First, let’s be clear: This is not free software. ESET Protect Entry is a paid, subscription-based endpoint security solution for businesses. When you see "download free," it refers to the 30-day fully functional free trial . You do not need to enter a credit card immediately to download the installer, which is a plus, but after 30 days, the software locks down completely. If you are a home user looking for a permanent free antivirus, look elsewhere (like ESET’s free online scanner or other consumer options).

I recently tried to download after searching for a robust business security solution. On the surface, the promise of a "free download" for ESET's enterprise-level protection sounds like a great deal. Here is the reality check after testing it.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5 for the software itself) / ⭐⭐ (2/5 for the "free" expectations)

| | Cons | | --- | --- | | Truly free 30-day trial (no credit card required) | Not freeware; stops working after 30 days | | Very lightweight on system resources | No technical support during the trial | | Excellent cloud management for multiple PCs | Complex for single home users | | World-class malware detection | |

A polished corporate-grade antivirus, but the "free" part comes with a hard stop

The download process is smooth. You register on ESET’s website with a basic email, and they send you a license key for the trial. The installer is lightweight (approx. 70MB) and doesn't try to bundle toolbars or unwanted junk, which is refreshing. Setup on a Windows Server and a few Windows 10 workstations took less than 5 minutes.