Paid Antivirus Is Largely Optional for Windows Users in 2026, Engadget Reports
Engadget says Microsoft Defender now provides strong built-in protection, leaving paid antivirus suites useful mainly for extras such as VPNs, scam warnings and family controls.
The report traces the shift from the early Windows era, when malware and viruses were risks users had to avoid and resolve themselves and products from McAfee, AVG and Norton became common installs. Microsoft has included built-in antivirus protection since Windows 8 launched in 2012. Defender took time to mature: in AV-Test’s May-June 2015 testing, it scored 0.5 out of six for protection quality, Engadget said. By AV-Test’s July-August 2026 results, Defender earned the full six points and detected 100 percent of threats in both real-world attack and widespread malware tests, compared with industry averages of 99.9 percent and 100 percent. Engadget noted independent testing does not guarantee users will have the same experience.
In Windows 11, Microsoft Defender Antivirus is a core part of Windows Security. It scans the PC automatically, checks files and apps when accessed, and receives regular security updates, the report said. Users can also scan a file on demand by right-clicking it and choosing Scan with Microsoft Defender, or run a quick scan through Virus & threat protection in the Windows Security app.
Engadget said paid security suites can still help in some cases. The threats Windows users face in 2026 include fake login pages designed to steal passwords, scam emails that demand payment for invoices and fake security pop-ups that tell users to call a phone number. Third-party subscriptions bundle anti-scam tools, VPNs, password managers and other features. Malwarebytes advertises ransomware and anti-exploit protection in its paid plan. Norton’s 360 Deluxe plan includes a VPN, parental controls and 50GB of cloud backup storage. Such plans often cover a family and include apps for smartphones and other devices.
The report said these extras are not useless. A full security suite could help someone who struggles to spot scams and online dangers, and a good VPN can add protection for data online, especially if it blocks ads and trackers. The question is whether subscribers will use the included tools, and Engadget said many likely will not.
Malwarebytes’ free app is good as a second-opinion scanner, and combined with round-the-clock Microsoft Defender protection, users do not need to pay extra for solid coverage on a PC, according to the report. People who want a VPN or password manager can find dedicated, more reliable options; Engadget’s review of Norton VPN found it lacking compared with others.
Browsers also provide free protection. Microsoft Edge has SmartScreen, which checks websites for reports of phishing or malware and warns users about potentially dangerous downloads, Engadget said. The report added that security software is only one part of online safety.
Engadget advised users not to keep paying for antivirus software out of habit. It said people who pay for a full suite should consider how many extras they actually use, since browser add-ons and maintenance utilities can add bloat to a system. Free versions of third-party antivirus tools can also be a nuisance, with constant pop-ups about minor issues or prompts to upgrade, the report said.