Does Windows 10 or 11 Need Antivirus Software?

Does Windows 10 or 11 need antivirus software? Absolutely. Every computer needs protection against viruses and other malware.

The next question is this: Which antivirus should you use?

Windows 10 and 11 come with Microsoft Defender Antivirus, Microsoft’s free version of antivirus software. In the absence of any other antivirus software, it runs automatically. No installation required.

What does antivirus do?

Now, here’s what that antivirus software does. Antivirus software protects your devices against malware and viruses through a combination of prevention, detection, and removal.

For years, people have installed antivirus software on their computers. Today, it can also protect your smartphones and tablets as well. In fact, we recommend installing it on those devices as well because they’re connected, just like a computer — and any device that connects to the internet is a potential target for malware and viruses.

In short, if it’s connected, it gets protected.

One important distinction about antivirus is its name, a name that first came into use decades ago when viruses first appeared on the scene. However, antivirus protects you from more than viruses. It protects against malware too — attacks like spyware, ransomware, adware, and more. So while we popularly call protection software “antivirus,” it protects against far more than just viruses. It protects against malware overall.

Now here’s where some confusion might come in. Some antivirus apps are standalone. They offer malware protection and that’s it. And that’s the case with Microsoft Defender Antivirus.

Other antivirus apps are part of comprehensive online protection software, which can include several additional far-reaching features that can protect your privacy and your identity.

So, if you’re only looking for good antivirus software, Microsoft Defender Antivirus can get the job done. However, protecting yourself online today calls for far more than antivirus.

In short, antivirus doesn’t cut it alone.

Do you need more than antivirus software?

If you value your privacy and identity, you’ll want to consider something more than just antivirus software.

Malware and viruses pose only a portion of the threats we face online today. Shopping scams, data breaches, info gathering, identity theft, and phishing texts are a big part of the landscape today. And they can cost you plenty in terms of your time and money, not to mention the stress of dealing with them.

This makes a strong case for using comprehensive online protection. It covers those threats, and far more. Ours includes the protections mentioned above, plus dozens of features that further protect your devices, privacy, and identity. And yes, it includes antivirus too.

Comprehensive online protection software like ours gives you dozens of other features like identity theft coverage & restoration, personal data cleanup, security freezes, and an online protection score that shows you how safe you are, along with suggestions that can make you safer still.

It further protects you from scams. Our Text Scam Detector and web protection steer you clear of sketchy links in texts, emails, messages, and while you search. Others like our Social Media Privacy Manager keep you as private as you like with personalized recommendations in only a few clicks.

And that’s for starters. The list of protections with comprehensive online protection software like our McAfee+ plans runs long. That includes yet more features that help you secure your finances and identity, make you more private online, and keep your devices running strong.

Consider running more than just antivirus

While protecting your devices with antivirus is a great start, it’s only one part of staying safer online. Including the privacy and identity features that come with comprehensive online protection rounds out your protection overall. Particularly so in a time of data breaches, online scams, sketchy text messages, and the like.

In all, antivirus remains an important part of a safe and enjoyable time online, yet it doesn’t do the job alone.

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