Do I need an AV on a new Win 10 laptop?

Neil Macready said:

I personally don't think it's necessarily good advice to state categorically that a particular AV and Firewall is 'all you need'.

This thread is about opinions. My opinion is that all you need is WIndows Defender and Windows Firewall. I see no reason not to tell my opinion.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, its what makes conversation and communities. Unless someone is a professional in which case they should have a badge.

Kari said:

To be honest, I have nothing to add to what has already been said. However, I want to tell you this:

I am an experienced, you might even say advanced Windows and PC user. With that I mean that I know which email attachments to open and which not, which links to click and which not, which sites to go and which not. I do no torrenting, download no pirated software, do not visit (too often ) adult websites.

Since the day I started to use first preview versions of Windows 10, October 1st 2014, my only protection has been Windows Defender and Windows Firewall. Not once have I used any other third party AV or firewall applications. For instance, I have never used Malwarebytes.

I've had 0 infections, I've had 0 malware issues.

Short: Yes, Windows 10 built-in, native Windows Defender together with Windows Firewall is all you need.

Kari

Kari said:

This thread is about opinions. My opinion is that all you need is WIndows Defender and Windows Firewall. I see no reason not to tell my opinion.

again.

Arkas said:

Thanks everyone! How do I get an online free scan from malwarebytes?

This is what you are looking for:

Malwarebytes adwCleaner

You only need Windows Defender, Windows Firewall and Malwarebytes for scanning and removing annoying browser plugins or other malicious software.

adwCleaner is a stand alone tool that does not require to be installed and is designed for removal of programs that NO Virusscanner will ever find or even look for.

Use those 3 tools plus all other Windows 10 built in security tools and you'll be safe.

Neil Macready said:

Absolutely Kari and I see no reason not to express my opinion either.

There's a difference on offering a 'professional' opinion and providing 'professional' advice.

OK.

• My professional opinion: All you need is Windows Defender and Windows Firewall, in addition to being careful (not open attachments from unknown senders, not reply to messages asking account credentials or other personal information, avoid pirate torrenting and warez sites, only install software from software maker's own site, and so on).
• My professional advice: All you need is Windows Defender and Windows Firewall, in addition to being careful (not open attachments from unknown senders, not reply to messages asking account credentials or other personal information, avoid pirate torrenting and warez sites, only install software from software maker's own site, and so on).
• My professional recommendation: All you need is Windows Defender and Windows Firewall, in addition to being careful (not open attachments from unknown senders, not reply to messages asking account credentials or other personal information, avoid pirate torrenting and warez sites, only install software from software maker's own site, and so on),

Kari

slicendice said:

...Windows Defender, Windows Firewall and Malwarebytes...Use those 3 tools plus all other Windows 10 built in security tools and you'll be safe.

This set up works for me.

Wiley Coyote said:

This set up works for me.

Yep, I mentioned Malwarebytes only because it could be run if one suspect there is something running on Windows that should not be there. Personally if for some reason these kinds of malware creep into my system I spot them straight away and am able to remove them manually, but everyone might not be as capable. :)