Freedom251 › Antivirus software
ClamWin Free Antivirus
What ClamWin Free Antivirus is
ClamWin Free Antivirus is a free Windows program for detecting viruses and spyware. It includes scheduled scans and automatically downloads updated virus database files, which its FAQ says are usually refreshed several times daily. Windows Explorer integration lets users scan files from a right-click menu, while a Microsoft Outlook add-in can automatically remove infected attachments. ClamWin does not provide on-access real-time scanning, so users must start scans manually to check files. It is based on the ClamAV scanning engine and uses the GNU General Public License. Listed compatibility includes Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP, Me, 2000, 98, and several Windows Server releases. The download page lists version 0.103.2.1 as a 225 MB download. For 7z files, the built-in unpacker supports only LZMA; broader codec support uses the additional --7zip option and 7z.exe. Support is through forums or a mailing list.
Who it suits
It suits Windows users seeking free manual virus and spyware scanning with scheduled checks. Users wanting automatic on-access protection should note that it is not included.
What it does well
- Free Windows antivirus
- Scheduled scanning
- Automatic virus-database updates
- Windows Explorer scanning integration
- Microsoft Outlook attachment removal
What to know first
- No on-access real-time scanner
- Manual scans required
- 225 MB download listed
- 7z codec support is limited
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Free Antivirus | Virus and spyware scanning · Scheduled scanning · Automatic virus-database updates · Windows Explorer integration · Microsoft Outlook integration | Free |
| ClamWin Free Antivirus | Windows antivirus · manual scanning only · no on-access real-time scanner | Free |
As clamwin.com lists them, read 22 Sept 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
ClamWin provides free, scheduled and manual antivirus scanning with Windows integrations. Its lack of real-time protection and limited built-in 7z codec support are important considerations.
Facts from ClamWin Free Antivirus's own pages
- Archive support
- The FAQ says 7z files are supported, while the built-in unpacker supports only the LZMA codec; full codec support can use the additional --7zip option and 7z.exe. · clamwin.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Detection
- The product lists virus and spyware detection among its features. · clamwin.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Download
- The download page lists version 0.103.2.1 as a 225 MB download. · clamwin.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Engine and license
- ClamWin is based on the ClamAV scanning engine and uses the GNU General Public License. · clamwin.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Founded
- 2004 · clamwin.com, 28 Sept 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · clamwin.com, 22 Sept 2026
- Outlook
- The product includes a Microsoft Outlook add-in to remove virus-infected attachments automatically. · clamwin.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Project history
- The download page says ClamWin has been a free software project since 2004. · clamwin.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Protection scope
- antivirus · clamwin.com, 22 Sept 2026
- Purpose
- ClamWin is a free antivirus program for Microsoft Windows. · clamwin.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Scanning limitation
- ClamWin does not include an on-access real-time scanner, so users must manually scan files to detect viruses or spyware. · clamwin.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Scheduled scans
- ClamWin includes a scanning scheduler. · clamwin.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project directs users to its online forums or clamwin-users mailing list and says it does not provide support by email or online contact form. · clamwin.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Supported platforms
- Windows · clamwin.com, 22 Sept 2026
- Supported Windows versions
- The About page lists Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP, Me, 2000 and 98, plus Windows Server 2012, 2008 and 2003. · clamwin.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Virus database
- The software automatically downloads regularly updated virus database files, which the FAQ says are usually updated several times a day. · clamwin.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Windows Explorer
- Its Windows Explorer integration lets users scan a file from Explorer's right-click menu. · clamwin.com, 12 Oct 2026
Where ClamWin Free Antivirus stands on Freedom251
- Antivirus software#46 of 120