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Windows 8/8.1 and antivirus programs

Anonymous
2014-02-22T19:55:36+00:00

Hi;

I recently provided my wife with a Windows 8.1 laptop, (what a nice guy I am), and I will be her initial "go to" guy for any help she needs. I know 8.1 includes Windows Defender and was wondering if that is sufficient as an antimalware/antivirus program by itself.

The reason I am curious is that in the past I know two antivirus programs couldn't be or shouldn't be run on the same computer but today many new Windows 8/8.1 computers come with a trial version of Norton or McAfee installed. I have had great success with Microsoft Security Essentials in the past and have run it on my own computer since it was a Beta version and have had excellent protection. I want to believe Windows Defender is as good or better and I have never liked Norton or McAfee because they are very cumbersome and intrusive in that they deposit files all over the ccomputer and are constatntly giving pop ups etc. Also, I help friends and relatives with their computers frequently and it seems like every computer I have ever removed a virus from, (and there have been many), had either Norton or McAfee or AVG on them.

Do I need anything besides Windows Defender on her laptop?

Thanks for any input.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Security and privacy

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  1. bhringer-9380 4,350 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2014-02-22T23:08:35+00:00

    The short answer is no.

    Windows Defender on Windows 8/8.1 is basically a rebranded Microsoft Security Essentials and will provide the same level of protection as you have experienced. However, it should be noted the security of Windows8/8.1 has also improved over past versions of Windows. There are additional features such as ELAM and UEFI as well as improved security and integration with the latest version of Internet Explorer.

    Judging from your post, you appear to have decent comprehension of issues with other security programs and I would agree "you are a nice guy";-)

    My personal preference is to include a few other programs to augment the resident security software, Malwarebytes' Antimalware Free Edition as a second opinion on-demand scannner and WinPatrol to monitor system changes that may be related to malware.

    Finally, just a reminder to use the proper removal methods /tools for the trial AVs (Norton and McAfee)

    Windows Defender on Windows 8 - Introduction and Frequently Asked Questions

    http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/protect/wiki/protect_defender-protect_start/windows-defender-on-windows-8-introduction-and/f1e00106-6687-4efe-9ec0-ed9f72fabb92

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-02-24T10:25:58+00:00

    Thanks again bhringer;

    Pretty much what I suspected. I did know about removing anti-virus programs as I  have done this more than a few times for people.

    It's good to get confirmation of my actions and I appreciate the time. Thanks again.

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  2. Rob Koch 25,875 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2014-02-24T04:05:33+00:00

    Adding to what bhringer has already stated, Microsoft never wants to leave a Windows 8.x computer completely unprotected as they have been in the past, even during the time before a newly set up copy of Windows 8 has had the final AV program installed regardless of what product that might be.

    By having the Windows Defender antimalware application embedded within the operating system, this accomplishes the goal of both immediate protection and the ability to choose another 3rd-party security application to take its place by disabling Defender if desired.

    Since Microsoft provided the information required to not only disable Defender, but also to enable the Early Launch Anti-Malware and Secure Boot capabilities in the other vendors products as well, they made it possible to fully replace the functionality that Defender inherently provides, so in theory these 3rd-party products can be pre-installed to provide exactly the same types of protection.

    The decision of which product you prefer is up to you. I personally choose to use the Microsoft provided applications of Defender and MSE for older Windows versions due to the depth and breadth of information that the built-in telemetry and large installed base of these and their related security applications provide.  This doesn't make them necessarily better, but does provide an advantage in terms of readily available information that no one other than Microsoft can easily match.

    If you are willing to pay for your antimalware applications and have something you both trust and fully understand, that might be a better choice for you.  However, since most today seem to prefer using free protection, I've yet to see a 3rd-party application that provides the full range of protection that Windows Defender does without any cost including advertising or other limitations.

    Rob

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  3. bhringer-9380 4,350 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2014-02-23T22:50:52+00:00

    I guess I'm still wondering why computers with Windows Defender on them would come with a pre-installed Norton or McAfee trial if 8.1 and Defender are so secure. If someone were to use the Norton would Defender have top be disabled (and vice versa).

    Thanks for your input. I'm a curious person and like to know the "why" behind the "what" of many things and this has been bugging me.

    Antivirus companies pay computer manufacturers to include their products as a way of promoting them. In the past antivirus companies have cried foul claiming anti-competitiveness when MSFT has included any type of protection. However MSFT have made the case that their product provides an integrated basic protection for the operating system for free. 

    By default Windows Defender is disabled when third-party security software is included. It can only be enabled after the trial product has been removed. In the case of Norton or McAfee products it is important that the proper tools/methods be used for removal as they are notorious for leaving remnants that would interfere with the installation and function of any other antivirus software.

    Hope this helps.

    bhringer

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  4. Anonymous
    2014-02-23T21:57:13+00:00

    Thank you bhringer; Yes, I have been using malwarebytes for several years on a variety of computers from Windows XP to Windows 8. I am also a fan of Ccleaner for the older ones. (Haven't needed it on the newer computers yet.)

    I guess I'm still wondering why computers with Windows Defender on them would come with a pre-installed Norton or McAfee trial if 8.1 and Defender are so secure. If someone were to use the Norton would Defender have top be disabled (and vice versa).

    Thanks for your input. I'm a curious person and like to know the "why" behind the "what" of many things and this has been bugging me.

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