- Microsoft has a new post in the Windows Learning Center
- Question: “Will you still need third-party antivirus in 2026?”
- The bottom line is that Windows 11’s built-in protection should be fine for most people, but depending on the situation, you may want to consider an alternative.
Have you ever wondered if Microsoft Defender can protect your PC from any malware that may be lurking? You are not alone and Microsoft has just addressed this issue.
Windows Latest noticed that Microsoft has a new post in its Windows Learning Center that advises people on what the best antivirus software is and whether the default option in Windows 11 is good enough.
The key question regarding this last point appears later in the article, where Microsoft asks: “Will you still need third-party antivirus in 2026?”
Article continues below.
The answer is pretty clear: “For many Windows 11 users, Microsoft Defender Antivirus covers everyday risks without the need for additional software. Choosing to add a third-party antivirus depends on how you use your PC and what features you value.”
Microsoft explains that Defender antivirus “is typically sufficient when Windows 11 is running with default protections enabled, updates are installed periodically, and software downloads are deliberate.”
The company also notes that SmartScreen also plays a role in protecting the average Windows 11 PC, and that the coverage provided by this feature plus Defender should be good, considering the caveats noted.
Situationally, you may want to consider installing a third-party antivirus or security package if you share devices with other family members who may not be as careful as you (or even if you want to manage multiple family devices in a single dashboard).
Microsoft further notes that you’ll need a standalone solution if you “want services like identity monitoring or parental controls,” which Defender doesn’t provide.
Analysis: I don’t think Microsoft is wrong here
What Microsoft is essentially saying is that for most people, certainly individual PC owners, Windows 11’s built-in antivirus should be fine. These are mainly family scenarios, where you may want the ability to control your children’s Internet access, where you will have to look for something more comprehensive in the form of a security package.
Is Microsoft right that Defender works well for everyday users? I would say yes, it is. There was a time in the past when Defender wasn’t highly regarded, but Microsoft has come a long way since then and relying on Windows 11’s default antivirus isn’t a risky proposition these days.
It covers the basics and keeps you safe from malware, although, as Microsoft points out, there are other pieces of the puzzle when it comes to ensuring your PC isn’t compromised. That includes applying regular updates (for Windows 11 and other apps) and a sensible dose of caution about what you download to your system (don’t underestimate the importance of the latter).
No, Microsoft Defender doesn’t offer the best antivirus protection, but it’s good enough. However, these are just the basics and other security solutions offer many more features, some of which may be valuable to you.
The other benefit of Defender is that, because it’s already available in Windows 11, it fits neatly in the background, updating as and when, and the app doesn’t require a separate installation (and consumes few resources).
That said, even if you don’t want to pay for an antivirus, there are still relatively lightweight free antivirus apps from major vendors that perform slightly better than Microsoft Defender in terms of malware protection (based on independent testing). However, the days when the Defender was appreciably lagging behind the top safety dogs are well and truly in the rearview mirror.
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