Does Windows 10 Need Antivirus Software?

Windows 10 comes with its own antivirus security software, yet many wonder if Windows Defender is enough to keep your PC safe. We tell you everything you need to know to keep your PC and your data safe.

For years, the perception of users of computers with Windows operating system was the need to add antivirus software to your computer at the first change if you really wanted your PC or laptop, as well as your data, to be safe.

With successive versions of Windows, improvements in the security area have been coming. So, is it still necessary to install antivirus applications on your Windows 10 PC? We explain if you need to install a solution, or the one provided as standard is enough.

Doesn't Windows 10 Have Its Own Security Software Built In?

Yes, of course. Windows has had protection against viruses and malware over the last few years, since security became a fundamental element in the field of cybersecurity to guarantee secure connections to the Internet.

It is almost as good as the free antivirus by combining it with certain precautions in the field of use, we can honestly get to guarantee certain levels of security.

Microsoft's offering has the advantage of being integrated into the operating system, so it theoretically has a low impact on system resources. As a result, you shouldn't see a significant impact on your computer's performance when running in the background.

Nor will you need to install or configure it, not even in the fact of updating it, since everything will be carried out automatically with the updates of the operating system itself, a real advantage for the user.

Is Using Windows Defender Enough?

Windows Defender is a well-endowed tool, updated regularly, and in tests it received 100% scores when it comes to detecting viruses.

However, it is not just about the scores. Defender currently has features such as 'Exploit Guard' that help protect your files against ransomware if you have updated Windows 10 to the latest edition.

But if you take a look at the rest of the paid antivirus software available on the market, you can see that the concept of security has evolved in such a way that it is necessary to have new, more advanced features.

In fact, the vast majority of these antivirus programs use artificial intelligence technology to offer better detection against threats, in addition to guaranteeing your security on any of the devices that you can use throughout the day.

They provide extra precautions for passwords, emails, virus that can affect our computer. Parental Control is another great extra to supervise the computers of your children and minors.

If what you want is to encourage yourself to use a paid version of antivirus with all the advantages. You will also find interesting offers of security software with the latest applicable discounts.

Don't use the administrator account

In Windows, you must make the recommendation of not working regularly with an account with administrator privileges yours. This simple modification can eradicate many of the existing threats since malware, spyware and other threats will not be able to install themselves on the PC.

To do this, you will need to create a new administrator account to go back to the original one and change the existing account to a standard account. You can do it through 'Settings> Accounts> Family and other people', to add more family members.

Set it as administrator and then log out of your existing account. Log in as the new one, click on the regular account and when the option to 'Change account type' appears, click on it. Here you can set whether you want a standard or administrator account.

With these simple adjustments carried out, you will have managed to increase the protection of your PC or laptop against accidental downloads that may contain malware.

Use a dedicated browser for Flash or Java

Another common weak point in Windows comes from the installation of third-party software. Everyone knows that both Flash and Java are the route that many malware programs take to access your system, so you should limit their use.

In some cases it is somewhat difficult since it is very likely that you browse web pages such as banks or online stores in which you cannot completely disable the programs if you want to be able to interact.

Here our advice is to try downloading additional browser.  When you need to use the website that requires them, open that browser, but the rest of the time you spend online do it with another browser in safe mode.

Pay attention to everything you do

A large percentage of people who see their security compromised when handling devices is given by clicking on links in fraudulent emails with which malware is downloaded.

By clicking on fake website versions that then ask you to log in, they proceed in such a way that without you knowing they are stealing your account details.

A good habit is to always navigate by manually entering the address and not doing it through links. If you receive an email saying that the password needs to be changed or add more personal data, be suspicious and don't click.

Instead, go to your browser and type the address by hand to be safe.

So I Don't Need Any Other Antivirus Software?

Yes and no. If it turns out that you are a fairly careful and cautious user who does not do things without first reading them well and uses the methods described above, it is still enough.

Make sure you configure Windows Defender correctly, enabling SmartScreen and Ransomware functions to get the most out of Windows protection.

But, and this is important, there will always be a possibility that something sneaks into your computer through the network. So if you want the highest levels of defense, do all of the above and license a full security suite. Always stay alert and you will be safer on the net.