Ensuring the security of our Windows computers has been a habit for many of us since the first day we started using these devices. However, the most followed methods in this regard, especially antivirus recommendations, may have lost their validity today. Whether to use antivirus applications, which brands to choose, and for which platforms they are necessary are frequently discussed in the technology world. However, as of 2025, some antivirus advice is old and erroneous. There are many myths on this subject that can lead to unintended consequences.
Myth: Using Antivirus Software on Windows is Mandatory
This thought was true for the early days of Windows, where the operating system was a security nightmare. Microsoft struggled to fully ensure security until modern versions. However, since Windows 8, the operating system has had its own built-in antivirus solution. Without you needing to do anything extra, this system works in the background providing real-time protection and silently keeps virus definitions up to date while you use your computer.
Whether to trust this built-in solution is up to you. You might be used to a specific security software like Norton or Avast, trust it more, or want to benefit from its extra features. Nevertheless, there is no need to worry when giving a computer equipped with default Windows security settings to a basic user.
Myth: Antivirus Software Slows Down the Computer
This is another myth that had some truth in the past. For example, in the Windows XP era, third-party antivirus software that came with computers would annoy the user by sending constant notifications and consume system resources by scanning incessantly. Although modern antivirus applications use some system resources today, they do not slow down your computer noticeably like in the past.
Of course, the fact that the systems we use today are much more powerful and the software is coded more efficiently is also an important factor in this situation. A slight drop in performance may occur during scanning, but this will not be as pronounced as before. Additionally, it should be noted that third-party antivirus software can slow down when scanning large files. If these files are content you trust, such as a media archive, you can use the option to exclude these files from scanning in your antivirus program’s settings.
Myth: Only Windows Needs Antivirus
This is another myth that is still frequently heard. Of course, since Windows is more widespread, it constitutes a larger target and therefore faces more threats. However, other operating systems such as macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android can also be affected by malware. Malicious software such as viruses, rootkits, ransomware, trojans, or worms are threats to all platforms. Although it is said that Mac computers do not need antivirus, it is not well known that macOS actually has a built-in antivirus system called XProtect. Similarly, even though Linux systems are more resistant to viruses, this does not mean that you should neglect security measures or think that these systems are impenetrable.
Myth: I Should Regularly Perform Manual Virus Scans
This practice was necessary in the past, but it is no longer a necessity for modern antivirus programs. In the past, we had to open the program, press the scan button, and wait for the results. Today (unless you are using an open-source solution), the real-time scanning feature works silently in the background, constantly monitoring your system against malware threats.
All antivirus software, including Windows’ own security tool, offers a manual scan option that you can use when you want to check a specific folder or an external drive. However, in general use, situations where you need to manually scan your system regularly are quite rare.
Myth: The Only Thing I Need is Antivirus Software
Many users think they are protected against all threats when they install antivirus software. However, while the antivirus program is an important shield, it does not create a force field against malware on its own. In fact, your antivirus software is your last line of defense in the security chain. Therefore, you should keep your computer up to date by checking Windows Update regularly for bug fixes, security patches, and other improvements that increase your system’s resistance. Updating your UEFI/BIOS for advanced security features is equally important.
One of the most overlooked and unupdated system settings is the BIOS. Although updating the BIOS can sometimes be troublesome, make sure to keep it up to date along with your other applications and hardware drivers. You should also secure your online activities using two-factor authentication (2FA), passkeys, and end-to-end encrypted services like Proton. For example, a Proton account offers services such as Proton Mail, Calendar, Drive, VPN, Docs, and an encrypted Bitcoin wallet all in one.
Myth: I Don’t Need Antivirus
Some users think they are experienced enough not to need an antivirus program. Another group believes that by simply being careful, even the slightest performance increase gained by not using antivirus is valuable. However, viruses are not transmitted only by clicking on a suspicious email attachment or visiting an unreliable site. There are numerous processes and services running in the background on your computer that you are unaware of. Additionally, zero-day vulnerabilities that have not yet been patched in a browser or another application can leave computers vulnerable to attacks. Therefore, simply being careful does not provide sufficient protection on its own.