While traditional knowledge says that you need antivirus to stay safe online, most Windows 11 users may not need third -party antivirus. As long as you update your system and practice safe browsing habits, the underlying security of Windows 11 is sufficient to keep you safe online.
Windows Security provides everything you need
Microsoft Windows security has come a long way. Once the butt of the jokes, it is now a strong safety solution manufactured in the operating system. Since Windows 10, it has matured in a broad suite, which has received Microsoft Defender Antivirus, Windows Firewall and Smart App Control to block potentially hazardous files and dangers. What’s in the security suit here:
- Protection of virus and danger: Traditional and behavioral malware detection with manual scan options.
- Firewall and Network Security: The network controls traffic and blocks unauthorized connections.
- App and browser control: Smartscreen filters are included to block malicious sites and downloads.
- Device Security: Hardware manages security facilities such as safe boot and core separation.
- Account Safety: Sign-in options and monitor accounts manage security.
- Device Performance and Health: Shows a quick observation of your device’s health and potential issues.
But how effective is it really? In January and February 2025 AV-Test EvaluationMicrosoft Defender Antivirus earned a perfect 6.0 score in all categories -safety, performance and purpose. It translates outstanding safety against advanced malware attacks including web and email hazards, from 1% for download from 1% system effect and copying files for website launching 23%, and zero false positivity.
Windows works quietly in the safety background, automatically updating its virus and the definitions of danger without any interruption. In my experience, it is impressively resource-efficient. Even during the active background scan, I have observed CPU use between only 11% and 14%, there is no noticeable effect on the performance of my system.
Edge users can benefit from integrated smartscreen filters that actively scan the websites and download anything to detect anything before reaching their computer. Even if you are using chrome, firefox, or opera, Microsoft has covered you with network safety. However, you will see the system alert instead of a browser warning. In addition, all these modern browsers have created their very concrete security facilities anyway, so you are preserved regardless of who you are using.
Although it may look familiar, do not mistake Windows security for microsoft defender, which is now a standalone app and part of the Microsoft 365 suits. This different offering provides additional features such as VPN and Identification Monitoring, such as monitoring, to act as a centralized dashboard to see and monitor all the equipment related to your account.
Best safety practices can beat any antivirus
Even the best antivirus cannot protect you if you do not follow basic safety practices. By applying general knowledge, you can greatly improve your online security. For example, do not download unknown or suspected attachments, and avoid downloading pirated software or movies from unknown sources that often attach to pop-up and automatic redirects.
Keeping your system updated with the latest Windows updates is the single most important safety measure that you can take to secure your system. Many successful attacks exploit weaknesses that were patches even months or years ago. The same argument applies to your browser and applications. They can be annoying updated notifications, but they often include significant safety patches.
Another security weakness for many is the password. Instead of recycling the same password for all your important accounts, use unique, complex passwords. Consider using one of the best password managers to handle a strong password for many accounts and handle the complexity of remembering.
Third-party antivirus software has its own issues
Third-party safety equipment are not without merit, and depending on the provider, they can offer some useful features. Some, such as Avast, provide you webcam monitoring to alert you to suspicious access efforts. Most premium security suites now include identity theft security and password leak monitoring, scanning the dark corners of the Internet for your compromised data.
Extended ancestral control and underlying VPN security are valuable features that add additional layers of security available in Windows Security. More importantly, a third-party antivirus can give you a second opinion on the overall health of your system. However, it is worth noting that Windows automatically neutralizes its underlying safety features when he detects a third-party safety app.
He said, these additional features can easily affect the performance of your computer and impact system. Free third-party antivirus often serve as a marketing funnel for its premium offerings, with a constant upgrade reminder and privacy concerns with user data collection, resulting in overall poor user experience.
I have not used any third-party antivirus over the last few years, at least not on my personal computer. I have one on my test machine because it is part of the job. My decision stems from disciplined safety practices and how much has improved the underlying Windows security solution in the last few years.
Finally, the option is yours. If you need extra bells and whistles that offer third -party antivirus, the premium may be well worth it. However, most of us who practice good security hygiene, update their systems, and avoid unsafe digital practices, the underlying Windows security provides adequate protection for everyday use.
