Do I need antivirus on new laptop?

Clairabella

I've just bought a new Windows 10 laptop. I read Martin's article 'Free Antivirus Software' and tried to install Avast. I got the message 'You're already protected against viruses and other cyber threats with Windows security.' and it wouldn't let me go further. Please can someone advise if additional antivirus is necessary?  The laptop is only used for surfing the net, emails, banking, online purchasing and FaceBook (stalking the kids).

parcival

No, you do not require anything further. The inbuilt Windows 10 security features are all you need. This did not used to be the case but these have improved greatly in Windows 10.

HereToday

You can also protect yourself against Microsoft defaults: https://wpd.app

Clairabella

Thank you both. 

So, if I do want to install software such as Calibre, do I just turn off the firewall then turn it back on afterwards? Doesn’t that defeat the object?  This Windows antivirus seems to want me to install only app from MS store. 

neilmcl

Clairabella said:

Thank you both. 

So, if I do want to install software such as Calibre, do I just turn off the firewall then turn it back on afterwards? Doesn’t that defeat the object?  This Windows antivirus seems to want me to install only app from MS store. 

What's "Calibre"?

Are you sure you're not running Windows 10 S?

DCFC79

neilmcl said:

Clairabella said:

Thank you both. 

So, if I do want to install software such as Calibre, do I just turn off the firewall then turn it back on afterwards? Doesn’t that defeat the object?  This Windows antivirus seems to want me to install only app from MS store. 

What's "Calibre"?

Are you sure you're not running Windows 10 S?

E book software I believe.

Clairabella

Yes, Calibre is ebook software so you can organise your library. I don’t know which Windows I have, just Windows 10 that came already on the laptop. 

dogmaryxx

Open Windows Settings / Click Apps /  Make sure you have anywhere in box   

neilmcl

Clairabella said:

Yes, Calibre is ebook software so you can organise your library. I don’t know which Windows I have, just Windows 10 that came already on the laptop. 

Can you share a link to the laptop you purchased. With the way you mentioned not being able to install software other than via the Microsoft Store would suggest you have Windows 10 S rather than "full" Windows 10.

Type Settings in the Windows search bar or open the Windows Start Menu and scroll down to Settings. Then select System and scroll down the left hand bar and click About. It should tell you which version of Windows you're running.

[Deleted User]

I don’t bother with Anti virus. Microsoft technical support ring me every so often and sort my computer out. 

I am joking by the way 😁

moneysaver1978

Windows is much better now but someone told me that it was good practice to set up 2 separate accounts - one with admin, the other standard/restricted and use the latter for every day use.

Use admin user for any administrative tasks like installing, etc.