Review · Consumer tech
ClamWin Free Antivirus review
A free, open source on-demand virus scanner for Windows based on the ClamAV engine, with a scan scheduler and Explorer integration.
By the KeenVerdict research desk · Updated November 10, 2026
- Features (40%)
- 5.8
- Ease of use (30%)
- 6.8
- Value (30%)
- 9.6
ClamWin answers the question of what still runs on almost any old Windows PC. The project lists Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP, Me, 2000 and 98, plus Windows Server 2012, 2008 and 2003, and says more than 600,000 people use it daily. It is free and open source under the GNU GPL and uses the ClamAV engine. You get a scan scheduler, automatic downloads of the virus database, right-click scanning from Windows Explorer and an Outlook add-in that strips infected attachments. The limit is important: ClamWin says it does not include an on-access real-time scanner, so a file is only checked when you scan it. That keeps it light on very old hardware, but it will not stop a malicious download as it opens. Use it as a second opinion next to a real-time product, or on an XP or Vista machine that rarely goes online.
Who it is for
Owners of very old XP or Vista PCs who want a free second-opinion scanner that uses resources only when scanning.
Price
Free and open source under the GNU GPL.
You may download and use it absolutely free of charge
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 10, 2026.
Key features
- Virus and spyware scanning based on the ClamAV engine
- Scanning scheduler
- Automatic downloads of the regularly updated virus database
- Standalone scanner and right-click scanning from Windows Explorer
- Outlook add-in that removes infected attachments
Strengths and weaknesses
- Strength: Lists Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP, Me, 2000 and 98
- Strength: Free and open source with no ads or upsells
- Strength: No background scanning load between scans
- Weakness: No on-access real-time scanner
- Weakness: Plain interface aimed at technical users
- Weakness: Should not be the only protection on an internet-connected PC
Key facts
- Windows support listed: Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP, Me, 2000 and 98
- Latest version: 0.103.2.1
- Real-time scanning: No
- Daily users: More than 600,000, per the project
Where it ranks
ClamWin Free Antivirus is No. 8 in our Best Antivirus for Older Windows PCs verdict.
Alternatives we scored
Visit clamwin.com · Questions or corrections: editorial@keenverdict.com