Early anticoagulation with conventional anticoagulants (such as heparin, low-molecular- weight heparin or warfarin) has no benefit in preventing recurrence of stroke in ischemic stroke patients with atrial fibrillation. Non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) has the same or better anticoagulant effect and much lower incidence of intracranial hemorrhage than warfarin, and it works on the same day. Although it has been available for less than 10 years, it has a tendency to replace warfarin. This article reviews the research progress in the prevention of early recurrence with NOACs in ischemic stroke patients with atrial fibrillation.