Is a 3rd Party AntiVirus Software really necessary?

It really depends..... lets leave it at that.

You will run into a problem, and anti-virus will be the solution
You could get false reports ( PUPS, IDF, )
Vendors being protected over users ( which does not benifit the user )
Resource hogging.

While we all could keep things simple with Firewall, defender, and HOST files.
It will not solve every problem.

Just "Updating" or "reinstalling" is like taking the MonaLisa painting and pouring
turpentine all over it.

I do recommend to run an anti-virus when you do a fresh install if your operating system is not from the official
source. Like downloading an install from Microsoft oppose from another source.

Thanks to all. Try3 passively suggested something above that I'll get busy with as other questions have some up and his suggestion may have my answers. Again, appreciate all the help!

The question has been answered, but I’d like to drop in with my reason to use 3rd party. I write and use scripts a lot and those may trigger false positives easily. I had the experience that a third party av (Bitdefender) was easier to configure in order to leave my files alone. Also sometimes I want to be able to switch off my av, that is a pain with Microsoft Defender (and with Bitdefender too it could b easier…). Quite specific reasons I agree. I buy a new Bitdefender-package every two years and the cost is very low. Regards Kan

hi, just as we were discussing this topic my compression tool triggered Windows Defender and deleted some files I did not want deleted. Is there a way to totally, completely, fully and finally switch off Windows Defender? Or is a certain level of activity inevitable? Kind regards, kan ps: admin, I do not mean to hijack this topic, if needed I'll post a new thread!

Hi callender, thanks for your reply. I mean permanently (in addition to the conditions stated above ). Thanks