Should I dump Kaspersky AV?

Runner_Duck

My Kaspersky subscription is about to renew, should I renew it or rely on Windows Defender.  Would anyone recommend another programme?
Thanks

IvanOpinion

Assuming simple home use then there is no need to pay for antivirus software - just use Defender.

soolin

I was running McAffee for years until my DS asked me why I was paying out so much each year when the built in defender had improved so much. I was old school, been using PCs forever and just got in the habit of loading the antivirus immediately I bought a new set up.

I've been running now on Defender for several months, the best thing for me is I no longer get the irritating pop ups from McAffee telling me I need to upgrade to their super duper mega expensive services as scammers are getting brighter and can get round all normal anti virus packages. I always thought that a little counter intuitive telling me I needed to upgrade as their mid level (around £60 a year) policies were inadequate. 

wongataa

Use the free built in Defender.

ButterCheese

I use Avast free - but I don't know much about computers.  Would installing Avast inhibit the windows defender at all?  Am using Win11, just home use (no banking or browsing really as I only use it for music recording)

RumRat

ButterCheese said:

I use Avast free - but I don't know much about computers.  Would installing Avast inhibit the windows defender at all?  Am using Win11, just home use (no banking or browsing really as I only use it for music recording)

You don't need the Avast (free or otherwise). Uninstall it and just use defender.

HillStreetBlues

Microsoft Defender test results:Low detection scores from all independent test labs (3 Stars)
Avast test results:High-rated malware protection (5 Stars)

https://www.techradar.com/best/best-free-antivirus
I certainly wouldn't be removing Avast to be getting less protection.
A built in AV is great, it stops people from not using one, but there are better free ones out there than Defender.

HillStreetBlues

A bit more on Defender https://www.safetydetectives.com/blog/best-really-free-antivirus-for-windows/
 

  Why Windows Defender Isn’t Good Enough

    Your Windows computer already comes with Windows Defender (some newer Windows 10 and 11 computers call it “Windows Security” or “Microsoft Defender”) — which, as we saw in our full review, is a decent free antivirus. But the problem with Windows Defender is that it doesn’t include additional internet security protections. More to the point, there are other free tools that can work alongside Windows Defender to offer fuller protections.

    Plus, Windows Defender consistently ranks below the top antivirus scanners when it comes to malware detection (it’s offline detection rate is particularly disappointing). That’s why I always recommend keeping your PC as safe as possible with third-party antivirus software.

    All the free antiviruses listed here are better than Windows Defender. What’s more, they all work great with Windows. It varies between antiviruses, but most of the items on this list will selectively turn off portions of Windows Defender while leaving other features turned on. I don’t see any reason why you should exclusively rely on Windows Defender when there are free tools that complement it.

    Some of the free programs on my list feature extra cybersecurity protections. Avira Free Security for Windows is particularly generous with its free offerings, but even Avira’s free plan has some annoying limitations that don’t exist on its paid plans.

    In general, cybersecurity companies try to entice you with their free products, but they’re ultimately looking to convert you into a paying customer. If you’re looking for the best protection for all of your devices, you’ll need to pay for premium antivirus software.

IvanOpinion

The problem with reviews of antivirus programs is that they can only test them at a single point of time, reviews are like a snapshot. So, on any given day, or even any given hour, a different antivirus program may be the best or the worst. It is true though that Microsoft Defender is an antivirus, not a security suite, and the OP was about antivirus.

I have had hundreds of computers through my hands with many being reported as having had a virus. I can count on the fingers on one hand how many actually had a virus/trojan rest of the time the problems were caused by the users lack of knowledge.

spile

I wouldn’t recommend making a judgment call on one review. As said above, AV technology changes all the time. I moved from paid to built in AV many years ago.

400ixl

Defender and run Malwarebytes free version on a regular basis is more than good enough for most.

All need a good regime of not clicking on unknown links etc as the key element.