I use ESET internet security for a couple of reasons, it will pick up and block some dodgy connections sometimes. Also I use manual firewall mode, not for the feint hearted but good if you don’t like windows tracking you too hard out or any apps sending data you don’t want. But typical user could just use windows defender. Now especially that it has a sold corporate version they are probably more up to date on virus definitions and stuff like that.
I still hold my conspiracy theory that Norton, McAfee etc create the virus’ out there to keep themselves in business through fear marketting.
All you need is Windows Defender. Comes with Windows!
Kaspersky got me out a few pickles in the past…but then again I do some dodgy shit on my pc…
I’ve used and paid for many different AV programs over the years: Norton, Bitdefender, ESET, Kaspersky. But Windows Defender has been good enough for years now.
Windows defender and have separate user and admin account. Run everyday as the user and use the admin credentials for things that require admin credentials. 90% of the time this is were people F-up. They run as admin for sheer convenience and then wonder why its so easy for them to get “hacked”
I downloaded Norton desktop for my machine, and then swiftly deleted it and reinstalled it making sure not to click automatic and uncheck Symantec Norton antivirus. Even in 1993 it was the scum of the earth
I personally use Bitdefender and Malwarebytes combo on all my devices, and the occasional VM to test things out, I’ll also install these 2 security solutions on family and friends devices as well.
For my use case specifically they’re lifesavers, very necessary and essential softwares for me, same goes for adblockers and some other security add-ons.
I’m browse dangerously. 
Bitdefender specifically does a lot more then just protect me from viruses it also has many more useful security features that are actually worth using, like scam text protection for example. 
I usually use premium versions of both for myself and others but sometimes I’ll only use the free versions if that’s all that particular person needs to keep safe.
Late to the party but windows defender really is all you will ever need. If anything, third-party anti-virus used exclusively instead of defender may even be a bigger danger. However anti-malware scanning software used occasionally while running defender may actually be beneficial. Don’t run it all the time though. A periodic daily scan is usually enough. (And windows defender already does it periodically as well).
And onto the topic of actually getting viruses. You really have to look for the danger itself if you have to take getting possibly infected into consideration, which is a topic of piracy and this sub is not the place to discuss it.
From a friend who works in cyber security right now
“You’re danger now isn’t malware, but social engineering.”
You’d be surprised what people can put together with just a username online.
The best antivirus is using your brain.
Windows Defender + common sense, the other antivirus software would just bloat your system. If you really care for security then maybe use Linux instead, it would at least be safer than Windows since any kind of virus would more likely to be written targeting Windows OS than Linux
Just a reminder to make sure your Windows Defender is enabled/turned on. There have been reports these past few months that it has either turned off/gone missing from “normal daily use”.
Since im used to game with mods and download some odd stuff (old games, pirate software, etc), I leave windows defender off by default. Never had problems with viruses or other malware (i do scans sometimes). I think if you don’t click on those sketchy ads in sites, you have nothing to worry about
Windows Defender + Adblock. Maybe a VPN if you feel fancy lol
That they are mostly and utterly crap, or pure and simple malware.
Windows defender is good enough with Adblock thrown in. I’ve used malwarebytes for a long time and every time I think to cancel the renewal I forget and end up with it for another year. It’s never done any of the shitty things like avast and norton and others have done.
Depends what you do.
I do safe browsing and no download, I only use Windows Defender.
Sometimes I use malwarebytes, check, then uninstall it.
If you download, you definitely needs an anti malware. Full security is only if you are doing unsafe stuff or you are a grandpa who is clicking everywhere.
But some attacks deactivate antivirus so… nothing is always safe.
Also, if you are on a workstation, you will probably have your company install an EDR on it, and IT Network Security check what you are doing.
I have a subscription to Malwarebytes that feels unncessary at times but i am afraid if I get rid of it I will get hit immediately. Hilariously my torrent software will actually block dangerous URLs.
I agree, Windows Defender + common sense. I also still use CCleaner now and again because I have multiple browsers on my computer, and it’s just easier to use that to clear all my caches and stuff than going into each individual one. But I am lazy, so… haha.
I haven’t used an antivirus in over 20 years. I used to prevent viruses by regularly searching for recent DLLs/executables and monitoring processes for anything unusual, and avoiding suspicious download links and unreputable sites. These days, Windows pretty much catches anything suspicious.
As long as you browse smart, you should be fine.