necessity of reliable security software for individual users, as their devices can become unwitting participants in large botnets, as highlighted by recent major international law enforcement operations.