Do I need McAffee or Windows security is enough without it?

Question

I recently bought a Lenovo laptop with windows 11. I was told that Windows defender is enough and no other antivirus is necessary. But now I see that Windows defender is replaced by Windows security which includes a commercial antivirus (McAffee), which has just expired after a month's trial. Do I need to renew McAffee or get another antivirus? Or the other parts of windows security are enough?

Answer 1

Hi, I am an Independent Advisor.

Let me help you with this issue.

I understand you need to know if your Windows Security is enough to protect your machine from threats.

McAfee Security is also a very good anti-virus software, it can detect, quarantine, and remove threats instantaneously.

Windows Security should be enough to protect your machine from any kind of threats. It has Real-time protection against viruses, malware, and spyware.

Firewall protection for incoming and outgoing connections.

Ransomware protection with controlled folder access.

Regular updates directly from Microsoft.

Windows Security is solid and often comparable to paid alternatives.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/sta....

Answer 2

You're asking a 'what is your opinion' question. There's no right answer. And you're not likely to get an objective opinion in a community forum run by Microsoft. But here are some facts that may help you.

1- Windows Security and Microsoft Defender are separate products.

2- Neither one includes McAfee or any other third-party application.

3- Although on any given day, antivirus "A" may be better than antivirus "B" in independent testing, on average, most antivirus applications are equally effective at what they do.

4- Nobody knows Windows like Microsoft. However, nobody knows about viruses any better than anyone else.

5- Viruses are only one of the many threats coming in from the internet.

6- No one can rely on software to protect them on the internet. Most threats coming in from the internet today have learned to avoid antivirus software.

7- No security software can protect you against data breaches.

8- Study after study shows that, by far, most attacks from the internet succeed because users were tricked. Learning how to not fall for tricks will protect you much better than antivirus software.

9- In addition to whatever steps you take to protect yourself from attack, it's important to maintain the highest level of security for your PC. Believe it or not, there are people here who try to remove their computer's password protection and take other steps to weaken their computer's security.

So how then do you decide on which security software to use, if they're all pretty much equally effective? Look at other factors, like: Which product makes sense to you? Which do you find easiest to understand? Which company provides better support? Which product interferes the least with how you typically use your computer? These are things you should be taking into consideration.

For well-informed and independent opinions, I suggest reading the professional websites, like PC Magazine, CNet, PC World and others. (And avoid "what's up YouTube?")

Answer 3

Hi, I am an Independent Advisor.
Let me help you with this issue.
I understand you need to know if your Windows Security is enough to protect your machine from threats.
McAfee Security is also a very good anti-virus software, it can detect, quarantine, and remove threats instantaneously.
Windows Security should be enough to protect your machine from any kind of threats. It has Real-time protection against viruses, malware, and spyware.
Firewall protection for incoming and outgoing connections.
Ransomware protection with controlled folder access.
Regular updates directly from Microsoft.
Windows Security is solid and often comparable to paid alternatives.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/sta....

Many thanks for your prompt response.

In the link you provided it states that once I uninstall mcafee windows defender will automatically turn itself on. So I have uninstalled mcafee.

Answer 4

Yes correct, once you have removed any 3rd party AV software it will re-activate Windows Security as your primary AV software.

Answer 5

So, If I keep both the Windows security and McAfee on the same computer are they compatible or will they fight each other and create a mess like they did 10 to 15 years ago?