If you are looking for solid protection without the cost, the better path is to use reputable free alternatives or lean on built-in OS protection:

In the world of cybersecurity, if you aren't paying for the product, you—or your data—might be the product. Using a trial resetter for an antivirus is like hiring a security guard who has been paid by the burglars to unlock your windows. Stick to official versions to ensure your identity and files stay safe.

Below is a blog post discussing why these tools existed and why they are now considered a major security threat.

Quick Heal 2015 and the Era of Trial Resetters: A Security Retrospective

While these tools appeared to work on the surface, they introduced significant risks: