Antimalware, firewall, and other security programs for Windows XP working in 2023 and hopefully beyond

[AstroSkipper]

On 7/9/2026 at 9:08 PM, modnar said:

On 7/9/2026 at 7:17 PM, AstroSkipper said:

@modnar Or do you use an extended kernel or an additional layer in your Windows XP installation where you have installed IOBit Malware Fighter 12.5? 

... 12.5 is for XP no doubt. However I already threw it off my box because it's too cut-down.

This statement is not really true. Although IOBit Malware Fighter Pro 12.5 can still be installed strangely enough under Windows XP, it says that this version is not compatible with Windows XP, if the user tries to enable real-time malware protection with IObit & Bitdefender engines or advanced protection against ransomware. It also advises to install IOBit Malware Fighter Pro 11.4 as the last XP-compatible version.  
And so, after all, this is what applies:

On 7/8/2026 at 3:11 PM, AstroSkipper said:

You have to download the last XP-compatible version 11.4.0. Here is the original website with this version: https://web.archive.org/web/20240830175125/https://www.iobit.com/de/malware-fighter.php
Download link: https://www.filepuma.com/de/download/iobit_malware_fighter_free_11.4.0.1360-40845/download/

Please test this version to find out how it works and whether it still receives definition updates or not! 

Edited 22 hours ago by AstroSkipper

[Tangy]

Custom Install of IOBit Malware Fighter 11.4.0 (easy to install )

Latest Database Version 2608 ( 2026 - 7 - 9 )

Fingerprint : 898269

I ran a smart scan

Objects scanned 107.446

Threats Detected 0  as expected

Time Elapsed : 20.02 minutes

Very light and smooth

 

 

[AstroSkipper]

1 hour ago, Tangy said:

Custom Install of IOBit Malware Fighter 11.4.0 (easy to install )

Latest Database Version 2608 ( 2026 - 7 - 9 )

Fingerprint : 898269

I ran a smart scan

Objects scanned 107.446

Threats Detected 0  as expected

Time Elapsed : 20.02 minutes

Very light and smooth

Thank you for providing the data! Which version have you tested? Free or Pro? 

Edited 11 hours ago by AstroSkipper

[Tangy]

@AstroSkipper Free . I am sure you are aware that reviews have been unfavourable since its inception. Western propaganda ? Regarding Chinese products.

Better than nothing is debatable ? Yes, it could run seamlessly along side the Italian one and still be a very light compo.

What do you reckon ?

 

 

 

[AstroSkipper]

4 hours ago, Tangy said:

@AstroSkipper Free . I am sure you are aware that reviews have been unfavourable since its inception. Western propaganda ? Regarding Chinese products.

Better than nothing is debatable ? Yes, it could run seamlessly along side the Italian one and still be a very light compo.

What do you reckon ?

As I already said, it is no longer time to be picky when it comes to real-time protection under Windows XP. And of course, I read such reports about IOBit Malware Fighter. I personally never liked the IOBit company. Their products have never really been any good. And in the case of IOBit Malware Fighter, I can see why.

The positives:

• Easy to install.
• A clearly structured, very tidy and modern interface.
• Good usability.
• Lots of features not usually found in freeware.
• Excellent uninstallation speed.

The negatives:

• No daily updates as advertised. Today, it’s still installing the version from 9 July.
• Not really integrated efficiently into Windows XP.
• When the protection is activated, performance plummets.
• Version 13 is constantly being promoted, and you’re told to download it, even though it’s not compatible with Windows XP.
• No self-protection.
• The scan speed is so poor that I’m lost for words...

The scanning speed is the absolute worst I have ever experienced. Smart Scan was cancelled after 120,000 files!!! and 120 minutes!!! with only 5% progress!!! This is no Smart Scan.  I then uninstalled it completely. The uninstallation was done in seconds. That just goes to show how poorly the programme was integrated into Windows XP. It was practically just a superficial add-on.  And it can even be shut down completely with just two clicks. That’s a goldmine for malware.  My conclusion: Looks great on the outside, but a flop on the inside. 

P.S.: And that’s the good thing about my ancient P4 computer. It mercilessly exposes the weaknesses of software. 

Edited 2 minutes ago by AstroSkipper