Do you still need antivirus software?

For years, I’ve assumed that most people don’t need third-party antivirus tools and have cheerily passed this suggestion along to others.

After all, Microsoft’s Windows Security suite (also known as Windows Defender or Microsoft Defender) provides built-in virus protection for your PC, and it doesn’t cost a dime. I’ve been using it for years, and the last time I can recall having virus problems on my PC was well over a decade ago.

Hi there!

This section of the website is exclusively for paid subscribers of Advisorator, my weekly tech advice newsletter.

Already a subscriber? Sign in to your account.

Not subscribed yet? Sign up for a free trial to unlock this article and get in-depth tech advice in your inbox every Tuesday.