Windows 10 and 11 include Windows Security, which provides the latest antivirus protection. Your device will be actively protected from the moment you start Windows. Windows Security continually scans for malware (malicious software), viruses, and security threats.
Windows Security
You might be looking for a third-party malware removal tool for Windows 11, but the built-in Windows Security (aka Microsoft Defender) software is also quite powerful and versatile. It not only looks for malware but can also detect spyware, active exploits, rootkits, ransomware, viruses, and more.
With built-in coverage, you may wonder if you should invest in paid antivirus software. The answer is, of course, yes! It can be a good idea to get another antivirus solution because blocking malware and viruses should just be one part of your threat protection.
Windows Defender scans a user's email, internet browser, cloud, and apps for the above cyberthreats. However, Windows Defender lacks endpoint protection and response, as well as automated investigation and remediation, so more antivirus software is necessary.
Microsoft offers regular updates to Windows 11, so support for previous releases is time limited. Where possible, always make sure that you update to the most recent Windows release, which still offers Microsoft's full support. Currently, McAfee products are not supported on Windows 11 S.
There are gaps that hackers can use to gain access to your private information. Windows Defender is good to have since it comes free with Windows 10 and 11, but you need a third-party antivirus software product that is more well-rounded. Windows Defender has shown some vulnerabilities with malware.
It is considered the best free antivirus software. As a professional anti-virus software, McAfee has more advanced functions, which can minimize the possibility that your computer will suffer from malicious risks.
Windows 11 has a feature to protect your files against ransomware attacks, but you must enable it manually – here's how. To enable ransomware protection, open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection, click on “Manage ransomware protection,” and turn on “Controlled folder access.”
Be sure Windows Security is turned on to help protect you from viruses and malware (or Windows Defender Security Center in previous versions of Windows 10). In Windows 10 or 11 turn on Controlled Folder Access to protect your important local folders from unauthorized programs like ransomware or other malware.
Installing Windows 11 on a device that does not meet Windows 11 minimum system requirements is not recommended. If you choose to install Windows 11 on ineligible hardware, you should be comfortable assuming the risk of running into compatibility issues.
Norton is a feature-rich antivirus that also makes it to this list of best tools for Windows 11. In addition to great malware detection and real-time protection, there are plenty of extra tools to keep every facet of your online life as secure as possible.
While McAfee is a good all-round product, Norton comes in at a similar price point with better protection scores and slightly more useful security features such as a VPN, webcam protection, and ransomware protection, so I would give Norton the edge.
Is McAfee a good antivirus program? Yes. McAfee is a good antivirus and worth the investment. It offers an extensive security suite that will keep your computer safe from malware and other online threats.
The Windows Defender Offline scan will automatically detect and remove or quarantine malware.
Is Microsoft Defender enough for personal use? Yes, Microsoft Defender is a good enough choice for basic protection against malware. However, if you want more rounded device protection against online threats, there are much better antivirus options available.
Window 11 uses virtualization-based security (VBS) for enhanced kernel protection against potential threats. Hypervisor-protected code integrity (HVCI), also called memory integrity, will be enabled by default on all new Windows 11 devices.
The steps to remove the product are similar for Windows 11 and 10. After the removal process completes, your McAfee products are no longer installed on your PC. IMPORTANT: Your PC is no longer protected from viruses and malware when your McAfee software is removed.
Click Virus & threat protection on the main menu or the left-side pane. Under Virus & threat protection settings, click Manage settings. Switch the toggle under Real-time protection to Off. If Microsoft Defender prevented you from running a program before, you should be able to do it now.
It usually also takes care that any programs which are configured to run at startup still run at startup after the update. So when a program you have installed is infected with a virus or you have a malware which is configured to run at startup, a normal windows update will not remove it.
What if I Keep Using Windows 10 Instead of Upgrading My System to Windows 11? Though the support for Windows 10 will continue until October 2025, time flies really fast. Not only your computer will stay outdated and make your system unstable, it might also put your data at risk.