Do I actually need antivirus software in 2026?

"Do I need antivirus?" is right up there with "is my computer too old?" in the questions I get asked most. And the honest answer is: it depends on what you're already using.

Windows has you covered (mostly)

If you're running Windows 10 or 11, you already have Microsoft Defender built in. It's free, it's always on, and — here's the bit that surprises people — it's actually good now. Ten years ago, Windows Defender was a joke. Today, it consistently scores in the top tier of independent antivirus tests.

It runs quietly, doesn't nag you to upgrade, and doesn't slow your computer down with full-screen pop-ups trying to sell you a VPN.

For most people, Defender plus sensible browsing habits is genuinely enough.

Mac users aren't immune

There's a persistent myth that Macs don't get viruses. That was sort of true when Macs had 3% market share and nobody bothered writing malware for them. It's not true anymore.

macOS has solid built-in protections — Gatekeeper, XProtect, and the notarisation system all work behind the scenes. For most Mac users, these are sufficient. But if you're downloading software from outside the App Store regularly, an occasional scan with Malwarebytes doesn't hurt.

When you might want something extra

There are situations where additional protection makes sense:

• You download a lot of files from various sources, torrents, or lesser-known websites
• You share a computer with family members who might not be as careful
• You run a small business and can't afford any downtime from an infection
• You want email and web filtering beyond what the browser provides

In those cases, a paid option like Bitdefender or ESET gives you extra layers — web filtering, email scanning, and more aggressive real-time protection. They cost around $50-80 per year for a household licence.

What you definitely don't need

The antivirus industry thrives on fear. Some things that sound important but aren't worth paying for:

• "Total security" bundles with 15 features you'll never configure. You don't need a built-in password manager, VPN, file shredder, and "dark web monitoring" from your antivirus company.
• Multiple antivirus programs. Running two antivirus tools at once doesn't double your protection — they fight each other and slow your system to a crawl.
• The pop-up that says you have 47 threats. If a website shows you a scary warning saying your computer is infected and you need to download their software immediately — that's the scam. Close the tab.

The things that matter more than antivirus

Here's the uncomfortable truth: antivirus is the seatbelt, not the steering wheel. The things that actually prevent most infections are:

1. Keeping your system updated. Most malware exploits known vulnerabilities that have already been patched.
2. Not clicking dodgy links. Phishing is how most attacks start. No antivirus catches all of them.
3. Using a password manager with unique passwords everywhere.
4. Having backups. If ransomware does get through, backups mean you don't have to pay.

Get those four right and your antivirus — whatever it is — barely has to do any work.

My recommendation

For most people: stick with Microsoft Defender on Windows or the built-in protections on Mac. Keep everything updated. Install Malwarebytes (free version) and run a scan once a month as a safety net. Spend the $70 you saved on a decent password manager and a cloud backup instead.

If you want belt-and-braces, Bitdefender is what I'd recommend as a paid option. It's effective, lightweight, and doesn't constantly try to upsell you.

Not sure what's running on your machine or whether it's doing its job? Get in touch and I'll take a look. Usually takes about ten minutes to sort out.