10 Best Ransomware Protection Software for Windows 11
For the past few years, we have increasingly witnessed a new wave of attacks on Windows computers. Widespread ransomware attacks like WannaCry, Dharma, CryptoLocker, etc. have affected millions of PCs worldwide and hijacked the entire disk from user access. You have to pay a ransom to unlock and decrypt your PC in such cases, otherwise you lose access to all your valuable files. So, to be better prepared, we have compiled a list of top 10 ransomware protection software for Windows 11 that can help defend your PC from new emerging threats. In this article, we have introduced both free and paid anti-ransomware programs for Microsoft Windows 11. So without further ado, let’s find a suitable anti-ransomware program for your Windows 11 PC.
Best Ransomware Protection Software for Windows 11
We have mentioned the 10 best ransomware protection software for Windows 11, suitable for both individuals and businesses. We have also added some free anti-ransomware programs for Windows 11 and some decryption tools.
1. Malwarebytes for Ransomware Protection
If you are looking for a reliable anti-ransomware software for Windows 11, my first recommendation would be Malwarebytes. It is a comprehensive antivirus program that can detect ransomware, exploits, malware, zero-day attacks, and more. Malwarebytes is frequently updated with new information about cyber threats, virus definitions, and new vectors spreading ransomware. It brings you unmatched ransomware detection and prevention technology, so your PC is not locked out of your control.
Malwarebytes also uses Anomaly Detection Machine Learning to identify suspicious executables that can take over your Windows 11 PC. The best part is that it is quite lightweight, so it won’t be a burden on your system resources. Moreover, while Malwarebytes lets you try all the premium features for 14 days without any charges, I suggest you subscribe to its annual or monthly premium plan to get real-time protection against all kinds of ransomware.
2. Bitdefender Total Security
If Malwarebytes isn’t for you, I highly recommend Bitdefender for its all-in-one protection features. Yes, Bitdefender uses a lot of system resources compared to the other programs on this list, but it also offers maximum protection against all kinds of ransomware, malware, phishing attacks, etc.
Similar to Malwarebytes, Bitdefender deploys intelligent machine learning algorithms to detect malicious actors on your PC and prevent them from taking your precious personal files hostage. The machine learning technique constantly monitors various processes and executables. It performs behavioral analysis in the background to quickly detect and prevent even zero-day attacks from malicious actors. If you need a feature-rich antivirus that also offers ransomware protection, Bitdefender is a good choice.
3. Emsisoft
Emsisoft is another perfect ransomware protection software on Windows 11. I recommend it to both personal and business users. Emsisoft’s ransomware detection technology is the best in the industry that doesn’t slow down your device and at the same time prevents and recovers your PC from a hard lock. Emsisoft has partnered with ID Ransomware to identify ransomware through signature-based detection.
Emsisoft is usually the first to detect new and emerging threats with its intelligence gathering network and protects all its endpoints before the ransomware reaches your device. It also stops the attack chains deployed by most ransomware and also performs behavior-based detection. Not to mention, Emsisoft also offers you a free service where you can decrypt your ransomware-affected PC. Along with this, Emsisoft is one of the best anti-ransomware software for Windows 11, and you can surely opt for it for complete protection.
4. Kaspersky Anti-Ransomware Tool
Users looking for free ransomware protection software for Windows 11 can turn to Kaspersky’s anti-ransomware tool. It’s an .exe file and has a footprint of just 90MB. You don’t get all the advanced ransomware protection features as you might expect, but Kaspersky says that free users will get essential ransomware protection that will keep their PC safe from existing and popular ransomware. If you choose the paid plan, you get a full suite of protection, including advanced ransomware detection and prevention technology.
The free tool can prevent malicious executables from encrypting your drives, either locally or remotely. In addition, the free tool can also block cryptominers, exploits, and many other types of threats.
Kaspersky Anti-Ransomware Tool is a great utility that is available for free, and you should definitely give it a try.
5. Anti-ransomware ZoneAlarm
ZoneAlarm’s anti-ransomware tool is considered one of the best ransomware protection programs for Windows 11. Similar to Malwarebytes, it is light on resources and good at detecting ransomware and preventing it from taking over your Windows 11 PC. ZoneAlarm’s anti-ransomware software mainly focuses on scanning your PC for suspicious activity and preventing any malicious ransomware from encrypting your drives.
It also protects you from phishing sites and emails, but you need to add its extension to your browser. Overall, ZoneAlarm’s anti-ransomware software is good, mainly because it is compatible with the native Windows Defender protection (which you can easily disable) on Windows 11. To conclude, if you are looking for a lightweight anti-ransomware, you can take a look at ZoneAlarm’s anti-ransomware tool.
6.WebRoot
If you are looking for an advanced anti-ransomware tool that is designed to protect your Windows 11 PC from ransomware attacks like WannaCry, you should check out Webroot. It is one of the best ransomware protection software for Windows 11 for both individuals and businesses. It extensively protects your PC from cyber threats, phishing attacks, and prevents any kind of remote injection, so that your computer is not taken hostage by hackers.
The program also lets you securely restore your encrypted hard drive and blocks any attempts to lock your PC. While Webroot offers a 14-day free trial, I recommend opting for the paid plan if you want complete ransomware protection. The paid plan is well worth the price for the kind of ironclad security you get with Webroot.
7. Avast Ransomware Decryption Tool
If you have already been affected by a ransomware attack and want to decrypt your files, I suggest you download Avast Ransomware Decryption Tool. It is one of the best software that can help you get access to your Windows 11 computer. It has ready-to-use decryption tools for major ransomware attacks including AES_NI, Crypt888, Apocalypse, HiddenTear, etc. Over time, Avast adds decryption tools for new and emerging ransomware threats on its website.
First, you need to identify the ransomware attack and you can download a specific decryption tool from its website. This way, you can decrypt your hard drive and restore the PC to a working state without paying any ransom. But note that this is not a ransomware protection software but a ransomware decryption tool for Windows 11.
8. Acronis Ransomware Protection
Acronis, the popular company known for its backup and recovery software, has released ransomware protection software to protect your Windows 11 PC from sophisticated ransomware attacks. Unlike the free software on this list, this is a paid offering but it provides high-intelligence security to your PC. It has a network of industry groups, independent labs, and cybersecurity analysts to quickly detect emerging ransomware threats that strike across the globe.
It is also one of the few companies here that brings its machine learning engine to VirusTotal to detect online threats. While Acronis Ransomware Protection is mainly used by businesses, I believe that even home users can benefit from its protection. Recently, Acronis has been providing solutions to cryptojacking that is affecting users worldwide. So yes, if you want top-tier ransomware protection, you should take a look at Acronis’ offering.
9. Sophos intercepte X
If you run a business (small or large), I highly recommend using Sophos Intercept X to protect all your endpoints from ransomware attacks. It has been named the best endpoint security vendor for the past few years and continues to detect threats more than other vendors in the industry. This Windows 11 software offers ransomware protection, automatic file recovery, and behavioral analysis to prevent malicious actors from taking your PC hostage.
Just like other advanced programs, Sophos Intercept X leverages AI and deep learning to detect known and unknown threats without relying on signature-based detection. The best part is that it has an elite threat response team that can neutralize even the most notorious ransomware vectors. In short, organizations with multiple endpoints should consider Sophos Intercept X to protect your entire network of devices.
10. Trend Micro AntiVirus+ Security
Trend Micro is our last entry on this list of ransomware protection tools for Windows 11. It is one of the most popular security vendors in the business sector, in line with Acronis, Sophos, Emsisoft, etc. Apart from its commercial offering, it also provides an all-in-one antivirus for home users. The antivirus is capable of blocking and defending your PC against ransomware, malware, viruses, etc.
Trend Micro has brought its intelligent threat detection engine to home users to protect your PC from new and emerging threats. It can also decrypt and restore your PC from ransomware attacks without damaging any of your valuable files. Just like other programs, Trend Micro Antivirus + Security performs both signature-based and AI-based detection of ransomware on PC.
Choose the best anti-ransomware tool for Windows 11
So, here is our hand-picked list of the best anti-ransomware tools for Windows 11. If you frequently connect to remote computers or want to protect your valuable files from being hacked by ransomware attacks, having a dedicated anti-ransomware tool is a must. I am sure that you will find a software that suits your needs in the above list. Anyway, this is all from us.
