Windows Defender: is it enough or do you need another antivirus?

Security is a fundamental factor every time we browse the Internet, use the cloud or download a file from the network. This means that we must take certain precautions and use some tools that help protect ourselves. A clear example is the use of an antivirus to detect threats and viruses. Windows Defender is the one that comes integrated in the latest versions of the Microsoft operating system. Now, is this antivirus enough? Do you need another additional program to be protected? We talk about it in this article.

Windows Defender: is it enough

How Windows Defender works

We can say that Windows Defender is one of the main security barriers that Microsoft systems have. It comes integrated with the operating system, so we won’t have to install it or even configure it, if we don’t want to touch anything as it comes.

It is a security application that aims to detect threats and viruses, remove them if necessary, or quarantine potentially dangerous files or software. In this way we can avoid downloading files that are actually malware, installing programs that may be false, etc.

If you are wondering how you can use Windows Defender , the answer is quite simple. If you use Windows 10 or Windows 11, you will only have to follow the following steps:

  • Go to the Start menu in Windows
  • Type Virus & Threat Protection and open it

From there you will already be inside the Windows antivirus. You will be able to make changes, run an analysis or simply verify that you really have this tool active and that it is protecting your computer. You will see a screen like the following image:

As you can see, different options will appear there, such as performing a quick test. You may even notice that it is possible to use it with another antivirus, as long as you configure it correctly. However, this is one more option and it will not always be the case. In fact, it is normal that we only have one installed.

You can check the Periodic scan option, which is very useful if you use another security program.

It also offers protection against ransomware , which is undoubtedly one of the worst security threats out there. In this case, what the malware does is encrypt all your files. A major problem that could cause all the documents you have stored to be lost.

Beyond having real-time antivirus protection, Windows Defender will also protect the cloud by detecting and blocking potential new security threats. This is important, since we use the cloud more and more in our day to day.

Is Windows antivirus enough?

But hey, at this point you’re probably wondering if it’s really enough to have Windows antivirus or do you need something else. The truth is that in recent years it has become one of the best security tools. Always updated, easy to use and protects against all kinds of threats. We can analyze a flash drive, work from a network drive or simply when we download something from Chrome or Firefox.

Therefore, we can say that basic protection , the most essential to avoid problems on the Internet, we achieve with Windows Defender. In fact, in all the tests that have come out in recent years of security firms, Windows antivirus has always come out very well.

Now, it is a free and simple antivirus. If you are looking for a more complete program, with many more options available, then you would have to install a third-party antivirus. For example Avast or Bitdefender are some widely used options that work well.

We can say that Windows Defender will be enough or not depending on the type of user you are. At a general level, if you are simply a user who browses the Internet, uses secure programs and wants basic general protection, it is undoubtedly a more than valid option. You will be protected and you will not have any problems.

On the other hand, if you are looking for extra protection because you are going to download a lot, you are going to use a public computer that many users are going to access, or you are even going to carry out tests that put protection at risk, then you may need to opt for an alternative that protects you even more. However, if you are going to use another security program, you must check that it works well and that it is a reliable application.

Protect your computer beyond an antivirus

We have focused on the security offered by Windows Defender and how it could be interesting to use a different option. Now, can we be more protected than simply with the antivirus? The answer is yes and we are going to give you some safety tips to avoid problems.

upgrade the team

A very important step to protect any computer is to always have it updated. You must have the latest versions. There are many occasions when security problems arise. Vulnerabilities may appear that are exploited by attackers and in this way they manage to access your personal data or compromise its proper functioning.

This must be applied both to the operating system and to any program you have installed. In the case of Windows, to update it you have to go to Start, enter Settings and go to Windows Update . There will appear the possible updates that are available.

Actualizar Windows 11

But you must always do this, in any system and application. You should avoid having obsolete tools installed, which can be used to put your privacy at risk. This also includes any plugins you install.

Always use official programs

Of course, any application that you install on the system must always be official. It is true that sometimes you can find third-party programs that have certain interesting features, but this could be a security problem. You could be putting your personal data at risk.

Therefore, our advice is to always install software downloaded from legitimate and official sites . For example you can go to the official pages of these applications or application stores such as Google Play. On these sites, although it does not mean that there is 100% security, you will have less risk of suffering computer attacks.

Beware of public networks

Beyond using antivirus like Windows Defender to keep you safe, you need to be careful where you connect. Public Wi-Fi networks , such as in airports or shopping malls, could be a major problem for your privacy. You could be exposing data without your knowledge.

To avoid this, it is best to use VPN apps. What these programs do is encrypt your connection and thus prevent them from stealing your personal data. Basically what it does is that everything you send or receive will be encrypted, as if it were in a tunnel that intruders cannot access.

In any case, if you are going to navigate through a Wi-Fi network that may be insecure, the ideal is that you do not make financial transactions or do not log in to platforms that may be sensitive. Otherwise, your personal data could be in danger and pose a major problem.

Protect your browser

But if there is a program that you must protect, it is the browser . It doesn’t matter if you use Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or any other. It is without a doubt an application that must work with total security, since there you will put personal data, you will log in to multiple pages and services, you will download files…

Our advice is to always keep your browser properly updated. In this way you will avoid vulnerabilities that can be exploited. In the case of Google Chrome, you have to go to the top right menu, enter Help and go to Google Chrome Information . In other browsers it is similar.

Actualizar Google Chrome

In addition to this, it is important that you control the extensions that you are going to install in the browser. You should only install add-ons that are secure, up-to-date and do not put your personal data at risk at any time. Doing a constant revision is interesting. Sometimes they can change, they can receive an update and start working differently and put your personal data at risk without you realizing it.

Common sense

We cannot leave behind the recommendation of common sense. Most cyber attacks are going to require us to make a mistake . For example, downloading a dangerous file, installing some type of software that is not guaranteed, giving personal data where we shouldn’t, etc.

Ideally, you always check any file you receive before opening it, take a good look at the possible links that could take you to fraudulent pages or see the origin of a program that you are going to install. In this way you will ensure that security increases as much as possible and you will reduce the risk of suffering problems.

In short, as you have seen for the basics, it is useful to have only Windows Defender as the only antivirus. Now, if you are looking for something more complete, you should install an alternative application. Of course, regardless of the antivirus you use, you should always maximize your security. We have given some tips for it.