Windows 10 is one of the latest operating systems released by Microsoft, with more than one billion active Windows 10 users around the world. Even though Microsoft has already released Windows 11, Windows 10 is still the most used version of the software. It allows users to explore the full possibilities offered by computers – from using Microsoft Office and the internet to working with complicated code lines and heavy software.

It is also true that, regardless of your current version of Windows, Security and Safety are one of the most important topics. So, it's expected that common doubts still arise, such as does Windows 10 come with antivirus? Is it enough to keep my device clean and protected? After all, we will always look for the best protection against viruses, malware from a malicious link, ramsomwere, and potential data breaches. 

Thinking about these questions, RoyalCDKeys prepared a tour of Windows defense lines to see how effective they are compared to third-party antivirus software. That way, we’ll help you decide if a new program exclusively dedicated to your computer’s protection is necessary or not.

Does Windows 10 Come With Its Own Antivirus Program?

The answer to the question is yes. Windows has its own antivirus software, called Microsoft Defender Antivirus, or Windows Defender. It is free antivirus software that comes pre-installed on any Windows device. 

But, knowing that Microsoft has its own antivirus protection program doesn’t ensure you will be safe giant viruses, malware, hackers, and other security threats. So, before stating that you will need other antivirus software to pair up with Windows Defender, Let’s see some of the features that the Windows security software offers.

Is Windows Defender Enough? Antivirus Program Overview

It is common sense that Windows Defender isn’t one of the most advanced and reliable antivirus software. But the truth is that Microsoft made several improvements to its antivirus software. Yet, it’s still not enough to state that Windows Defender, like most free antivirus software, can be the only one responsible for your computer security.

Windows Defender focuses on looking for Malware, Spyware, and Viruses on your computer. The security software searches through the user’s email, internet browser, cloud, and other apps for the three main security threats listed, using signature detection and behavior detection. 

To complete, it also makes an advanced scan on your hard drive, searching for other threats, such as phishing, network attacks, and changes on files inside your HD or SSD. The ransomware of Windows Defender has also been improved. Besides protecting your system resources, it also offers safety for your Android Devices.

Common Sense Reality and Myths About Windows Defender

If you quickly scan the internet, you will see how many articles say how incomplete Windows Defender is. Of course, it lacks some endpoint protection and response. 

But what will surely shock you is the general evaluations saying the Microsoft Defender antivirus software performs poorly, slowing down computers and other devices. False positives are also a common complaint among its users. People don’t know that some of these statements are already outdated, as the 2020 antivirus software research, the AV-Test, shows us.

False Positives

These are the false alerts an antivirus software gives to its users about malicious software and security breaches on their devices. They are terrible because they can limit legitimate action, online activities, and safe software. Not to mention the insecurity sensation it passes, as we see our threat protection programs making mistakes.

But the fact is that Microsoft Defender had some pretty great results regarding false negatives, making a better score than the average of the market, including all the third-party antivirus software.

As you can see, during the tests Microsoft Defender presented no false positives or any other case of false alarm and block, even compared to other software. These numbers attest to the improvements Microsoft made on its platform. 

Performance

In terms of performance, Microsoft Defender also had better results than the average in the market. Well known for decreasing computer capability during its usage, Microsoft Defender doesn’t hold your machine any longer. The only exception was during the download of some of the most popular programs, which decreased by 14% compared to the average values. 

These numbers include evaluations in high-end devices as well, which is great information for gamers and people who work with heavy programs, such as Autocad, Photoshop, and many other examples.

Windows Defender Main Features and How to Use Them

It’s important for all users to know how to turn on and off the Microsoft Defender. To do so, follow the instructions below.

• In the start menu, look for “group policy”
• Click Edit Group Policy
• Click Computer Configuration
• Click Administrative Templates
• Choose Windows Components
• Then, go for Windows Defender Antivirus
• There, you can turn off Windows Defender with a button on the button of Windows
• Select Disabled/Not Configured
• Click Apply, then, Ok

How to Turn Windows Defender Off

• Click on the Start Menu and go for settings
• Click on Update and Security and go for Windows Security
• After that, click on virus and threat protection
• Then, select Manage Settings Option
• On this Window, click on Virus & Threat Protection settings
• Switch Real-Time Protection off

Understanding Windows Defender Status Icons

When exploring Microsoft Defender, you will come across some light icons that, just like traffic lights, can be Green, Yellow, and Red. They indicate security levels and show if there are any safety recommendations for your PC.

• Green: Your PC is safe, and Microsoft has no recommended actions regarding your security.
• Yellow: There are security recommendations for you to check.
• Red: Security potentially breached. Something needs your immediate attention.

Microsoft Defender Multiple Scan Options

Microsoft Defender offers some different options to make a proper scan on your PC. You can choose between simple and fast scans to detailed and complex scans. We will also help you to do all of them step by step. An unverified email downloads malware if the user is not careful, so an anti-malware program with scans like this is very important.

Scanning a Specific File or Folder

If you want to check for Malware in a specific file or folder, you just need to go to your file explorer, right-click the item you want to verify, and select scan with Windows Defender. On the other hand, if you want a quick scan, you will need to follow this way.

• From the start menu, go for settings, and click on “Update and Security”
• From there, click on Windows Security and then on Virus & Threat Protection
• From there, go for current threats and select Quick Scan/Threat History. To complete, hit the scan button.

Performing an Advanced Scan

To perform an advanced scan, follow the same steps, but, besides clicking on Quick Scan/Threat History, go for Choose Scan Options/Threat History. Then, go for the new Advanced Scan. Finish the process by selecting one of the scan options that appeared for you.

• Full Scan: Checks all the files running on your PC. 
• Custom Scan: Search only on specific files or folders.
• Microsoft Defender Offline Scan: This scan is only recommended for those who think the devices they are using are already infected with viruses and malware.

How to Schedule Scans?

To complete our run-over scans, we need to discuss scheduling scan possibilities. To schedule scans properly, follow these steps. 

• Click on Start Menu, look for “Schedule Tasks,” and select “task scheduler”
• When it opens, go for the left panel and click the arrow close to the task scheduler library
• After that, click on Microsoft, then Windows, and Windows Defender Folder
• At the top, you will see the option Windows Defender Scheduled Scans, go for properties
• On the new window, select “triggers” tab, and click on “New”
• Now, you set a timer and schedule for your regular scans to happen and go clicking in ok every time it asks

This is it, your schedules are already organized and will happen every time the trigger you set is activated.

Other Third-Party Antivirus Programs

As we well know, Windows Defender isn’t the only software offering malware, ransomware, and virus protection, so it is important to talk about other programs that can offer built-in antivirus protection.

Is a Third-Party Antivirus Necessary?

A selection of programs will provide you with the most comprehensive protection. Besides all the necessary antivirus feature protection, password managers, VPN protection, parental controls, and other new features are necessary.

Besides all that, the last reviews show that Windows Defender is as good as any other latest version of free version antivirus. But they also show that Windows 10 main protector lacks some features.

Antivirus Recommendations

If you want some real-time protection, there are some well-known antivirus programs you can look for. This software is some of the most famous but they can present some big differences from one package to another.

BitDefender

Founded at the end of 2021 in Romania, BitDefender is the main defense line of 500 million users around the world. This software is some of the most famous but they can present some big differences from one package to another. They offer complete All-in-One plans or separated packages with different focuses for users to choose from.

You can get BitDefender product Keys to ensure your computer is safe with RoyalCDKeys! The internet security key, mobile protection options, and product demo key will be found. All of them with some of the best prices in the market.

Kaspersky

Kaspersky is a Russian cybersecurity company, founded in 1997 in Moscow. In the last decade, it reached more than 400 million individual users. By 2016, it was the most spread cybersecurity program in Europe. It divides its plans between home and business and, among the business options, you will find plans for small, medium, and big companies.

You can also get Kaspersky cybersecurity keys with RoyalCDKeys! You will find the internet security and the total security plans for one or for multiple devices. You just need to create an account and make your choice!

McAfee

This antivirus software was released back in 1987 and is older than Windows itself. Alongside these 35 years, the company passed through several administrative changes, going from hand to hand more than once. What never changed was the solid protective capacities. Today, McAfee has more than 500 million users. 

You can also find McAfee antivirus keys with RoyalCDKeys! We offer four different keys for McAfee antivirus. You will find the total protection and internet security for mobile packages.

ESET

ESET is an antivirus distributed by ESET Security since 1992 and provides security in more than 200 countries worldwide. Its efforts to ensure safety for multiple devices and all of its features catapulted ESET Security, that, today, is recognized as the most successful company of Slovakia. ESET is, for sure, a very stable line of defense. You can find different ESET keys with RoyalCDKeys. There, you can find Internet Security plans, NOD32 packages, and mobile protection plans.

What to Look for in an Antivirus

So, before you choose what Antivirus to go for, let’s talk a little bit about what are the extra features you should be looking for in good software.

Windows Store Ratings 

 You should first pay attention to a good rating on Windows Store. This means several users are downloading and approving the application, attesting its safety and that it works the way it should.

Scan Periodicity and Firewall Protection

Another great thing is scan periodicity. Even though some scans slow down PCs, it is just a small piece to ensure your safety. They are also a good way to detect and disable threats automatically, so they give you a great advantage. If you have a family or use more than one device, look for firewall protection, as they can protect several devices. Remember that not only your admin account that deserves good protection.

Behavior-Based Detection and Good AV-Test Grades

Behavior-based detection services are another of the most wanted features. With that, your antivirus will search and point out suspicious behavior, identifying malware that is not on the database, so nothing new will pass its scans. Another very basic thing that is worth a check is the antivirus effectiveness. You can use the AV-Test results to check how well your antivirus covers your vulnerabilities up.

Number of Devices Covered

Following the features, the number of devices covered in a paid subscription is also important. Some premium version packages of antivirus software give anti-malware and viruses protection for several PC, android systems, and other cell phones. Far more than your personal computer, all your devices must be protected.

The most basic thing: don’t forget to see if the chosen antivirus is compatible with your Windows 1o. To complete, a good VPN and password manager are other things to look for. VPN encrypts your internet connection, so the web or the most frequently used applications won’t have your location and other important data. A password manager protects your passwords from breaches. Both are very useful tools and aren’t available in free antivirus versions.

Study the Companies Behind the Antivirus Software

The best antivirus software is not all about tools and services for your Windows 10 protection. You will need to take a look at the company behind the software. If you’re using Windows Defender, you know you have the trustworthy Microsoft covering your back. But some other companies may not be like that.

Privacy Policy

The first thing you should look for is a solid privacy policy. Well, the antivirus may prevent your system from being compromised with ransomware, malware, or viruses, but they must ensure your private information and important data will also be safe. So, before going for a specific program, see if the company behind it protects your integrity.

Company Past: Problems, Lawsuits, and Protection Breaches

Another important thing is the company’s past. Look for old data breaches, lawsuits, and anything else that could speak against the company controlling the antivirus you’re thinking about buying. Companies such as Norton, Kaspersky, and AVG, have some of the problems said above, but their software may be worth it. It is up to you to properly study them and make a decision.

Study Plans and Packages Available

To complete, the last two important things to put an eye on are packages, plan prices, and contract lengths. A proper analysis of these may help you save money.

The best way to do so may be using a free version, but you must know that they won’t have the same level of protection as a premium version. That way, we recommend you go for a paid version since you need antivirus software with complete protection measures.

So, mind that besides the best value for money, the prices change accordingly to contract lengths. Besides that, VPN services generally have different contract extensions, so if you need both, do a proper search.

Conclusions

After this quick run over antiviruses, you already know more about Windows 10 main defense line, called Windows Defender, seeing its strengths and weaknesses. Besides that, you know what to look for in third-party programs, the most important things these programs need to ensure your protection, and some tips when looking for a new one.

If you want more tips, guides, and general information about Windows, antiviruses, and other programs, go for the RoyalCDKeys site. Besides the content to keep you updated, we offer safe and working keys for the best games and most wanted programs, always with the best prices in the market.