Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Usually, no: most Windows 10 and 11 users do not need Malwarebytes and another real-time antivirus running together. Windows already includes Microsoft Defender Antivirus, and Microsoft recommends against running multiple real-time antivirus or antispyware products at once. Malwarebytes Free is intended for cleanup scans, while Malwarebytes Premium Security is an ongoing real-time product—so whether you need it depends on the protection you want, not simply on having an antivirus installed.
What protection does Windows already provide?
Windows 10 and Windows 11 include Microsoft Defender Antivirus. You can manage it through the Windows Security app, which provides virus and threat protection settings, security intelligence updates, and scan options. Microsoft says another real-time antivirus is not required by default. A compatible third-party antivirus can automatically turn Microsoft Defender Antivirus off, so having both products installed does not necessarily mean both are protecting the PC in real time.
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Microsoft recommends not running other antivirus or antispyware products at the same time as Defender, citing possible performance or installation and update problems. On-demand scanners are different: they run when you request or schedule a scan rather than continuously. See Microsoft’s antivirus and antimalware FAQ and its guide to Virus and Threat Protection in Windows Security.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →What is the difference between Malwarebytes Free and Premium Security?
Malwarebytes Free
Malwarebytes describes its Free product as a cleanup tool for an existing infection. It can be useful when you want to run a scan on demand, but that role is not the same as continuous real-time protection.
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- AWARD WINNING Antivirus, anti-malware, anti-spyware & more
- 24/7 REAL TIME PROTECTION against emerging malware threats, including ransomware and viruses- without slowing you down.
- PROTECTS YOUR DEVICES ON MULTIPLE PLATFORMS: Get cyber protection for your computers, smartphones, or tablets- Compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, iOS
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- UNMATCHED THREAT DETECTION: We found malware on 40 percent of devices that already had a third-party antivirus installed.
Malwarebytes Premium Security
Malwarebytes describes Premium Security as ongoing protection. Its product page lists real-time threat protection, ransomware defense, harmful-site defense, and malware cleanup. Those are the vendor’s feature descriptions, not an independent comparison showing that every user needs the paid product or that it is categorically better than Defender. See Malwarebytes’ product information for its current description.
Can Malwarebytes run alongside Windows Defender or another antivirus?
Do not assume two real-time products will coexist without problems. Microsoft advises against running multiple antivirus or antispyware products at the same time. Malwarebytes also documents possible conflicts when its software is installed alongside another antivirus: one app may be blocked or stop working, internet access may be lost, or the PC may show a blue screen. Malwarebytes suggests reciprocal allow-listing in some cases, but says an incompatible product may need to be removed. Its guidance is not a guarantee that allow-listing will resolve every conflict; consult its compatibility guidance.
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- Malwarebytes Premium: Available for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android and Chromebook. 24/7 real-time protection against emerging threats
- Malwarebytes Browser Guard: Available for Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari. Removes annoying ads that follow you around. Blocks third-party ad trackers that collect your data. Helps protect against tech support and online scams. Blocks malicious web pages, stops in-browser cryptojackers.
- Malwarebytes Privacy: Available for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android. Next-gen, no-log VPN to protect your online digital footprint. Secure public Wi-Fi connections. One-click, intuitive UI to manage your online privacy. 500+ servers in 40+ countries.
If you install a third-party real-time antivirus, check Windows Security to see which provider is active instead of assuming Defender is still operating as the primary real-time engine. Follow the current instructions from both vendors. If protection is disabled or a compatibility warning appears, resolve it promptly: Microsoft warns that a device can be vulnerable if Defender is disabled and no other security product is protecting it.
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How to check protection and scan a Windows PC
- Check the active provider: Open Start > Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection in Windows 11. In Windows 10, open Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection. Review the protection status and provider shown there.
- Run a scan if you are concerned: In Windows Security, open Virus & threat protection, choose Scan options, select a scan type, then choose Scan now. Options include a quick scan, full scan, and Microsoft Defender Offline scan, which restarts the device into a separate recovery environment.
- Follow the result: Review the security app’s findings and remediation prompts. If an issue persists, use the provider’s current support guidance rather than adding another real-time antivirus and assuming that will fix it.
Windows Security also includes settings such as cloud-delivered protection and ransomware controls, including Controlled folder access. Microsoft’s guides explain the available scan and protection settings and how to protect a PC from unwanted software.
Rank #3
![Malwarebytes Standard, Premium Software | 5 Device 1 Year (Windows, Mac OS, Android, Apple iOS, Chrome) [software_key_card]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41u7YlqSaAL._SL160_.jpg)
- AWARD WINNING Antivirus, anti-malware, anti-spyware & more
- 24/7 REAL TIME PROTECTION against emerging malware threats, including ransomware and viruses- without slowing you down
- PROTECTS YOUR DEVICES ON MULTIPLE PLATFORMS: Get cyber protection for your computers, smartphones, or tablets- Compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, iOS devices
- DOWNLOAD AND INSTALL INSTANTLY
- UNMATCHED THREAT DETECTION: We found malware on 40 percent of devices that already had a third-party antivirus installed
What should you do for everyday protection?
- Keep Windows, browsers, apps, and security intelligence up to date.
- Download apps from sources you trust, and pay attention to warnings about potentially unwanted software.
- Use a regularly updated antivirus and check Windows Security if you change providers.
- Choose an additional real-time product only if its features or support meet a specific need; avoid stacking real-time engines without checking compatibility and which product is active.
Microsoft’s practical advice emphasizes updates, trusted downloads, and using Windows Security’s scan options. There is no basis here for claiming a particular detection-rate advantage for Malwarebytes or Defender.
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- REAL-TIME PROTECTION Advanced security protects against existing and emerging malware threats, including ransomware and viruses, and it won’t slow down your device performance.
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