Antivirus software sits in that weird category of “things you know you should care about but would rather not think about.” If you’re using Windows, you’ve probably noticed it already comes with antivirus built in.
So, do you actually need anything else?
Short answer: For most small businesses, yes - it’s good enough.
Longer answer: It’s good enough when it’s set up properly, kept updated, and supported by a few smart habits.
Let’s unpack that.
Windows Antivirus has come a long way
If you still think of “Windows Defender” as that flimsy app from the early 2010s, think again. These days it’s called Microsoft Defender Antivirus, and it’s a whole different beast.
It updates several times a day, blocks most known malware, and ties in with Windows features like SmartScreen, controlled folder access, and cloud-based threat detection.
Independent tests now rate it alongside, and sometimes ahead of, paid antivirus software.
So yes, it’s genuinely capable. For most small-business setups running modern Windows, it handles the heavy lifting just fine.
So why do people still buy antivirus?
Old habits die hard. Some folks just feel safer when they’ve paid for something with “Premium Protection” stamped on the box. Others get sucked in by bundles full of “extras”:
- Password managers
- VPNs
- Parental controls
Now, a good password manager is absolutely worth having - just not bundled inside your antivirus. Go with something dedicated like 1Password, Bitwarden, or NordPass. As for the rest? Think about whether you actually need them, or if it’s just a subscription you’ll forget to cancel.
Beware the “free trial” trap
New laptops love to come with bonus software pre-installed, especially antivirus trials. You fire up the machine, and suddenly you’re getting cheery pop-ups about “Your protection expires in 10 days!”
Before you click “Activate,” take a breath. Check what it is, who made it, and what happens when that trial ends.
Some “free” tools come with strings attached - ads, data collection, or auto-renewals that quietly charge your credit card next quarter. Others just switch off after 90 days and leave you exposed.
And don’t trust antivirus installers bundled with “free” software downloads - that’s how you end up with mystery icons multiplying in your system tray.
Where Microsoft Defender still needs backup
No antivirus, not even Microsoft’s, can stop everything.
Most real-world breaches don’t happen because someone “caught a virus.” They happen because someone clicked a dodgy link, reused a password, missed a patch, or fell for a convincing email.
That’s why your best defence isn’t just software — it’s people, process, and keeping things up to date.
Windows Defender is one piece of the puzzle, but not the whole picture.
Your quick Microsoft Defender health check
If you’re sticking with the built-in option (and for most small businesses, that’s a smart call), take five minutes to make sure it’s running at full strength:
- Turn on real-time protection
Go to Start Menu > Windows Security > Virus & Threat Protection and confirm that real-time protection is on. - Enable cloud-delivered protection
This allows Defender to use Microsoft’s global threat database to detect new attacks faster. - Keep automatic sample submission on
Helps Microsoft identify new malware strains across its global network. - Check for regular updates
Windows Updates include Defender updates, so keeping your system patched keeps your antivirus sharp. - Review your exclusions
Avoid whitelisting entire folders or drives unless you absolutely need to as it can leave hidden gaps.
BrightShield automatically checks these Microsoft Defender settings across all your team’s computers, so you can be confident everything’s set up and protected the way it should be.
The verdict
If you’re a small business running up-to-date Windows devices with modern security practices, Microsoft Defender is absolutely good enough.
You don’t need to pay for a fancy suite that promises to “boost your protection”. You just need to use what you already have properly, and back it up with good habits:
- Turn on MFA
- Keep software patched
- Train your team
- Back up important data
That’s real-world security: simple, effective, and within reach of every business.