Phones, computers & home
Do I still need antivirus on Windows, Mac or my phone?
For years the advice was simple: buy antivirus. Today, Windows, macOS, iPhone and Android all include solid protection out of the box. Whether you need more depends on how you use your devices, and for businesses it’s a different question altogether.
The short version
Short answers
- Windows: built-in Microsoft Defender is a good baseline at home.
- Mac: built-in protections are good, keep macOS updated.
- iPhone: no antivirus app needed.
- Businesses: use centrally managed protection you can monitor.
What’s already built in
| Device | Built-in protection | Do you need more at home? |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 10 and 11 | Microsoft Defender Antivirus, SmartScreen, firewall | Usually not, if Defender is on and Windows is updated |
| Mac | XProtect, Gatekeeper and notarisation checks, firewall | Usually not, if macOS is updated |
| iPhone and iPad | Apps are sandboxed and only come from the App Store | No. iPhone “antivirus” apps can’t scan other apps |
| Android | Google Play Protect scans apps | Usually not, if you only install apps from Google Play |
These built-in tools update automatically with your system, which is one more reason updates matter.
When extra security software can help
- You often download software from outside official app stores.
- Several family members, including children, share one computer.
- You want extras like parental controls, identity monitoring or a bundled password manager, and the product is from a reputable company.
- You run an older system that no longer gets updates (better to replace it, but extra protection helps in the meantime).
If you buy one, choose a well-known product, install it from the official website, and don’t run two antivirus products at once.
What matters more than antivirus
Most attacks today don’t rely on viruses. They rely on people. These habits protect you far more than any app:
- Keeping devices and apps updated
- Using unique passwords and two-step verification
- Not installing software because a caller, pop-up or message told you to
- Downloading apps only from official stores and websites
- Backing up your files
Watch out for fake security warnings
Pop-ups saying your computer is infected and you must call a number or buy software are scams. Close the browser. Real security software doesn’t ask you to call a hotline. See our tech support scams guide.
For businesses
Home-style antivirus isn’t enough for a business. You need protection that someone can manage and monitor across every device:
- Endpoint detection and response (EDR), such as Microsoft Defender for Business (included in Microsoft 365 Business Premium), which detects suspicious behaviour, not just known malware.
- Central management, so you can see which devices are protected, up to date and raising alerts.
- Someone watching the alerts, whether that’s your IT person or a managed service provider.
Check your protection is on
- Windows: open Windows Security and check Virus & threat protection shows no actions needed.
- Mac: keep Software Update set to install security responses and system files automatically.
- Android: open the Play Store, tap your profile, then Play Protect, and check it’s on.
Common questions
Is free antivirus from other companies better than Defender?
Defender regularly performs well in independent tests. Some free products add ads, upsells or data collection. For most home users, Defender is the simpler choice.
Do Macs get viruses?
Macs can be affected by malware, though less often than Windows. Keeping macOS updated and installing apps from trusted sources is the best protection.
I got a “your iPhone is infected” message. Is it real?
No. It’s a web page scam. Close the tab and don’t install anything it suggests.
Sources
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. If you think you’ve lost money or personal information, contact your bank and the services named above straight away.
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Want a hand with this at work?
These guides are free to use. If your business wants help putting the checks, accounts and devices in place, our team can do it with you.