[Solved] Does Windows 8 need antivirus Software

[john clemence]

Hi,

Sorry if this is a really basic question but I have just got a new laptop and have un-installed the Norton anti-virus program that was pre-installed. I intended to install Microsoft Security Essentials as I have done with my last two laptops. However, at some point I was told that Win 8 does not need an anti-virus program as it has its own system, (might have been Defender?). Is this correct or should I try to download Microsft Security Essentials - incidentally, when I was looking for MSE there seemed to be two download options, does it matter which one, one was slightly larger than the other.

Mant thanks in advance.

Regards,

John.

[RandyL]

In Windows 8, Windows Defender replaces Microsoft Security Essentials.

 

Unlike older versions of Windows you are completely protected for all forms of malware in Windows 8 with Defender.

 

In the past Essentials protected you from viruses. Defender protected you from other forms of infections such as spyware or adware. Both programs are from Microsoft and free.

 

With Windows 8 both are rolled up into Defender and are free.

 

So with Windows 8 you have the complete antivirus, anti spyware, anti malware etc all rolled up into one package which is called Bitdefender in Windows 8.

[john clemence]

Does Windows 8 need antivirus Software

 

In Windows 8, Windows Defender replaces Microsoft Security Essentials.

 

Unlike older versions of Windows you are completely protected for all forms of malware in Windows 8 with Defender.

 

In the past Essentials protected you from viruses. Defender protected you from other forms of infections such as spyware or adware. Both programs are from Microsoft and free.

 

With Windows 8 both are rolled up into Defender and are free.

 

So with Windows 8 you have the complete antivirus, anti spyware, anti malware etc all rolled up into one package which is called Bitdefender in Windows 8.

 

Hi RandyL,

Thank you very much for your informative reply. Does this mean that Bitdefender is already up and running in a Windows 8 pc or does it need switching on or downloading, I ask because my laptop had Norton installed, (and I un-installed it).

Thanks again.

John.

[KenB]

hi John

 

Norton would have disabled Defender.

 

Take a look here at a tutorial I wrote to enable Defender

click here

[RandyL]

Does this mean that Bitdefender is already up and running in a Windows 8

Windows Defender and Bitdefender are two different things. Windows Defender comes preinstalled on Windows 8. However OEM machines usually have a third party antivirus like Norton installed. Those will turn of Defender. The bad part is that even though you uninstalled Norton, Defender does not automatically turn itself back on. You will have to manually enable it.

[RandyL]

You beat me to it Ken. As usual you gave a more complete answer. Nice link.

[john clemence]

Does Windows 8 need antivirus Software

 

Hi KenB and RandyL,

Thank you so much for your replies. What a great forum this is! I think it is fantastic that you guys freely give up so much of your time to offer help and advice to novices like myself. I really appreciate it and hopefully I might learn a little and be able to offer some advice myself one day.

Thanks again.

Regards,

John.

[KenB]

You are welcome John.

 

Stick around - we all started knowing very little :)