{"id":4248,"date":"2026-01-06T08:49:36","date_gmt":"2026-01-06T07:49:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.batteriedeportable.com\/guides-et-conseils\/second-antivirus-windows-11-2025\/"},"modified":"2026-01-06T08:49:36","modified_gmt":"2026-01-06T07:49:36","slug":"second-antivirus-windows-11-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.batterylaptop.co.uk\/guides\/second-antivirus-windows-11-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"The age of cyber risk: do you really need a second antivirus for Windows 11 in 2025?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Faced with an increasingly aggressive and professional threat landscape, the question of security redundancy on Windows 11 is more relevant than ever. The operating system includes a complete defence suite, but is it enough to counter the sophisticated attacks targeting individuals and businesses?<\/span><\/p>\n

Deciding whether a third\u2011party antivirus is a luxury or a necessity<\/b> will depend on how you assess the risks linked to your day\u2011to\u2011day digital usage.<\/span><\/p>\n

We will break down the built\u2011in protections in Windows 11 and the specific benefits that external security suites bring in 2025.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. The foundations of Windows 11 security<\/span><\/h2>\n

Microsoft\u2019s operating system is designed to work with its own integrated defence, Microsoft Defender, which is a <\/span>fully fledged antivirus program<\/b>. This solution constantly monitors your computer to detect and neutralise viruses, spyware, Trojans and ransomware.<\/span><\/p>\n

Alongside this, Windows includes other vital defence systems:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  • A firewall that acts as a gatekeeper for network communications.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • SmartScreen, which analyses the reputation of downloaded files and websites you visit.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Advanced protection functions at system level (kernel isolation).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    This combination of tools provides a <\/span>very robust first layer of security<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

    2. How Microsoft Defender measures up to 2025 standards<\/span><\/h2>\n

    Microsoft\u2019s antivirus is no longer the weak link it once was. Tests by independent organisations (AV\u2011Comparatives, AV\u2011Test) now rank it as a <\/span>very effective solution among free antiviruses<\/b>, capable of competing with many paid products when it comes to detecting known threats. Its low impact on system resources is particularly welcome.<\/span><\/p>\n

    However, there are scenarios where Defender shows its limits:<\/span><\/p>\n

      \n
    • A <\/span>less responsive level of protection<\/b> against threats that appear in real time (<\/span>zero\u2011day<\/span><\/i>).<\/span><\/li>\n
    • A lack of <\/span>privacy protection<\/b> features (encryption, VPN).<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Email filtering capabilities and <\/span>anti\u2011phishing mechanisms<\/b> that are less precise than those in paid suites.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n