“Do I still need to an antivirus program?” It’s certainly one of the most common questions many new PC buyers have. Many users remember the days when PCs are known to be virus-ridden boxes.
Up to this day, many people were trained to believe they need to install a third-party program to protect their systems from viruses, Trojans and malware. However, many people are ditching their favorite anti-virus software because they feel Microsoft’s Windows Defender is good enough for providing protection.
So why is antivirus still necessary?
Well, there are still many terrible people out there who are creating malicious programs for equally malicious purposes.
For this post, we take a look at the state of antivirus programs in Windows 10.
Is Antivirus Necessary?
Before we proceed, keep in mind that this quick guide is for advisory purposes only. We can’t be held responsible if your computer gets infected after following this guide.
With that said, the answer to the above question is: it depends.
There’s really no easy, one-size-fits-all solution. However, with the improvement of Windows Defender, Microsoft is making a good case as to why third-party solutions are becoming unnecessary.
The Windows Defender Difference
Microsoft likes to tout Windows 10 as “the most secure Windows ever, built to stay that way.”
True enough, Microsoft seems to be committed to providing the best kind of security and safety for Windows 10 users. The Redmond company has built two important tools that will protect users in this permanently-online world: Windows Firewall and Windows Defender.
Before Windows 10, Defender is not exactly a standalone antivirus solution. In fact, Windows 7 will even annoyingly bug you until you install a third-party antivirus program. However, the latest version of Windows features the best version of Defender yet.
Out of the box, Windows 10 is much more secure than any other iterations of Windows. With a new Windows 10 machine, Defender is enabled by default which means that you are protected right away.
Why Windows Defender?
Here are a few reasons why Windows Defender is quite the contender:
1. It’s Built into Windows 10
One of the best advantages of Defender is that the security suite is integrated into the operating system itself. Therefore, your computer will be protected without having to download or install anything.
In addition, unlike standalone virus programs, there’s no need to manage separate updates. Whenever there’s a new update for Defender, it can be easily retrieved through Windows Update.
2. It’s Free
When it comes to programs and apps, free doesn’t usually mean much. Although you can download and install the software for free, there’s usually a catch like being bombarded by ads or having limited functionality.
As mentioned, Windows Defender is built into the Windows 10 OS, making it truly free. I know, I know, it’s not totally free since you have to purchase a working Windows 10 license. However, if you’re already using Windows 10, it’ll be silly not to take advantage of a software utility that comes with it.
3. It’s a Complete Antivirus Suite with Advanced Features
Earlier versions of Defender were never taken seriously by the majority of Windows users. However, a lot of things have changed then.
The current version of Windows Defender is a real-time antivirus solution that runs quietly in the background. Once a malware or virus is detected, it will be blocked and quarantined by Defender. It can also reliably scan files and installers.
Like most good antivirus programs, you can set Defender’s scanning behavior.
Do I Need a Standalone Antivirus?
When compared to other antivirus products, Windows Defender is not quite as advanced or feature-rich in comparison. However, you can count on Defender to catch and block most major threats.
The best weapon against malicious threats is to practice safe web-browsing habits.
On top of that, you should also make sure that your PC itself is well-maintained. Don’t skip on updating your programs and hardware drivers for a more secure PC. If you need a hassle-free way to update your drivers, Give DriverSupport | ONE a try today!.
Why Is Antivirus Still Necessary?
Well, it won’t hurt to have the best protection for your computer system.
For the most part, Windows Defender can cover most of your antivirus needs. However, if you require more security or you are using a computer for business purposes, a third-party solution makes sense.
