The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Antivirus for Windows 10 and 11: Is Microsoft Defender up to Par?

Key Takeaways

Microsoft Defender is a solid antivirus that's effective at protecting your PC. If you want some extra protection, Malwarebytes is an excellent addition to Microsoft Defender.

Windows 10 and Windows 11 no longer require you to install an antivirus program like Windows 7 did. Instead, they come with a built-in free antivirus named Microsoft Defender. However, is it truly the most effective solution for safeguarding your PC, or is it merely sufficient?

This article for Cybersecurity Awareness Week is sponsored by Incogni.

What's the Best Antivirus for Windows?

In the past, we have endorsed the use of both Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes as a security measure. However, to cater to those who tend to quickly skim through the content, here is a concise suggestion on how to maintain the security of your system:

Utilize the inbuilt Microsoft Defender as a reliable antivirus solution - In recent times, cybercriminals have shifted their focus from conventional viruses to more advanced threats like Ransomware, zero-day attacks, and more complex malware that traditional antivirus software might struggle to handle. Microsoft Defender, integrated within the system, performs exceptionally well by swiftly and effectively eliminating outdated viruses without causing any disruptions.

Employ Malwarebytes for effective protection against malware and exploit attacks - The current surge in malware outbreaks predominantly exploit vulnerabilities in web browsers to infiltrate and take control of your computer. Only Malwarebytes offers exceptional defense against such attacks, thanks to its unique anti-exploit system. This software ensures there are no unnecessary applications weighing down your system performance while providing optimal protection.

However, we understand that many individuals prefer to utilize a more comprehensive security suite instead of Defender. Alternatively, if you are seeking an alternative to Malwarebytes, we urge you to consider our compilation of top-tier antivirus programs, which includes exceptional tools worth considering.

Additionally, it's worth mentioning that Malwarebytes, as a company, consists of incredibly talented individuals whom we deeply admire. Their passion for purifying the internet resonates with us every time we engage in conversation with them. It is uncommon for us to officially recommend a product, but this particular one stands out as our personal favorite, and it is something we personally rely on.

A One-Two Punch: Antivirus and Anti-Malware

Having antivirus software installed on your computer is crucial, regardless of how cautious you are while surfing the internet. Even if you exercise caution, it is not sufficient to shield yourself from potential threats. Employing security software can serve as an additional layer of protection.

Using just an antivirus program is no longer sufficient for ensuring security. It is advisable to utilize both a reliable antivirus program and a reputable anti-malware program. This combination effectively safeguards against a wide range of internet threats, including viruses, spyware, ransomware, and potentially unwanted programs (PUPs), among others.

Now, let's focus on the first component of this combination: antivirus.

Is Microsoft Defender Good Enough?

When you install Windows 10 or Windows 11, you will already have an antivirus program running. Microsoft Defender is integrated into Windows and automatically scans the programs you open. It also downloads new definitions from Windows Update and offers an interface for conducting comprehensive scans. The best part is that it does not slow down your system and mostly remains unobtrusive, unlike most other antivirus programs.

Microsoft's antivirus used to lag behind its competitors in comparative antivirus software tests by a significant margin. It was so poor that we advised using an alternate solution. However, it has made a remarkable recovery and now offers exceptional protection. In summary, yes, Microsoft Defender is adequate when combined with a reliable anti-malware program, as mentioned earlier. Further details will be provided shortly.

But Is Microsoft Defender the Best Antivirus? What About Other Programs?

If you refer to the antivirus comparison we provided earlier, you will observe that despite being highly effective, Microsoft Defender faces tough competition. In case you prefer an alternative solution, what are your options?

First of all, let's take a look at the scores. In July and August of 2023, AV-TEST discovered that it managed to detect over 100% of the "widespread and prevalent malware," as well as more than 99% of the zero-day attacks within the same timeframe. This is truly exceptional performance. Moreover, its track record in the previous months has been equally impressive, consistently achieving perfect protection scores for nearly three years. It stands among the top tier third-party antivirus solutions.

Furthermore, security encompasses more than just raw protection scores. While other antivirus programs may occasionally outperform in monthly tests, they often bring along a plethora of unnecessary extras, such as browser extensions that compromise your safety, inefficient and unnecessary registry cleaners, loads of risky junkware, and even the capability to monitor your browsing behavior for financial gain. Additionally, their integration with your browser and operating system frequently leads to more difficulties than solutions. Inadequate security is not defined by a mere virus shield, but rather by its susceptibility to other avenues of attack.

Microsoft Defender excels at one crucial task: it provides efficient protection without causing any interference or incurring any costs. Furthermore, Windows 10 and 11 come equipped with additional safeguarding features, such as the SmartScreen filter, which aims to thwart malware downloads regardless of the antivirus software you employ. Not only that, but both Chrome and Firefox incorporate Google's Safe Browsing functionality, which effectively blocks numerous malware downloads. However, if you have specific reasons for not opting for Microsoft Defender, we can provide recommendations for the top-notch third-party antivirus solutions on the market.

If you choose to use a third-party antivirus, just be sure to disable the bloated, unnecessary features they try to install.

Antivirus Isn't Enough: Use Malwarebytes, Too

In today's digital landscape, safeguarding your web browser is of utmost significance, surpassing the significance of an antivirus alone. Attackers frequently set their sights on web browsers, making it crucial to employ a robust anti-exploit program. Our recommendation for this purpose is Malwarebytes.

Unlike traditional antivirus programs, Malwarebytes excels in detecting "potentially unwanted programs" (PUPs) and other junkware. With the addition of the anti-exploit feature in version 3.0, it also provides protection against common exploits in programs, including zero-day attacks like Flash zero-day attacks. Additionally, it offers anti-ransomware to safeguard against extortion attacks such as CryptoLocker. The latest version of Malwarebytes combines these three tools into a user-friendly package available at a low yearly fee.

While Malwarebytes claims to replace traditional antivirus software entirely, we disagree. It employs distinct strategies to protect users. Antivirus software focuses on blocking or isolating harmful programs once they reach the computer, whereas Malwarebytes seeks to prevent harmful software from accessing the computer in the first place. As a result, we recommend using both programs concurrently for the most effective protection as Malwarebytes does not interfere with traditional antivirus programs.

Starting from Malwarebytes 4, the Premium version of the software is now automatically set as the system's default security program. This means that it will handle all anti-malware scans, and Microsoft Defender will not run in the background. However, if desired, you can still run both programs simultaneously. To do this, go to Settings in Malwarebytes, click on the "Security" tab, and disable the "Always register Malwarebytes in the Windows Security Center" option. By disabling this option, Malwarebytes will not be registered as the system's security application, allowing both Malwarebytes and Microsoft Defender to run at the same time.

Please note that while some of Malwarebytes' features are available for free, there are limitations. The free version of the program only performs on-demand scans for malware and PUPs, as opposed to the premium version which scans in the background. Additionally, the free version does not include the anti-exploit or anti-ransomware features found in the premium version.

To access all three features, it is advisable to opt for the paid version of Malwarebytes. However, if you do not need anti-ransomware and continuous malware scanning, the free versions of Malwarebytes and Anti-Exploit are a better alternative to having no protection at all. It is highly recommended to utilize them.

When combining a reliable antivirus program, Malwarebytes, and using common sense, you will significantly enhance your protection. Nevertheless, it is important to remember that antivirus alone is not sufficient for proper computer security. Employing good digital hygiene practices is essential in ensuring the effectiveness of your antivirus software.