Is it necessary to install an antivirus in Windows 10?

Compumind · 28 Jul 2019

puertas12 said:

Thanks for the answer. I would like to give a try to Malwarebytes however I can only see the trial version. Where is the free version?

You have the free version!

There is a setting to immediately disable the real-time protection which you should do immediately. You cannot have two real-time AV's running simultaneously.
This quick process will also downgrade (deactivate the full trial) you to a permanent, free status, so you can run MBAM if and when you need it.

Now everyone has their own thoughts on Internet Security but this is my opinion and MBAM is to be used to double check a suspicious file on-demand or to run a complete scan and see if the other AV agrees.
There are about 10 more things I can throw at you, but MBAM is what I consider to be most essential.

There are many files out there that are questionable. Think of MBAM as a second opinion.

FWIW.

Steve C · 29 Jul 2019

I just use the built in Defender but augment this with offline scans using AdwCleaner and Malwarebytes.

1PW · 29 Jul 2019

puertas12 said:

Upon now it was necessary to install an antivirus.

Hello puertas12:

Please search the recent malware removal forums and find those Windows 10 users who use only Microsoft/Windows Defender and see what is one of the first action tools the helpers used to rid the user systems of malware.

You will then have the answer you seek.

HTH

AMDMan2016 · 30 Jul 2019

Slowly Switching systems over to using Windows Defender, and Malwarebytes Free (For second opinion scan once in a while) after having used Avast since 2006, maybe why i'm being extra cautious on removing said program lol, as still have it on Laptop, and other Desktop thus far.

Laptop working on think tomorrow, so will get that situated then

Other Desktop will get situated also

retiredat44 · 06 Aug 2019

Compumind said:

@puertas12 -

Always remember... security in layers.

I like Windows Defender and Norton Security. NS is my preference and is a yearly paid subscription.
NS also can handle Ransomware and other attacks. It also has it's own Firewall.

However, you also need to download Malwarebytes (MBAM) Free Edition and use that in conjunction with any AV/FW
You can download it here:

Malwarebytes Download - Free Virus Scan & Virus Protection Tool | Malwarebytes

Install and revert to the Free version as you do not want two AV's running the same time consistently, but only on demand.

So WD or NS would be your first line of defense, as it runs full-time and MBAM only when needed to double check.

There are other programs to have, as well, but this is a good start. Always practice safe browsing habits.

Post back with any other questions.

I also use Norton with Windows 10. I recommend not solely depending on just Win10, with Defender, better too much than too little. The world and scumbags using computers is not getting any better. Once you get a problem, it can really be a nightmare.

Ztruker · 08 Aug 2019

Compumind said:

You have the free version!

There is a setting to immediately disable the real-time protection which you should do immediately. You cannot have two real-time AV's running simultaneously.

I have MBAM Premium and it runs fine alongside Defender.

SoFine409 · 08 Aug 2019

Ztruker said:

I have MBAM Premium and it runs fine alongside Defender.

I do the same on one PC and Norton + MBAM Premium on 3 others. All work fine together.

jimbo45 · 09 Aug 2019

Hi there

These days with latest release of W10 builds you don´t need any other AV product paid or otherwise on Home computers running Windows 10 other than WD --Malwarebytes, Norton, Kaspersky, Macaffee and all the rest bring ZILCH to the table any more. Don't bother with them --really no need. Note Corporate and small office type LANs -- different - but on basic HOME machines you don't need these things any more on W10.

On W7/W8/W8.1 a different story of course but W10 security wise has evolved far beyond those OS's

I'll guarantee that none of these other products does any better (or worse) on HOME computers than properly / regularly updated W10 with WD.

Use them by all means if it "Gives you peace of mind" but in reality there's no need any more -- W10 has evolved believe it or not into quite a safe system -- and with Ms pushing hard to make its Cloud services e.g Azure a huge revenue earner it's not going to give itself hideous publicity by pushing leaky OS's out to the general public any more !!!!!!

Spend the money instead on getting a faster / bigger SSD or more RAM if you use paid versions of these things on W10.

Cheers
jimbo

Compumind · 09 Aug 2019

Ztruker said:

I have MBAM Premium and it runs fine alongside Defender.

Hmm. Not suggested. Many AV/FW products disable Windows Defender upon install.
Are you *sure* that Defender is running, or just appears to be?

Compumind · 09 Aug 2019

SoFine409 said:

I do the same on one PC and Norton + MBAM Premium on 3 others. All work fine together.

Norton is one that disables Windows Defender.
As a matter of fact, on this system, WD is disabled and only Norton Security is active.

See these -

Using two or more antivirus applications on the same computer

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/...0-c72277194464

I run MBAM and others only on-demand.