Do you really need an antivirus in Windows 11? The answer is not what you expect

In recent months, Windows 11 has taken firm steps to consolidate as one of Microsoft’s most complete operating systems. The improvements in performance, stability and especially in security have made it A much more reliable platform for the average user.

With functions such as safe starting, hardware encryption or artificial intelligence integration in threat detection, it is no accident that many users wonder if it really remains necessary to install an external antivirus.

And it is that with so many integrated developments, the doubt is legitimate: if the operating system now includes a protection layer like Windows Defender, should you also resort to an additional solution to protect your personal data and your equipment against possible threats?

Windows defending is good, but it is not infallible

Today, cybercriminals not only point to large companies or institutions with millionaire resources. Users have also become a viable objective. Either to steal access credentials, kidnap files through ransomware, convert the PC into part of a botnet or infiltrate for espionage purposes, the methods are varied and constantly evolve.

In that context, Windows Defender is presented as an integrated and functional solution. It is present natively in Windows 11, it is automatically updated and, according to the most recent AV-TEST results in February 2025, it is able to detect 100 % of known threats and also zero day, that is, those that are new and have not yet been classified.

However, although its detection level is high, Its scope remains limited. If you use your computer with caution, do not usually download unknown files, avoid navigating unreliable sites and keep your updated system, it is likely that this basic protection is sufficient. But if your online activity is more intense or varied, the app falls short.

Windows Defender does not have more advanced features such as a virtual private network (VPN) that encrypts your connection, parental control, public Wi -Fi protection, or cross protection that covers other devices, such as your Android smartphone or a laptop with macOS.

Nor does it incorporate password managers, or tools to detect bank fraud or sophisticated attempts of Phishing, which are increasingly difficult to identify. If you handle confidential information, you work from home or simply want to be one step ahead of the attackers, It is best to complement the app with a third -party antivirus.

Today, there are many free options that offer additional protection without having to uninstall the Microsoft tool, since Defender can work in passive mode along with another software. In this way, you will be better protected from the threats that abound on the web.

Protecting you also depend on your habits

Having a good antivirus – be the one that comes by default or an external one – is not the only barrier that you must establish to avoid being a victim of malware, ransomware or any other threat. Security begins with how you use your devices and how you manage your personal information on the Internet.

For example, It is essential that you keep all your updated applicationsNot only the operating system. Many safety gaps occur through outdated software that attackers take the opportunity to introduce malicious code.

Email remains one of the most common attack vectors. Therefore, avoiding linking or downloading attachments from unknown sending should be a basic practice. The same goes for social networks, where you must distrust false raffles or messages that try to supplant a known brand.

Another key measure is to activate two steps authentication in all your services, especially in bank accounts, emails and social networks. This can make the difference between a failed access attempt and the total theft of your data.

And if you share PC with Windows 11 with other users, make sure each one has a separate and limited account, without administrative access. This reduces the impact of any possible infection.

Finally, Being informed is still your best ally. That is, knowing how a scam works, recognizing a fraudulent website or identifying strange behavior in the system can help you react on time and minimize damage.

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Tags: Antivirus, Windows 11