Windows 10 antivirus

Does Windows 10 need antivirus to protect your PC from today’s threats like ransomware and other forms of malware? The short answer is yes. Consider the following headlines from thus far in 2021: 

• HiveNightmare zero-day lets anyone be SYSTEM on Windows 10 and 11
• Patch now! Emergency fix for PrintNightmare released by Microsoft
• Get patching! Wormable Windows flaw headlines Patch Tuesday
• Microsoft issues 83 patches, one for actively exploited vulnerability

Windows 10 PCs face threats like ransomware, in which your computer’s contents are encrypted and you can’t access them without paying a ransom (usually in cryptocurrency), zero-day attacks which are exploits of brand new vulnerabilities before the software developer knows about it or has a chance to fix it, and other advanced forms of malware that are much more sophisticated than your traditional computer virus (although those remain a threat as well).  Windows as an operating system faces a lot of threats, and using security software that includes antivirus and anti-malware protection like Malwarebytes Premium means that you are proactively protected against these types of threats. 

Windows 10 comes with Microsoft Defender, Microsoft’s security solution for Windows. Malwarebytes offers a free antivirus solution that will scan and remove virus and malware threats from your Windows PC. You can also try Malwarebytes Premium free before you purchase the paid version. Malwarebytes Premium will scan and clean a PC, and it also gives you proactive security against today’s advanced threats. This includes ransomware protection, which protects against attemps to encrypt the contents of your PC and hold them for ransom. A thorough antivirus and anti-malware software like Malwarebytes Premium will give you ongoing protection and regular scans for malware, but our free version can be used when you want to manually scan and remove malware as well.

Even in 2021, viruses are still persistent threats. A virus infection is harmful software triggered by performing common tasks such as opening an email attachment, launching an infected program, or viewing an ad on a malicious site. Viruses self-replicate by modifying or completely replacing files.

Viruses are a type of malware. Malware’s focus is all about making money off you. Although it can’t damage the physical hardware of your device or network equipment, it can steal, encrypt, or delete your data, alter or hijack core computer functions, and spy on your activity.

The best way to protect against a virus infection and malware is to use a legitimate antivirus and anti-malware solution such as Malwarebytes Premium that protects your PC against not just viruses but other threats, too. You can use our free version to manually scan and remove threats, but our paid version will regularly scan, clean, and block threats so you don’t have to worry. It’s powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning to keep your PC safe.

A PC that has gotten infected with a virus or other type of malware often starts showing signs, although some types of malware stay more quiet and hidden. Signs that your PC may have been infected can include: 

• Lots of pop-ups: They might encourage you to visit unusual sites or download unfamiliar software.
• Frequent crashes: Your device can freeze or crash due to hard drive damage from a virus.
• Mass emails being sent in your name: It can feel frustrating when a cyberthief sends mass emails in your name.
• Your password suddenly changes: Unusual stuff happens, like a password change, that keep you from logging in.
• Slow computer: If your computer suddenly starts running slowly, it could be a virus.
• Your homepage is different: Your homepage defaults to a different website or you can’t reset it.

To check for a virus or malware on your PC, you can use Malwarebytes’ free antivirus to scan and remove threats. To proactively protect your PC against these types of threats, consider subscribing to Malwarebytes Premium to ensure that your PC is protected regularly.

Malwarebytes Premium now protects PCs running Windows 11. To learn more about Windows 11 and security, read our article: Windows 11 is out. Is it any good for security?