Do You Need Antivirus? Windows Security vs macOS

Windows and macOS laptops with built-in security shields compared with a separate antivirus product, above icons for malware blocking, firewall, updates and scans

Every few months, someone asks whether they need to pay for antivirus software. The honest answer depends on the device, the habits of the person using it, and what you expect the software to do. Modern computers now ship with more protection than many people realize.

This guide explains what Windows Security (Microsoft Defender Antivirus) and macOS (Gatekeeper, notarization and XProtect) provide, what they do not cover, and how to decide whether you want an additional product. It uses vendor documentation from Microsoft and Apple, plus advice from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

What Windows Security Includes

Microsoft's support pages say that Microsoft Defender Antivirus comes built into Windows 10 and Windows 11. It is managed through the Windows Security app, where the Virus and threat protection area lets you run scans and review threats. Microsoft says its security software protects against malware, spyware, adware and other unwanted software, and that you do not need to install other real-time antivirus or antispyware software. Microsoft's antivirus and antimalware FAQ explains what its security software does.

A few practical details from Microsoft:

A quick scan checks the places malware most often hides. A full scan checks everywhere and is recommended if you think a PC is infected.
Updates normally arrive automatically through Windows Update.
If you have no other security product, or another product has expired, Microsoft Defender Antivirus turns on automatically.
Microsoft recommends not running multiple real-time antivirus products at once, since that can hurt performance and cause update errors.
Microsoft suggests turning on cloud-delivered protection and automatic sample submission for optimal protection.

How to Check Windows Security

Open Start, then Settings, and go to the Windows Security section. The exact menu path varies between Windows versions, so you can also search for "Windows Security."
Open Virus and threat protection. Confirm it shows no urgent actions.
Under Manage settings, make sure Real-time protection is on, and consider enabling cloud-delivered protection.
Run a quick scan to confirm everything works.
Turn on automatic Windows updates, so both Windows and its security definitions stay current.

What macOS Includes

Apple's documentation describes a layered approach. Apple says macOS includes Gatekeeper, designed to ensure that only trusted software runs on your Mac. Apps from the App Store are reviewed by Apple. For software downloaded elsewhere, macOS checks the developer's signature, and by default requires notarization, an Apple malware scanning process for software distributed outside the App Store. The first time you open a downloaded app, macOS asks for your approval. Apple's documentation on protecting against malware in macOS has the full details.

Apple's security documentation also says macOS has built-in antivirus technology called XProtect, which uses signatures that Apple updates automatically to detect and block known malware, and to remediate infections. Apple says XProtect checks apps when they are first launched, when they change, and when signatures are updated. If it detects known malware, it blocks it and moves it to the Trash, then alerts you.

Apple also documents the option to open unnotarized software through Privacy and Security settings, but warns that running software that has not been signed and notarized may expose your computer and personal information to malware. Only override that warning for software you are certain is trustworthy.

What Built-In Protection Does Not Do

Malware is only one slice of the risk. The FTC's phishing guidance describes scams that work by persuading you to give up passwords, account numbers or Social Security numbers, which is not a virus problem at all. Consider what built-in protection, or any antivirus, cannot fully handle on its own: Phishing is one gap: see the signs of a phishing email and how to spot fake text messages.

You giving the information away. A convincing fake bank page or a caller who talks you into sharing a code does not require malware.
Weak or reused passwords. Antivirus does not fix account habits.
Scams that get you to install software yourself. See our tech support scams guide.
Unpatched software. Protection works best when the operating system, browser and apps are updated.
Phones and tablets, which have their own security model and app stores.

So Should You Buy Antivirus?

There is no single correct answer, and you should be wary of anyone who gives you one. Think of it as a few questions:

Built-in protection may be enough if

you keep updates on automatic;
you install software from official stores or known vendors only;
you use a password manager and two-factor authentication;
you are cautious with attachments, links and pop-ups.

You might want a paid or additional product if

you want extra features such as web filtering, password tools, identity monitoring or family controls in one package, and you have compared what the current offer includes;
you manage devices for people who are more likely to click, such as younger children or relatives who get many scam messages;
you need centralized protection across several devices and like a single dashboard.

If you add a third-party product, Microsoft advises removing your previous security software first, and not running more than one real-time scanner. Buy only from the vendor's official site or your device's app store. The FTC warns that tech support scammers use fake pop-ups and online ads, and its advice is that a real security warning never asks you to call a phone number.

Research products using independent sources, and be cautious about claims like "100% protection." No software can promise that.

A Simple Security Routine for Any Computer

If your email shows up in a leak, see what to do after a data breach.

Install operating system and browser updates automatically.
Keep the built-in protection on and run a scan if something seems wrong.
Use a standard (non-administrator) account for daily use where you can.
Download apps only from official stores or vendors.
Use a password manager and two-factor authentication.
Back up your files to an external drive or the cloud. The FTC recommends backing up both computers and phones.
Learn the signs of phishing so you can spot a fake message before it reaches your computer.

If You Think Your Computer Is Infected

The FTC advises updating your security software, running a scan and removing anything flagged. Change your passwords from a different clean device, turn on two-factor authentication, and contact your bank if you entered financial details. If you can't resolve it yourself, get help from a manufacturer, a store that sells computer equipment, or a knowledgeable person you trust. Do not call the number in a pop-up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Windows Security good enough?

It is a capable built-in antivirus and is enabled by default. Whether you need more depends on your habits and needs, as described above.

Can Macs get viruses?

Yes. Apple builds protections like Gatekeeper and XProtect precisely because malware exists for macOS. Staying cautious still matters.

Is free antivirus safe?

Some are legitimate. Only download from a vendor's official site and avoid anything offered through a pop-up or unsolicited message.

Can I run two antivirus programs?

Microsoft recommends against running multiple real-time products at once. On-demand scanners are different because they only run when you ask.

Do phones need antivirus?

Keep the operating system updated and install apps only from official stores. Review each vendor's documentation for your device.

Related Guides

Conclusion

Built-in protection on Windows and macOS is a solid baseline, and for many careful users it is enough when paired with updates, backups, a password manager and two-factor authentication. Extra software can add convenience or features, but it cannot replace good habits. Decide based on your household's needs, avoid fear-based sales pitches, and never call a number from a pop-up.