Do you need antivirus: a Windows 11 desktop overrun by malware effects in a test environment
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Do You Still Need Antivirus in 2026? Windows, Mac and Phones Explained

ByMedia Pavilion

For most people using an up-to-date version of Windows 11 or macOS, a separate paid antivirus is no longer essential. Microsoft Defender, built into Windows, scores highly in independent lab tests, and Macs include Apple’s own malware protection. What matters far more is keeping your system updated, using strong sign-in security and avoiding scams. A third-party product can still make sense if you want extra features, use an unsupported system or need to protect less confident users. This guide explains what built-in protection covers, where it falls short and how to decide what you need for Windows, Mac, Android and iPhone in 2026.

What Does Built-In Antivirus Do on Windows?

Every copy of Windows 10 and Windows 11 includes Microsoft Defender Antivirus, part of the Windows Security app. It is switched on by default unless you install another antivirus product, in which case it steps aside to avoid conflicts. Defender provides:

  • Real-time scanning of files and downloads.
  • Cloud-based protection that checks suspicious files against Microsoft’s threat data.
  • Ransomware protection through Controlled Folder Access, which you can turn on to stop untrusted apps from changing files in protected folders.
  • SmartScreen warnings for malicious websites and downloads in Microsoft Edge and Windows.
  • A built-in firewall.

How Good Is Microsoft Defender in Independent Tests?

AV-TEST, an independent German testing lab, regularly assesses consumer security products on Windows for protection, performance and usability, each scored out of 6. In its May–June 2026 test, Microsoft Defender scored the maximum 6.0 for protection. In the July–August 2026 test, it scored 5.5 for protection, still earning AV-TEST’s certification. Many paid products scored similarly, and results vary from one test round to the next.

In short, Defender offers strong baseline protection that is comparable to many paid products. Paid suites usually compete on extras rather than core malware detection.

Does a Mac Need Antivirus?

Macs are less commonly targeted than Windows PCs, but they are not immune. macOS includes several layers of protection:

  • Gatekeeper checks apps are from identified developers and have been notarised by Apple.
  • XProtect detects and blocks known malware, and Apple updates its signatures automatically.
  • System Integrity Protection stops malicious software from changing core system files.

For most Mac users who install apps from the App Store or well-known developers and keep macOS updated, built-in protection is enough. People who regularly install software from unofficial sources, or who manage many Macs for a business, may want an additional tool.

Do Phones Need Antivirus?

The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) advises that phones generally do not need antivirus software if you keep them updated and install apps only from official stores.

  • iPhone and iPad: iOS apps run in a tightly restricted sandbox, so traditional antivirus apps cannot scan the system. Apps sold as “antivirus” for iPhone usually offer extras such as web filtering or breach alerts.
  • Android: Google Play Protect is built into devices with Google Play and scans apps for harmful behaviour. Risks are higher if you sideload apps from outside the Play Store or use an old phone that no longer gets security updates.

When Is a Paid Antivirus Worth It?

A third-party security suite can make sense if:

  • You want extras in one place, such as a password manager, VPN, identity theft monitoring or parental controls.
  • You are protecting family members who are less confident online, and you want web filtering and alerts.
  • You regularly download files from less trusted sources.
  • You run an older operating system that no longer receives regular updates.
  • You run a small business and need central management of several devices.

If you do buy one, choose a well-known product that scores well in independent tests from AV-TEST or AV-Comparatives. Install only one real-time antivirus, because two can conflict and slow your computer. Be aware that many products start with a cheap first-year price and then renew automatically at a much higher rate.

What Matters More Than Antivirus?

Most successful attacks on individuals now rely on stolen passwords, unpatched software or tricking people, rather than on viruses that antivirus alone would stop. These habits make a bigger difference:

  • Install updates promptly for your operating system, browser and apps, and turn on automatic updates. Our report on the PHP2Shell vulnerability shows how quickly attackers exploit unpatched flaws.
  • Use strong sign-in security, with a password manager, passkeys and two-factor authentication. Our guide to passwords, passkeys and two-factor authentication explains how.
  • Back up your files to an external drive or cloud service, so ransomware or a hardware failure doesn’t lose them.
  • Be careful with links and attachments, even if a message seems to come from someone you know.
  • Check for data breaches, and change passwords for affected accounts. Our coverage of the Capcom ID data breach shows what to do.
  • Use a standard user account for daily use rather than an administrator account.

How Do You Spot Fake Virus Warnings and Tech Support Scams?

Pop-ups that claim your computer is infected and urge you to call a number or install software are a common scam. The US Federal Trade Commission warns that legitimate tech companies will not contact you out of the blue with a warning about your computer, and will not ask you to call a number in a pop-up. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, people aged 60 and over reported losing more than $1 billion to tech and customer support scams in 2025 alone.

  • Don’t call numbers in pop-ups or unexpected messages.
  • Never give remote access to your computer to someone who contacted you.
  • Close the browser, or restart the computer if the pop-up won’t close.
  • Run a scan with Windows Security or your existing antivirus.
  • If you have paid a scammer, contact your bank immediately and report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, or the equivalent body in your country.

What If You Still Use Windows 10?

Microsoft ended standard support for Windows 10 on 14 October 2025. Home users can enrol in the consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) programme, which continues security updates until 12 October 2027. Enrolment is free if you sync your PC settings with a Microsoft account, or costs 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points or a one-off $30, covering up to 10 devices. Without ESU, Windows 10 no longer gets security fixes, and antivirus cannot fully make up for that. Upgrade to Windows 11 if your PC supports it, or plan a replacement.

What Are the Key Takeaways?

  • Microsoft Defender is built into Windows and performs well in independent tests, so most home users don’t need a paid antivirus.
  • Macs include Gatekeeper and XProtect, and phones generally don’t need antivirus if they are updated and use official app stores.
  • Paid suites are mainly worth it for extras like identity monitoring, parental controls or central management.
  • Updates, strong sign-in security, backups and scam awareness matter more than any antivirus product.
  • Windows 10 users should enrol in ESU, which runs until 12 October 2027, or upgrade.

Featured image: MEMZ running on Windows 11, by Paowee / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped, colour-graded and combined with MediaPavilion branding.

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