If you are new to use a computer or new for microsoft, or on the flip side, very, very, very experienced you must be thinking: Do I really need an antivirus program for my Windows 11 computer?
Here is a brief answer yes. Always yes.
The long answer is still yes. This is why Microsoft provides its users with free, underlying antivirus program with Microsoft defender.
But if your question is more with lines: I need Excessive The third-party support at the top of the microsoft defender that provides, then it is a more fine answer … that is going to be mostly yes, we will tell below for those reasons.
Why does Windows 11 require antivirus software?
The reality is that, each computer should have an antivirus program-even MAC owners should consider adding third-party antivirus software at this point. However, it is particularly important for Windows 11 users as they are more likely to be targeted by malware, ransomware, fishing, spyware or other cyber attacks.
By April 2025, Windows 11 was built almost for 44% of desktop users Worldwide, and one AV-Test Report from 2020 Showed that 83% of the Malware of that year targeted the Windows Computer. Cybercrime is an industry that makes trillion dollars every year, and Windows tops the computer list.
It is often prevented through simple use of the best antivirus software suits and one of good cyber security hygiene. You are the first row of the user, defense, but in the example that you slip, you want a solid safety program, which supports you with a virus scan, access to a password managers, a VPN, website blockers, and more help to protect your data and to run your computer smoothly.
What does Microsoft defender offer?
When you set Windows 11, the Microsoft defender is enabled free and automatically, making it an easy antivirus option for Windows users-especially new users or people who do not want to spend a lot of time to download and install the third-side program.
The defender is automatically updated and uses clouds to provide fast malware identification. When we reviewed it, we found its malware security good, with four scanning options including a quick scan and a custom scan option.
It also offers some of the best additional features such as basic ransomware protection that will return ondrive files and folders and can prevent malicious changes without administrator’s approval.
There is also a smartscreen, an edge browser feature that can warly warns you if a website, app, or download or run you are potentially malicious. Bill, smartscreen, can be easily rejected as an anti-firing tool if you want to go around it and have more intention as a warning for the user than a block.
Another feature defender offer is a firewall, which filters network traffic to protect against malicious apps and hacks that want access to your network or equipment. Firewall can filter or limit network traffic depending on your preferences, and it will block any incredible efforts by automatically connecting to your network or equipment.
Like a password manager for the edge, some parents control, app control to limit the screen time that can block the unknown apps and VPN and identity security. But with any free program, some of it is limited or includes an ad on the fee.
Why should you add additional antivirus software?
Microsoft defender provides a good base layer of safety for your Windows 11 system, this is true. But it is generally considered a starting point – while the safety facilities provided by the defender are usually very good, they often put the responsibility of safety in your hands (think that smartscreen warning pop ups) and you will still need to practice excellent cyber security practices, which you download and click what you download.
It is worth indicating some advantages that can provide a third-party antivirus software: more strong antivirus security that can estimate malware and virus attacks, more expanding features and bundled packages that protect the entire house or several devices.
Third party, or payment, antivirus programs such as Norton or BitDefnder people can offer better parents control, a VPN that involves a VPN instead of one, for which you will have to pay extra, a password manager, who works with any browser of your choice (and not just an edge), and other features such as the theft protection, or webcam blocker.
Regardless of what you choose, built-in and free or third-party and paid, or both, you are completely, always, make sure that your Windows 11 is the best antivirus software program installed, running, running and up-to-date. It may take some time for someone to like that you like it, and it can sometimes warn you about an app or website, but it is always better to deal with a virus, your data is stolen, or taken by hackers and malware to your computer which will be very big, great trouble.
