Do I need paid antivirus for Windows?
Answer first
For most people the protection built into Windows is enough. In independent tests it scored full marks for protection in June 2026.
An independent laboratory tests security products regularly. In its June 2026 Windows 11 test, Microsoft Defender scored 6/6 for protection alongside ten other products.
No antivirus stops every scam message, the disclosure of credentials or the installation of a remote-access tool at a scammer’s request. Unique passwords, two-factor authentication and an independent check are needed alongside it.
Paid packages often sell you ten features when you use one. The price is a monthly instalment, so it looks small. Work it out for a year.
If you have already bought the program, using it is not a mistake. The question is whether to renew it.