You may not need an antivirus on Windows 11… and Microsoft is saying it out loud.
Microsoft has now come out to say that Windows 11 users would not need a third-party antivirus on their computer. According to the company, its default security is deeply integrated into the OS, providing users with a robust security guard that is constantly updated in a dynamic threat landscape.
While sufficient for most users, the company notes that power users, who often expose themselves to security risks, and enterprise users may benefit from a third-party security solution tailored to their needs.
A suite of security features on standby
According to Microsoftthe kind of security baked into Windows 11 combines different security features, all targeting different needs, unlike many antivirus solutions that tend to focus on one or a few narrow features. The company listed four security features it says make its antivirus solution the “best antivirus software for 2026.”
- Microsoft Defender Antivirus: Built into Windows 11 and enabled by default, Microsoft Defender Antivirus scans files for malware, blocks suspicious downloads, and monitors running processes for unusual behavior. It also uses cloud-based threat intelligence, which helps it respond to newer threats more quickly. If Defender detects something malicious, it can block the install, quarantine the file, or remove it. That may explain why some downloads never fully appear in your folder. Users can adjust exclusions or temporarily change settings, but Microsoft recommends doing so carefully.
- Microsoft Defender SmartScreen: SmartScreen is one of those security features that runs in the background most of the time. Windows users with low-risk activity may never know it exists, as it only appears when you try to open a malicious app or visit a malicious site. Its role is to give you a heads-up when you are about to interact with potentially dangerous software. It uses reputation-based signals to warn users. In other words, it flags questionable software that never occurred to you, allowing you to either heed its warning or proceed when you are sure of your actions.
- Smart App Control: Similar to SmartScreen in name, but functions similarly to Microsoft Defender. It scans apps to see if they are properly signed, known, and trusted as per its benchmark. If an app fails those tests, it is prevented from launching.
- Ransomware mitigation: With ransomware attacks constantly topping cybersecurity news, Microsoft is ensuring that Windows users suffer little to no data loss consequences in the event of a ransomware attack. When turned on, it encrypts selected folders, preventing write access from unauthorized sources. It also adds delete protection, ensuring that file deletion from accident or malicious purposes does not work.
Just as users can add select folders to their encryption list, they can also grant select apps permissions to write to these folders.
Potential limitations
Microsoft notes that for most users, its suite of security features is enough. But power users can choose to use a custom security solution. This, however, doesn’t mean that Windows’ built-in security is inferior to those third-party solutions.
Windows as an OS gives its users a lot of flexibility in how to use their computers. Power users take this flexibility to new heights. They often interact with powerful PowerShell commands, run potentially risky software, and sometimes may build and run unsigned applications on their computers.
For such users, Windows security features can be limiting; hence, they may require specialized third-party security that fits their needs.
Users who are part of an enterprise team may require a different security solution built for teams. Even with that, Microsoft can step in with its enterprise solutions designed to address the security issues organizations face.
When default security may be a better option
Microsoft recommends that users leave these security features on to stay safe. By default, they are activated the moment you turn on your computer.
To increase your safety, always install Windows updates as they come with security updates bundled into them. If you need to turn off any of these features, ensure you understand the risks involved, and when you are done, turn them back on. You can find all Windows security features from Settings > Windows Security.
Finally, it is best to keep one security solution active. Windows security works best when it’s the only security solution on your computer. Attempting to combine it with other solutions may push it into passive mode, result in inefficient security, and task your system’s resources.
Also read: Microsoft’s April Patch Tuesday update fixed 165 vulnerabilities, including two zero-days, in one of the company’s biggest Windows security releases of the year.