[Fuldagap]

Like some other members, I too haven't used an antivirus or anti malware since 2012 or so.

One software that I regularly use is CCleaner which gets rid of redundant files that build up over a period of time in Windows. I find it quite useful.

Except that, my laptop just has Windows, several browsers, VLC and nothing else.
Docs, PDF or any other work I do on Google Workspace or Microsoft 360, as is required.
With a good internet connection we really dont need too many softwares on the computers now and hence the antivirus softwares also seem redundant for a user like me.

No insertion of pen drives or any other devices from any person except my own phones sometimes.

[rrs1951]

Currently I’m using Bitdefender Total Security and I’m quite happy with it. I’ve also used Norton and Kaspersky in the past. Kaspersky was good, but it slowed down my system while the updates were going on. Norton was good. The reason why I changed over to Bitdefender is that it is much more cost effective.
Windows Defender is good enough if you don’t install/uninstall various softwares frequently.

[for_cars1]

... best anti-virus in 2024 for Windows 11? Any recommendations? ..

McAfee hands down, it is enterprice class and used in all employee's systems across most large IT organizations as a standard choice and would be my pick.
Have got it installed on my latest personal laptop running Win 11 and its running light and seamless as usual.

Investing in a good antivirus software is a must and a worthwhile investment especially on Windows platform

[NiInJa]

Haven't been using Antivirus softwares for a long time now. As other bhpians mentioned, an updated Windows Defender is just about good. I realized that the cost of getting a good antivirus software for individual PC is more than the getting licensed copies of softwares (instead of downloading cracked ones from internet), for example: Windows office student edition, Steam subscription for video games, and some other apps like basic photo editors.

Apart from these, we really don't need any other executables downloaded once the machine is setup. Back in the day, these executables files would be laced with viruses and plugging external usb drives would infect those.

Still, If you really need one, I think McAfee is good based on my past experience. Have a very bad experience with Norton, it would just bog the system down and the renewal process didn't go well back then.

[Flyingdutchman]

Originally Posted by GTO

Which is the best anti-virus in 2024 for Windows 11? Any recommendations?

Bitdefender is doing pretty great currently. They are relatively new in the game but snatched many CCNA SDE's from Cisco recently. Fresh talent, Innovative Product team. Their AI/ML division have many IITB/IITD guys. Their AMP is top tier.

Bottom-line? Go for this instead of more mainstream one's.

[Venkat_Figo]

The default anti-virus protection within Windows (Windows Defender) is all one needs. It's robust & works well in the background. As long as one avoids visiting suspicious websites, you are well covered with the default option.

[deathwalkr]

Originally Posted by Fuldagap

One software that I regularly use is CCleaner which gets rid of redundant files that build up over a period of time in Windows. I find it quite useful.

If memory serves me right, didn't ccleaner go through a rough patch with malware vulnerabilities some time back? Or am i thinking of some other software...let me google that.

[Fuldagap]

Originally Posted by deathwalkr

If memory serves me right, didn't ccleaner go through a rough patch with malware vulnerabilities some time back? Or am i thinking of some other software...let me google that.

Yes it did. I don't remember the year but it was around 2017-2018 I guess.
A lot of user data was stolen.
Piriform sold CCleaner to Avast and then it went south.

CCleaner used to be greatly useful on my Windows 7. Currently I'm on 11, I should uninstall it now, as it is probably not needed anymore. It is habit probably that has kept me using CCleaner on my laptop even today. I still find it useful, cleaning redundant files on and off but maybe I don't need it at all.

[NaXal]

Hello,

Modern threats are really complicated. They don't just target your PC but any and all devices having RAM / ROM / OS / Firmware.

Threat actors aren't doing it for fun rather, now days, it is about getting paid for their hard work to break security of a modern software. So their goals are completely different than previous fun projects of self-replicating, data destroying virus.

Modern mainstream Consumer OS, regardless of platform or company, comes really well protected when things are kept up to date & in their default settings and following the standard operating procedures.

So, as many have suggested, for Microsoft platform, default given "Windows Defender" is sufficient for majority of us.

Learn and use Virtualization

If your work requires anything more than default given security, consider running burner OS via Virtual Machines.

Every modern computer is capable of running VM and those guest machines are fully functional but completely separate from your main host machine. If something goes wrong, you can simply delete that VM and deploy another one. All while your main OS is absolutely safe from your actions on that VM.

Anti Virus on VM

You can have multiple VM and can install different AntiVirus on them. Activate the trial and use a full featured AVS for that long trial period. Once over, recreate the VM and install the trial for another long trial period.

Understand the Threat

Security is now really complicated than just buying the "best" antivirus. You need to understand your work, who you are and what is there to target in your life or digital life.

If you are rich and powerful, running large business, then it is better to hire a professional to analyze your life and work and then prepare a security plan and work routine for you.

Thanks.

[Sree]

What about Android phones? Do they require antivirus software? Nowadays, my laptop usage is almost nil, while my pixel contains all the banking apps.

[aspire]

I have ESET Smart security premium for many years, also have malaware bytes.

[NaXal]

Hello,

Originally Posted by Sree

What about Android phones? Do they require antivirus software? Nowadays, my laptop usage is almost nil, while my pixel contains all the banking apps.

Technically speaking, we need to shift our assumption and idea about security and stop relating that with only "AntiVirus"

Modern threats are way more complicated than just Virus vs AntiVirus battle.

Mobile Platforms are secure enough, unless you are side loading untrusted .apk from unknown sources. On top, most of the important apps like Financial / banking apps come with multiple layers of security like 2 factor authorization / biometric authentication and OTP based confirmation.

But that doesn't make it full proof since, some bad actor may ship a malicious software via seemingly trusted app with enough permission to take control of your device and perform remote operation activity without you noticing.

These are mainly targeted attacks. Happens to important individuals with lot of power or money at stake.

For Common Folks, strictly stick to trusted and well-known apps and stop clicking "allow all" blindly for approving permissions. Consider disabling critical permission like storage, screen overlay, sms/call access for apps after usage.

Thanks.