Real-time protection

Real-time protection is the antivirus ✕ An antivirus is a program that detects, blocks and removes malicious software. Modern ones combine known signatures with behavior analysis. More in the glossary → feature that watches the machine permanently, in the background, instead of waiting for you to launch a manual scan. It checks every file that is opened, downloaded or run, and every page you visit, and blocks a threat the moment it tries to act, before it can cause harm. It is the difference between stopping a virus as it arrives and discovering it once it has already infected the system. It is barely noticeable on a modern machine, and turning it off leaves a dangerous gap. It is one of the most important capabilities a good antivirus should offer. Which ones implement it best is covered in the best antivirus comparison.