Windows 10 antivirus

I have been using Windows 10 on an HP laptop,
having uninstalled Norton. I must say it runs
a lot quicker!

Is it safe to do this? Windows does seem to be
doing it's job as I sometimes get warning messages,
from Windows Defender I think.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts.

Re: Windows 10 antivirus

I've had a W10 laptop for about 3 years, and managed just fine with Defender.

It's a Lenovo, and about twice a year Lenovo pops up to say it's time to check for probs., do maintenance and update. So I see that as a separate app keeping an eye on things, on top of Windows Defender and Firewall.

I use Google Chrome browser and keep that up to date. I do their 'Safety Checks' and 'Privacy and security' checks.

Re: Windows 10 antivirus

Thanks d00d, glad to hear that.

I'm using Edge, somebody told me it's
the Microsoft clone of Chrome.

Re: Windows 10 antivirus

I too have been relying on Windows Defender, which has been doing a fine job.
I feel that I have no need of a third-party anti-virus installation and even if I did, Norton would be the last one I'd look to. I remember how, many years ago now, it took over my much earlier Windows computer and was the devil of a job to remove. Never again.

Re: Windows 10 antivirus

The IT manager at the labs were I worked always said never, ever use Norton or its derivatives because, as you've found, it takes over and slows everything down. He recommended using AVG, which I have done ever since.

Re: Windows 10 antivirus

First thing I do when I get a new PC is to get rid of Norton and the equally bad McAfee - both bloatware which take over your PC and make it a lot slower.

Windows Defender doesn't do a bad job but there's a few good freeware programs such as AVG (see Percy's post above). Malwarebytes do a free version of their anti-malware software which is also worth looking at.

The only problem with the free versions and Windows Defender (as far as I'm aware) is that you must remember to update your virus definitions regularly. Paid for versions do that automatically.

Re: Windows 10 antivirus

Well, I get a reminder to update Windows Defender about every week.

As for McAfee, that's another one I avoid as it has an annoying ability to sneak in within other software and updates when you're not looking!

Re: Windows 10 antivirus

For the last 3 years have used defender.

Its said to be better than Norton and AVG and others.

Plus its FREE

Re: Windows 10 antivirus

Used AVG for years. Never yet had a problem.
Only ever had one virus problem a long time ago and I was using McAfee at the time.

Re: Windows 10 antivirus

Yes, that's what impressed me about it too!