Using Windows antivirus software

I’ve been getting a lot of questions about antivirus software for Windows. Because antivirus software is essential for safety, it’s important to know how it works.

Here are some answers: Once Windows 7 is no longer supported by Microsoft, will antivirus software be enough to protect our PCs?

Starting in January 2020, Windows 7 will no longer receive security updates from Microsoft.

If new Windows 7 security flaws are discovered after that, no antivirus program will be enough to protect your PCs. You will need to upgrade to a newer operating system to be safe.

For several years, I’ve been using the Windows 10 Defender antivirus program as well as Malwarebytes Premium. But now my PC seems to be slowing down. Does that mean these two programs conflict?

Malwarebytes Premium is an unusual case because it has been upgraded to act as a full-fledged antivirus program. As a result, you should check to make sure that Windows Defender turned itself off when that upgrade occurred.

In the Windows 10 search box, search for “virus,” then click on “virus and threat protection,” then click on “virus and threat protection settings.”

If the switch icon below “real-time protection” is on, Windows Defender is still running. Move the switch to off. If it doesn’t stay off, reinstall Malwarebytes Premium and check Defender again.