![]() ![]() Those browsers may also warn you if you’re about to download an unrecognized program.Major web browsers can detect and block malicious websites on their own, thanks to tools like Google Safe Browsing.Perhaps more importantly, security is decentralized now, so a single virus scanner is no longer your only line of protection. While this wasn’t always the case, Microsoft’s detection has improved considerably in recent years, to the point that the independent AV-TEST Institute regularly awards it a 5.5 or even a perfect 6 out 6 in protection, usability, and performance, beating industry averages. The reasoning is simple: Windows Security rivals other programs at sniffing out viruses. Another writer chimed in with a similar recommendation. My fellow freelance journalist Rob Pegoraro also called out a Wirecutter article that came to the same conclusion. ![]() Justin Duino of How-To Geek pointed to his site’s helpful article on the subject, which recommended Windows Security in conjunction with Malwarebytes’ free malware scanner. The consensus answer was yes, with caveats. The case against extra antivirus softwareĪs an initial sanity check on my antivirus assumptions, I did the most obvious thing possible and put out the question on Twitter: Does Microsoft’s built-in Windows Security software provide enough protection for typical PC users? But that doesn’t mean everyone should, or that you shouldn’t take any extra precautions to stay safe. What I’ve learned is that my initial assumptions were mostly correct: Most people can indeed skate by without extra antivirus software. ![]() Those companies pay PC makers for placement, which wouldn’t make sense if no one bought the products, right?Īt this point, I’ve heard enough questions from readers-and family members-that I decided to dig a little deeper. On top of that, nearly every laptop I’ve reviewed for PCWorld has come with some form of antivirus trialware from companies like McAfee and Norton. This advice comes not just from the companies that sell antivirus suites, but from reputable sites that perform antivirus software reviews ( PCWorld included). And yet, looking around for confirmation of this long-held belief quickly turns up an alternate universe, full of experts who insist that everyone should be paying for antivirus software. ![]()
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