AVG Concerns

Swanseajack

Hi, my trusty old laptop has been covered by AVG security for a long time now. This may be contentious as articles I am reading indicate that I may not need AVG if I can run Windows Defender. However, I think I have understood correctly that the two cannot operate simultaneously. Meanwhile, I foolishly overlooked an email in my Junk folder from AVG back on 7 April that informed me my subscription was up for renewal on 7 June, and to ensure no delay in service (usual rubbish) that the payment would be taken on 7 May. So, this came as something of a shock to me upon checking my bank account today to discover AVG had taken out 60 odd quid. It seems pretty cheeky to apply for the money a month early, although I do note that the email states I may cancel the subscription for a full refund within 30 days. In essence, I don't know if that's something I should do. My pc usage is pretty minimal. I'm not a big downloader, I just use my pc for emails, browsing and composing basic Word documents. Can I get away with cancelling the subscription and doing away with AVG altogether? I'm currently running Windows 10 with an ongoing support package. I'm hoping to afford a new pc, but not until the Autumn. Any advice or knowledge would be appreciated. Thank you.

oldernonethewiser

Seems totally unecessary to be paying for AVG.

Vitor

Windows Defender is now fine, I would get the 60 quid back.

Swanseajack

Do you think so? Are you able to expand on why you think this to be the case? I'm the first to admit that I'm pretty green about such matters. All I know is that AVG run regular scans and would highlight any potentially unsafe websites. To the untrained eye, this appears to cover those elements that would possibly cause concern if they weren't covered. However, if someone were to say 'you don't need to pay AVG, because Windows Defender will do that for you, and/or a.n.other would do a better job etc, then I'd be pleased to go ahead and cancel AVG and consider an alternative means of online security.

oldernonethewiser

What broswer do you use? Many, if not all, nowadays will highlight any potentially unsafe websites so you wont even get to see one.

jaybeetoo

Uninstall AVG and then activate Windows Defender. You are currently wasting £60 a year.

mta999

You do not need AVG and if you need convincing simply Google 'do I need both AVG and Windows Defender'

gefnew

Use the avg removal tool when you remove it from your computer.

Install AVG on your PC, Mac | AVG installation files

Frozen_up_north

The Which? people recently did an AV review and found the free (yes free) version of Bitdefender worked better than the paid for version and better than the built-in Windows Defender. If you think Microsoft know less about Windows security than 3rd party AV vendors, by all means use a non Microsoft product, ie Bitdefender, and don't pay for it.

RumRat

Bitdefender works with Windows security really well. As said, the free version is more than ample for the vast majority of needs.

Swanseajack

Thanks for all your very helpful responses. Regarding the browser question, I use MS Edge. I will go ahead and cancel the AVG subscription and request a refund of my monies. I'll also take a look at Bitdefender, and make sure my Windows Defender is up and running once AVG is uninstalled. Thanks again.