Will there still be a need for PC antiviruses in 2022?

Is it really necessary to have an antivirus programme for your PC these days? Unfortunately, it is. We explain why below.

The days when PCs with the Windows 7, Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 operating systems were considered virus-infested boxes full of clutter are long gone. But that doesn't mean there aren't still plenty of people who develop malware with the intention of stealing something or simply causing damage.

Some PC manufacturers preload antivirus software and try to force you to buy it, because that's how they make money. But you should never feel pressured, and you probably don't need what they are selling.

But do you really need antivirus software in 2022?

Yes... but... It's not just viruses you need to watch out for

The fact that we still call this type of software "antivirus" is outdated. We no longer have to worry only about nasty viruses infecting our computers and destroying our personal data. Malware is perhaps more common today, with a different tactic to achieve a still nefarious goal.

Even worse, the "best" malware - if you can call it that - sneaks onto your computer unnoticed. It can lie dormant, hidden in plain sight, but in the meantime it will also do something you don't want it to do.

Whatever the label, the threats are still very real. You have protection in Windows 10 (antivirus in your operating system).

Microsoft takes your security very seriously in this ever-connected world and has built some very important tools into Windows 10 to keep you safe. And because it's built into the operating system, it doesn't take up any extra resources. Plus, Microsoft regularly updates it with new data definitions to ward off the latest threats.

If for some reason something sneaks in and you can't get rid of it, there is an advanced version called Windows Defender Offline. You can run it offline from a USB drive and it should also find the harder to kill viruses.

Windows Defender, however, is seen in many circles as little more than a basic solution. However you feel about it, it is a useful tool and there is no reason not to use it. It can also be used well in conjunction with other software.

You can never be too careful

You may think you're being careful when you're online, visiting trusted websites and downloading from official sources like the Windows Store or iTunes. But the thing is, you're never really careful when you go online completely unprotected.

Would you ride a motorbike without a helmet? Even if you are careful, disaster can happen.
The people who programme viruses and malware know exactly how to spread them to the rest of the world. That is why they continue to exist.

Something is always better than nothing

We have already asked the question whether it is necessary to use an antivirus programme nowadays. The answer is yes and no. The no refers to the fact that you no longer need to search for antivirus software. If you use Windows 10 and everything is up to date, you already have a solid, free tool built in that doesn't take up system resources and monitors in the background.

And if you don't use anything, activate Windows Defender immediately. (Do it now!)

Unfortunately, you still need antivirus software in 2020. It's not necessarily about stopping viruses anymore, but there are all kinds of evildoers who want nothing more than to steal and wreak havoc by breaking into your PC. It sounds scary, but with so much of our lives happening online, the threat is more real than ever.

Which path you take and which software you use is ultimately your decision. But don't think that it can't happen to you. This is exactly when it will happen.
If you are interested in purchasing an antivirus programme, feel free to visit our Antivirus and Security section.
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