antivirus needed on Windows 11?

Wondering if Windows 11 needs an antivirus suite like other windows versions did? I am primarily a Mac user, since I have an ipad and iphone and mac mini, but being in charge of a severe weather storm chase team and ham radio operator, need windows for some applications, so picked up a Dell Latitude 3310 last night, that has windows 11 pro on it. So far I like windows 11, but wondering if it needs an antivirus suite like the other versions of windows did, or has Microsoft finally hardened the os?

No not for my needs. Windows defender which is built in works fine

I use Defender with Malwarebytes as a secondary scanner. It’s enough for me.

Hello @stormboy and welcome to ElevenForum.

Most just use Windows Defender with Malwarebytes for a second opinion.

I use Bitdefender Internet Security (AV/firewall), myself.

very good. that is nice to hear that it isnt a ticking time bomb like other windows versions were without an antivirus suite!

stormboy said:

antivirus suite!

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Most nowadays are bloated with such things nobody uses so that's why Defender is Best

I am using F-Secure, but that's because my Internet-provider has it (for free) in the offered package.
Otherwise I would use Windows defender too.

The only advantage of having a separate (non-MS) antivirus program is that updating the viruspatterns happens separate from Windows updates. And as I always postpone Windows updates (by setting the system to metered connection) to a moment that suits me and some time after the official update moment, I know that my anti-virus will be up to date anyway.

stormboy said:

Wondering if Windows 11 needs an antivirus suite like other windows versions did? I am primarily a Mac user, since I have an ipad and iphone and mac mini, but being in charge of a severe weather storm chase team and ham radio operator, need windows for some applications, so picked up a Dell Latitude 3310 last night, that has windows 11 pro on it. So far I like windows 11, but wondering if it needs an antivirus suite like the other versions of windows did, or has Microsoft finally hardened the os?

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The main reason Windows had more viruses - was related to its popularity. Even today, worldwide there's around 70%+ Windows users and around 20% OSX users (while in U.S. there's around 60% Windows Users and 30% OSX Users). Thus, with the rise in popularity OSX is also getting targeted this days. While in the past - it made very little sense to waste time targeting OSX - when Windows covered more than 90% of all OS used worldwide and OSX covered less than 8% Desktop operating system market share 2013-2023 | Statista

It's also worth to be added that above statistics are based on "market share (sold licenses)" and Windows was heavily pirated while OSX - even in this regard was deemed a waste of time (since it needed specific hardware - didn't work with almost everything like Windows - and the applications available for OSX were very limited compared to Windows - especially free applications). So the real numbers (while also taking the pirated copies into account) would probably go over 99% for Windows and less than 1% for OSX. Another way to put it: there's all kinds of devices - like the OS used by your car which doesn't have any antivirus - yet, there's no viruses/malware for it. Even tho, it's still crack-able.

That being said, modern OSX - works exactly like Windows in this regard: has XProtect (which is the equivalent of Windows Defender) as integrated Antivirus/malware protection + security patches/updates for security flaws (same as Windows Update). Again, OSX it's less targeted than Windows even now - being less popular than Windows - but that seems to change (also because OSX users - are deemed better targets in terms of gains). So, your question may have the same response: be it Windows or OSX - both have a good enough AV - generally speaking, but if you want better protection - might be worth an investment in something like BitDefender. That way - when the users with the integrated protection (be it XProtect or Windows Defender) - get hit with viruses or malwares - which are made in such way that can easily bypass the included protections - your system using a 3rd party AVs - can prevent that. Just my 2 cents.

Kees said:

I am using F-Secure, but that's because my Internet-provider has it (for free) in the offered package.
Otherwise I would use Windows defender too.

The only advantage of having a separate (non-MS) antivirus program is that updating the viruspatterns happens separate from Windows updates. And as I always postpone Windows updates (by setting the system to metered connection) to a moment that suits me and some time after the official update moment, I know that my anti-virus will be up to date anyway.

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Same here. Prior to that, my ISP was providing McAfee, which was a resource hog. F-Secure also has browser plug-ins for Edge, Chrome, Firefox, and other browsers. It does a good job of blocking potentially dangerous web sites. If I wasn't getting F-Secure as part of my internet service, I would just use Defender.

I am with all the rest, Windows Defender is sufficient !

Looks like I will stay with WIndows defender at least for now, unless things hint to needing more.

These days for domestic (not corporate) computers there's utterly no need to use anything else other than WD. It's based on Ms's Azure cloud server which has all but military strength security in it. Anything else is a 100% waste of time -- and don't bother with those comparative surveys. Those are done weeks before - while a new virus could appear at any time. WD is updated almost daily - and any new version of Windows could easily render 3rd party stuff inoperative. Most of the domestic grade A/V software was written for a much earlier time when Windows was as leaky as a sieve.

If for peace of mind etc you want to install extra security -- even malwarebytes - then fine - can't argue with that - but if you think it's giving you more protection -- it isn't.

Cheers
jimbo

I wonder if Defender with Malwarebytes are enough to keep hackers out of my on-line banking?

I use Norton 360 and just leave most of Defender on and working. Also, I have SUPERAntiSpyware on that weeds out a bunch of cookies and malware when encountered.

It’s personal preference, I always like to use a paid AV, but there is many free ones, if you don’t mind pop up adverts advertising there premium products.

Since Windows 10 I never used a 3rd Party AV.

Each to his own, but MS Defender does affect a computer's performance. I use Webroot Secure Anywhere as it is tiny, has no effect on performance and will never bug you with messages until you get an infection. But in all my years I have never been affected by a virus because the AV program steps in before it does any harm. I'm puzzled why malwarebytes has so many fans on here. If you want a standalone antimalware, Bitdefender consistently gets excellent reviews.

Ghot said:

Most just use Windows Defender with Malwarebytes for a second opinion.

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That’s a pretty bold statement. I would believe most “Free” antivirus users, use Defender. Statistically I believe for 2022/23 more people are moving toward paid versions of software, and sadly read that Nortons is still leading the run because people don’t know better.

One security report

Internet-based poll of 1,003 adults residing in the United States. The participants represented the U.S. population regarding their genders, ages, and racial backgrounds. Eighty-five percent of participants were antivirus users at the time of the study. We compared the results of this study to a study conducted by Security.org in 2021 on the same topic.

I know that isn’t many users to conduct a poll but still…
There are a lot of statistics out there, I haven’t read that “most people” use Defender in any of them (unless its statistics related to being free)

If I was to choose a “free” option I would choose Defender. But I don’t, I pay for protection from a company who’s only job is to make Antivirus/Firewall software. But like @kelper said, “each to his own” I believe one should do their research, anything worth protecting is worth the time to read about how to best protect it.
Because opinions are like …

And in that list, Gen Digital formerly known as Symantec actually owns Norton, AVG and Avast as I learned earlier today so looks like the amount of competitors is getting smaller over time.

I use Eset Nod32 (the basic Essential version). Only because I still have a subscription until June next year. I might consider Defender after that, but Nod32 has served me well for many years. It's light weight, doesn't slow my system down and I've got used to most of its settings.