Windows 11, the last iteration of the famous operating system, comes with new features that turn it into a secure OS. We talk about Windows Defender, a free antivirus to prevent malware infection and protect the booting process thanks to TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module), Secure Boot, and more. But is this good enough? Do I Need Antivirus for Windows 11? Here we answer this question.

The answer is yes. Every computer and operating systems need third-party antivirus software to complement its security tools and antivirus software. Protecting your system from several threats, such as malware and illegal practices, such as phishing, is necessary. Some of the main reasons to have an antivirus are the following:

• Detects risky websites. Not all that glitters is gold! Even official websites can be dangerous for your computer. Antivirus software can help you to stay safe even on the most reliable sites.
• Protects your multiple devices from malicious threats. Every purchase or download you make on the web may infect your device with malware and other viruses. Even your friends might accidentally send you an attachment with a cyber threat. Antivirus keeps your devices protected and can stop malware from infiltrating itself in the first place.
• Helps keep your children away from malicious content. Some antivirus services include in their latest version parental control features to prevent your child from finding sensitive information on the web. Some even have location monitoring tools.

Before acquiring your new antivirus software, you must consider some factors to make a conscientious decision. Now we mention the most relevant aspects regarding this topic. 

• Efficiency. Regular background antivirus scans can take up the memory of your computer. Make sure that your antivirus won’t congest your machine while scanning the drives or during the boot process by choosing a lightweight solution.
• Features. It’s more relevant considering all the features and antivirus tools beyond scanning. Some extra features, such as parental controls for monitoring your child’s online activity or webcam protection, are handy and provide more profound levels of security.
• Customer support. Your devices must always be supported and provide protection; thus, the customer support that works 24/7 is fundamental for good performance. Even if you don’t understand many of the processes, you should be able to get help.
• Price. Not always an expensive antivirus equals the best option. Antiviruses can differ in threat detection rates and features. It would help to consider your personal needs to ensure you get your money’s worth.

Windows Defender is the Microsoft Antivirus by default. Windows 10 and 11 come with this antivirus software, so it is natural to ask if Microsoft Defender is enough or if you need a third-party antivirus for your new operating system.

Still, Windows Defender provides various Windows security features which work all the time. It is one of the best antivirus solutions for detecting malicious programs and blocking and neutralizing malware. Besides, it has a free model and a paid subscription version that offers better features, such as cryptographic functions and Secure Boot.   

Windows Defender allows you to activate Parental Control in the Family Options if you have children. This way, Defender becomes a secure version for your children at home. In addition, Defender does not set aside password managers; thus, it includes its own hidden in the Microsoft Edge Microsoft default browser. It will sync your passwords for the Authenticator App for iOS and Android devices.

But beyond these tools, is Windows Defender good enough for your computer? Despite being an excellent tool for catching viruses and threats, it’s always better to have a third-party antivirus. Below, you’ll find the best alternatives to protect your online activities, social network, hardware, and more!

We mentioned that Microsoft products, Windows 10 and Windows 11, come with Defender. Still, it’s always good to be aware of the new features that appear on the market almost every month. We recommend the following antiviruses since they bring new and exciting tools.

Norton is very likely one of the most famous antiviruses on the market. It’s a rich-tool software that provides dozens of mechanisms for real-time Internet security to protect your Mac and Windows devices from online threats.  

Norton includes a Norton 360 for Gamers version. It’s designed to protect PC gaming with multiple layers of protection for your devices, digital assets, and game accounts. 

Norton also features a Norton Secure VPN, which helps you block hackers from seeing what you do on your public or private devices. 

Device Security provides your devices with real-time protection keeping your online activity private. 

With LifeLock ID Theft Protection and Artificial Intelligence, Norton detects multiple dangerous threats, providing matchless virus protection. Norton keeps your devices safe from phishing attacks, malware, ransomware, spyware, and unwanted applications. 

Norton is a good antivirus software but does not have a free version, which can be a problem for users on tight budgets. The Norton plans start at USD$59.99 per device per user (yearly subscription). 

And if you’re interested in protecting your mobile devices, on RoyalCDKeys, we have a special Norton offer for those purposes. 

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Bitdefender is not-so-well-known antivirus software that offers fantastic security features, outstanding performance, and real-time protection. One of the most vital points of Bitdefender is that it includes a free version for those users on a tight budget.

Bitdefender offers two significant services: For Home service and For Business Portfolio. The first protects PCs, Macs, mobile devices, and smart homes. The second allows you to choose the managed service to become a more cyber-resilient business. 

Bitdefender offers an Advanced Threat Defense tool that monitors all the processes of your devices. Bitdefender also creates a backup from time to time to protect your files from ransomware. 

Bitdefender also features anti-phishing, anti-spam filters, anti-tracking, a password manager, a free VPN, and microphone and camera protection. Finally, to say that Bitdefender does not interrupt you with random notifications. 

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ESET is one of the most acclaimed antiviruses of recent times. Independent tests show that this antivirus program offers exceptional protection, performance, and usability for Windows PC, Mac, and multiple devices.

ESET provides excellent ransomware protection, defending your devices from malware attacks and your data from being encrypted. It also provides some extra security features, such as banking and privacy security tool that works when you access a financial website.      

This third-party software also features an interesting anti-theft tool. Thanks to this incredible tool, you can locate stolen laptops and access the machine's webcam. And if it was not enough, ESET includes the possibility of encrypting sensitive information and a handy password manager.

ESET has a clean interface, which makes it easier to use, more than other antivirus programs. ESET gives you three types of products: 

• ESET NOD32 Antivirus, for Essential Protection;
• ESET Internet Security, for Advanced Protection;
• ESET Smart Security Premium, for Ultimate Protection.

Here, on RoyalCDKeys, you can acquire ESET NOD32 Antivirus 180 Days 1 PC Global Key and ESET Internet Security 1 Year 1 PC Global Key at excellent prices!

McAfee is one of the most used antiviruses out there. This software includes several protection levels that help make your system completely invulnerable. 

McAfee safeguards your identity through Identity Monitoring, Credit Monitoring, a Security Freeze tool, Identity Coverage & Restoration, and a Password Manager. These extra features will protect your sensitive data with ultimate identity and privacy protection.

McAfee also protects your devices through web protection and powerful antivirus. Thanks to this, you can browse the web safely and avoid questionable pop-ups or downloads. This safe browsing service will help you to prevent dangerous links, malicious websites, harmful downloads, and much more. 

With Protection Score, you can control your online safety by monitoring the health of your online protection to detect possible threats and stay safe online. Among other features, McAfee also integrates a Parental Control tool to protect your kids online. You can monitor usage, set limits, and keep tabs on kids’ whereabouts. 

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The antivirus you choose should also understand how cybercriminals operate. Scammers use several tactics to try to steal your sensitive data. So the decision you make regarding the antivirus should also include include the following:  

• VPN service: A VPN is a substantial benefit of using third-party antivirus protection. When you’re connected to public Wi-Fi, your personal info is vulnerable. A VPN uses encryption to protect your data from prying eyes. It also conceals your IP address and geolocation. 

• Identity monitoring: Monitoring your email addresses and bank accounts are primordial to keep your data safe. With early detection and extensive tracking, you can continue living your best online life.  

• Protection score: A good antivirus should look at the health of your online protection and give you a protection score. These features must also recommend addressing weak spots and improving your security to navigate most safely. 

• PC optimization: A competent antivirus should help speed up your online activities by pausing auto-play on pop-up videos and providing efficient background processes. The antivirus should also give you more bandwidth and saves battery power. 

• Password manager: One of the safest ways to keep your data secure is by using strong passwords. Each website should have a unique password.

In short, implementing an alternative antivirus on your computer is a wise move. This way, you can reduce any risk and avoid hacking and threats. All the antiviruses we mentioned in this article rely on software to protect your data, credit card numbers, passwords, etcetera.  

The final answer is yes. Your Windows 11 needs extra antivirus software on your computer to be capable of stopping all the threats. Windows Defender can be a bit limited, so consider getting one of the many options regarding antivirus protection we have on RoyalCDKeys.