Microsoft: You Don’t Need Third-Party Antivirus on Windows 11 (Microsoft Defender is ENOUGH!)

Added: 2026-05-05

[00:00:00]Hi, Britec0, where tech is made simple.

[00:00:04]So, personally, ever since Windows 10 rolled out, I personally stopped using third-party antivirus on my Windows PCs and only use the Windows Security built-in antivirus.

[00:00:20]And you may have heard me say on the channel previously that I do feel that the Microsoft Defender Windows Security is more than enough for your average home user.

[00:00:33]If you practice good computing habits and don't visit dodgy websites.

[00:00:38]And it does seem that Microsoft in a recent blog post has also asked the question that has been debated for a good couple of years.

[00:00:46]Do you still need a third-party antivirus for Windows PCs? And I thought this was interesting.

[00:00:52]Now, according to Microsoft, Microsoft says that Windows 11 is the most secure Windows yet, which includes built-in antivirus software that's active by default and deeply integrated into the OS and updated continuously.

[00:01:10]So, Microsoft says that from the moment you turn on your PC, Microsoft Defender Antivirus helps defend against potential risks working alongside other built-in Windows Security features to protect your credentials, photos, and files.

[00:01:27]Now, according to Microsoft, if we head back to Windows Security and we head to Virus & Threat Protection, here is Microsoft Defender.

[00:01:35]And Microsoft says that Defender Antivirus provides the primary malware protection in Windows 11.

[00:01:43]The antivirus engine scans files when files are opened or executed, monitors running processes for suspicious behavior, and uses cloud-delivered intelligence to identify newly emerging threats.

[00:01:56]And as part of Windows, it receives updates through the Windows Update, as you may well know, which are referred to as security intelligence updates, which do get updated almost on a daily basis through Windows Update, as you may well know.

[00:02:18]So, asking the question, Microsoft says, "Do you still need third-party antivirus in 2026?"

[00:02:28]Microsoft says that for many Windows 11 users, Defender Antivirus covers everyday risk without requiring additional software.

[00:02:39]And I do agree with that statement, as I've mentioned previously.

[00:02:42]Microsoft says the choice to add third-party antivirus depends on how you use your PC and which features you value.

[00:02:50]So, as I've mentioned previously, if you're practicing good computing habits, not visiting dodgy websites, not downloading pirated software, I personally feel, and so does Microsoft, that Microsoft Defender Antivirus is more than enough for Windows.

[00:03:06]Microsoft says that Windows antivirus protection is usually sufficient when Windows 11 runs with default protections. So, make sure you've got all the default protections turned on.

[00:03:19]And updates are installed regularly, and software downloads are deliberate, which is what I said, don't download pirated software and visit dodgy websites.

[00:03:29]With Microsoft saying that Defender Antivirus and SmartScreen, so if we're heading to our app and browser control, Smart App Control, so with Defender Antivirus and SmartScreen, Microsoft says that it already addresses common threats, such as malicious files, phishing sites, and unsafe installers.

[00:03:52]Now, if you are asking the question, "When will additional tools help?"

[00:03:57]Microsoft says you might consider extra security software if you manage multiple devices, share devices with family members, or want services like identity monitoring or parental controls.

[00:04:11]But just take note, Microsoft says, and I do agree with this, just take note, each added tool will increase background activity and complexity. So, choose tools that match real needs. So, as an example, if you're going to be running two antivirus clients on your Windows device, that's going to be eating extra resources running in the background and cause extra processes to be running in the background. So, that's not advised.

[00:04:36]So, just be aware of what security features you do add over and above Microsoft Defender Antivirus, because especially if you're on a low-budget machine, it could be of detriment to your system performance.

[00:04:50]So, according to Microsoft from the blog post, Microsoft says that for your average user, basically, just to sum this up, Windows Defender is enough.

[00:05:00]And I have said that previously on the channel, and I do agree with that.

[00:05:04]And also, to confirm this, if we head over to a recent survey from AV-Test, the best Windows antivirus software for home users. Remember, we're talking about home users here. We're not talking about enterprises and corporations.

[00:05:25]And we scroll down, we can see that Microsoft Defender Antivirus scored six out of six for protection, the same for repair, and the same for usability.

[00:05:46]So, if we head to the top, we've got protection, performance, usability.

[00:05:50]And Microsoft scored six out of six for all three categories.

[00:05:55]So, even according to AV-Test, Microsoft Defender is up there with the best of the best, so to speak, when it comes to different antivirus clients and protections.

[00:06:09]So, let me know your thoughts down below. Do you agree? Do you think that Defender is enough?

[00:06:15]I'd be interested to hear. So, thanks for watching, and I'll see you in the next one.