Do you need third-party security software, whether it be paid or free? Or is the security protection that comes built into Windows 10 good enough to keep your PC safe.
In years past, the performance of Windows built-in software in comparison to third-party products was so-so. However, these days, it’s a much different story.
In comparison tests with other security programs run in July and August of 2019 by AV-Comparatives, Windows built-in software knocked it out of the park.
Windows Security blocked 100% of exploits. The test consisted of 352 live test cases ), consisting of working exploits and URLs pointing directly to malware.
Third-party security software did great as well. AVG and AVAST blocked 99.4%, McAfee 99.7%, while Bitdefender, Symantec, and TrendMicro blocked 100%.
Microsoft did have 39 false positives, which is a bit high compared to most third-party software which tends to peak in the high teens.
Where Windows built-in software might fall short is in Malware removal in case some managed to get by and get on your PC. The last tests by AV_Compatatives were run in 2016 and Windows did not do as well as some third-party software, though adding a good, free malware removal program like Malwarebytes could take care of the issue.
Am I saying to dump your third-party security software? Not at all, if you’re happy with it, feel free to stick with it. Most of the software out there does a pretty good job. But so does Windows on its own.
If you’d like to check out all of the test results, click here: https://www.av-comparatives.org/tests/real-world-protection-test-jul-aug-2019-factsheet/