Antivirus v defender

Cpap · Mar 30, 2026

I find Norton 360 interferes with Outlook classic so I have uninstalled it. Is Win 11 's built in Microsoft Defender sufficient in terms of protection? Does Defender need activating?

XxXxX · Mar 30, 2026

Defender gets good results in all the tests as good as most of the top rated ones
you dont need to activate Defender its comes up and running form system install.

but you can check the defender settings to ensure everything is enabled.
best of luck Steve ..

andrew129260 · Mar 30, 2026

To add to that, windows defender should automatically run and re-enable itself once Norton is uninstalled.

DJNelson · Mar 30, 2026

Defender alone is adequate in conjunction with a little common sense, but it's a good idea to get a VPN subscription, use an ad blocker, and turn off networked "features" you don't use.

glasskuter · Mar 30, 2026

I totally agree with you. Norton has always been a resource hog, but has evolved into becoming bloatware and intrusive in some apps.
If you remove Norton, I suggest you do so using it's removal tool. https://support.norton.com/sp/en/us/home/current/solutions/v60392881

Also, don't forget to cancel your Norton subscription because Norton will automatically charge your credit card when your subscription is due (or whatever payment method you use)

Cpap · Mar 30, 2026

Thanks. I’ve noticed that without Norton the Win 11 says antivirus protection working. I did find Windows firewall settings not enabled though?

XxXxX · Mar 30, 2026

Cpap said:
Thanks. I’ve noticed that without Norton the Win 11 says antivirus protection working. I did find Windows firewall settings not enabled though?

this maybe of help

Reset Microsoft Defender Firewall Settings to Default in Windows 11

This tutorial will show you how to reset Microsoft Defender Firewall settings and rules back to default in Windows 10 and Windows 11. Microsoft Defender Firewall in Windows helps safeguard your device by filtering network traffic and blocking unauthorized access. It reduces the risk of network...

www.elevenforum.com

best of luck Steve ..

EB2XR6 · Mar 31, 2026

Also as a backup you can use Microsoft Safety Scanner.

Microsoft Safety Scanner Download - Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

Get the Microsoft Safety Scanner tool to find and remove malware from Windows computers.

learn.microsoft.com

It is a standalone app, frequently updated and does not install anything on your system.
If you use Microsoft Scanner don't be alarmed if during the scan you see a number indicating infected files as some legitimate files have similar signatures to Malware wait until the scan has completed to see if any action is needed.
Refer to attached Screengrabs.

OldManT60 · Apr 3, 2026

Defender works for me with malwarebytes fwc
I had a bad install recently with ninte I managed to choose avast and avira let it do it's thing everything install before I realised a lot of sorting out before I got defender running again

teeter · Apr 10, 2026

Since the introduction of Windows 11, Windows Security has worked for me, on ALL internet searches. I also installed FREE Malware Bytes and using for several years. I run Malwarebytes 1-2 times a month. Free Malwarebytes has warned me when required and sometimes I will override..... or not. I'm okay with our protection on both his and hers WIN 11 computers, for several years.

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