Does Windows 8 need antivirus software?

Windows 8.1 does have built-in security software, however, it is widely accepted that this built-in security is not enough. Therefore for better online security, you need a third-party antivirus to keep you safe from viruses, ransomware, and other malware.

What is the best free antivirus for Windows 8?

Top picks:

• Avast Free Antivirus.
• AVG AntiVirus FREE.
• Avira Antivirus.
• Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition.
• Kaspersky Security Cloud Free.
• Microsoft Windows Defender.
• Sophos Home Free.

Which is the best antivirus for Windows 8.1 64 bit?

Top 7 Best Free Antivirus for Windows 10 and 8.1 in 2021

• Avast Free Antivirus.
• Avira Free Antivirus.
• AVG AntiVirus Free.
• Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition.
• Comodo Antivirus.
• Sophos Home Free Antivirus.
• Panda Free Antivirus.

Do I need Microsoft Security Essentials?

You can’t use Microsoft Security Essentials, but you don’t need to—Windows Defender is already included and ready to go. But if you’re looking to protect a PC with an older version of Windows, you can use Microsoft Security Essentials to help guard against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software.

Is Windows Defender on Windows 8.1 any good?

Windows Defender is good but it does not provide excellent protection against spyware and malware. If you want full fledged security protection for your PC, then you must download any of these good antivirus softwares including Avast, Avira or AVStrike.

Is Windows Defender good on Windows 8?

Before Windows 8, Defender only promised protection against spyware. You needed Security Essentials for full-scale antivirus protection. The modern Windows Defender offers the same protection as Microsoft Security Essentials; in fact, you can’t even install MSE on Windows 8.

Which is Better Security Essentials or Windows Defender?

Windows Defender helps protect your computer from spyware and some other potentially unwanted software, but it will not protect against viruses. In other words, Windows Defender only protects against a subset of known malicious software but Microsoft Security Essentials protects against ALL known malicious software.