Does Windows 10 or 11 Need Antivirus Software? | McAfee (2024)

If your PC runs onWindows 10, you’re in very good company. TheMicrosoftoperating systemis themost widely used OS in the world. ManyWindows 10users have also been upgraded to Windows 11 through arollout that began in 2021.Microsoftplans to complete theWindows updateby mid-2022.

Unfortunately, its success as a widely usedoperating systemmakes Windows attractive tohackers. And if malicious software likemalwarecan make a home in Windows, there are a lot of targets. So, this might raise the question of how best to protect yourWindows 10 or 11 device.

Should you just useWindows Defender—Microsoft’sfree versionofantivirus software— or buy additional protection?

Read on to learn whatMicrosoft Defendercovers and how additionalvirus protectioncan secure all of your connected devices.

DoesWindows 10come withantivirus software?

For years,Microsofthas offeredanti-malwareprotection, but the current version provides effective security against viruses.Windows Defenderis a free antivirus tool that’s built into the Windowsoperating system.

While it’s considered one of thebest free antivirus softwareprograms, it doesn’t have any extra features that might come with paidsecurity software. If you’re just looking forgood antivirus software, though,Windows Defendercan get the job done.

How to check if Windows Defender is on

If you’re not usingthird-party antivirus protection, you’ll want to make sure that yourWindows Defender antiviruscoverage is working on your computer. Here’s how to check:

1. Go to the control panel and click System and Security.
2. ClickWindows DefenderFirewall.
3. A window will open showing if thefirewallis on.
4. If you need to turn onWindows Defender, use the menu.
5. Close all browser windows and restart your computer.

To make sure yourWindows securityis running, follow these steps:

1. Click CTRL+Alt+Del and select Task Manager.
2. Look at the tabs and click Services.
3. Scroll down toWindows Defenderand see if it is classified as “running.”

Do you need additionalantivirus software?

With built-in coverage, you may wonder if you should invest inpaid antivirus software. The answer is, of course, yes! It can be a good idea to get anotherantivirus solutionbecause blockingmalwareand viruses should just be one part of yourthreat protection.

Today’s cybercriminals are using elaborate ruses to try to access your personal information, such as your bank and credit card numbers. And some of their scams might even target your devices withriskyappsor links on social media.

As they always say, it’s better to be safe than sorry! Having anotherantivirus programcan make sure you havereal-time protectionand access to the latestsecurity features.

4 features you want in anantivirus software

There are a lot ofantivirus protectionprograms out there, but they aren’t all created equal. When looking for thebest antivirus softwarefor your needs, here are some things to consider for your devices running onWindows 10or 11.

Compatibility across multiple operating systems

If you have aWindows PC, use an iPhone, and your tablet runs onChrome, it helps to have anantivirus appthat works across multipleoperating systems. The good news is thatMcAfeeTotal Protectionis compatible with Windows,Mac, iOS, andAndroiddevices, so you can continue enjoying all of your different devices without losing protection.

Protection against a variety of online threats

For greatercybersecurity,antivirus softwareshould defend against a variety of online threats like viruses,spyware, andransomware. And that’s exactly what you get withMcAfeeTotal Protection. Ourantivirus softwarecan also help you avoidphishingattacks, which are fake messages to trick you into providing information or clicking a malicious link. The software will give you a warning when it recognizes a risky link, website, or file.

Easy to use

Functionalityis another thing you’ll want to consider when looking forantivirus software. If the program isn’t easy to use to begin with — especially if you want to easily manage multiple devices — what good will it do you?

But you don’t have to worry withMcAfeeTotal Protection, which allows you to connect and manage all of your computers and mobile devices from one single dashboard.

Real-time and scheduled scanning

To keep your devices free from online threats likemalware,good antivirus softwarewill scan your files for threats.McAfeeTotal Protection provides 24/7 protection with real-time, on-demand, and scheduled scanning of files and applications.

Additional features beyond antivirus software

McAfeeTotal Protection was developed with an understanding of how cybercriminals operate. Scammers may use a variety of tactics to try to steal your personal information, so our all-in-one protection also includes:

1. VPN:Avirtual private network(VPN) is one of the biggest benefits of usingthird-party antivirus protection. When you connect to public Wi-Fi, such as in a coffee shop, it’s possible for ahackerto see your data. AVPNencrypts your data to protect it from prying eyes. It also conceals your device’s IP address and geolocation.
2. Identity monitoring:Get 24/7 monitoring of your email addresses and bank accounts with up to $1 million of ID theft coverage withMcAfeeTotal Protection. With early detection, an easy setup, and extensive monitoring (keeping tabs on up to 60 unique types of personal information), you can continue to live your best life online.
3. Protection score:We’ll look at the health of your online protection and give you aprotection score. We’ll also recommend how to address weak spots and improve your security.
4. PC optimization:There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to work on a computer that loads pages slowly or keeps freezing. To help speed up youronline activities,McAfee PC Optimizerautomatically pauses auto-play onpop-upvideos. This gives you more bandwidth and saves battery power. The software also disposes of temporary files and cookies to free disk space.
5. Password manager:One good way to keep your data secure is to use strong passwords that are unique for each website. Ourpassword managergenerates complex passwords, stores them, and even lets you access shared passwords on your mobile devices.

Personalized protection for your digital life

UsingMicrosoft’s built-inantivirus softwarecan protect your Windows devices from viruses andmalware. But to really keep your network and all of your devices secure, it’s good to rely on comprehensive protection likeMcAfeeTotal Protection. With services like identity monitoring, safe browsing, and a secureVPN, you can enjoy the internet without worry.