Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Yes. Microsoft Defender Antivirus is built into Windows 10 and provides antivirus protection, so you do not need another antivirus just to have antivirus protection. But Defender does not replace Windows security updates: Windows 10 Home and Pro reached end of support on October 14, 2025. Unless your PC is covered by Extended Security Updates (ESU), it no longer receives normal Windows security fixes.
What Defender protects—and what it cannot fix
Microsoft describes Defender Antivirus as providing real-time, behavior-based, and heuristic protection against malware and other threats. It also uses cloud-delivered protection and receives security intelligence updates. Keep protection active and updates current; Microsoft’s overview explains the protection layers in Windows security book – Virus and threat protection.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Antivirus updates and Windows operating-system updates are different. Defender can help detect threats, but its security intelligence cannot patch a vulnerability in Windows itself. Microsoft’s guidance distinguishes Defender security intelligence and product updates from Windows servicing: Microsoft Defender Antivirus security intelligence and product updates and support.
Windows 10 support status depends on the edition
For Windows 10 Home and Pro, version 22H2 was the final general-release version, and support ended October 14, 2025. Microsoft lists the dates and lifecycle details on its Windows 10 Home and Pro lifecycle page. This date should not be applied automatically to every Windows 10 edition; LTSC and IoT editions can have different lifecycles.
#1 Best Overall
![Norton 360 Premium 2027 Antivirus, 10 Devices, Auto-Renews [Download]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41JNWru8mYL._SL160_.jpg)
- ONGOING PROTECTION Download instantly & install protection for 10 PCs, Macs, iOS or Android devices in minutes!
- TOP-PERFORMING VPN Faster speeds, more server locations, and greater connection control to protect your privacy across all your devices, including Smart TVs.
- ADVANCED SCAM PROTECTION Help spot hidden scams online. With the built-in Genie AI assistant, you’ll never wonder if a message or email is suspicious again.
- 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.
- DARK WEB MONITORING Identity thieves can buy or sell your information on websites and forums. We search the dark web and notify you should your information be found.
Microsoft’s separate lifecycle page lists October 15, 2025 as the end date for the Windows Defender component for Windows 10 and says it follows the lifecycle of its parent product: Windows Defender for Windows 10 lifecycle. Microsoft also describes Defender Antivirus as part of Windows 10 devices enrolled in ESU after end of support. The available lifecycle information does not establish that every configuration or enrollment state will receive identical Defender platform, engine, or signature support indefinitely.
Options if you are still using Windows 10
| Path | What it addresses | What it does not provide |
|---|---|---|
| Keep Defender enabled and updated | Built-in antivirus protection, including real-time protection and Microsoft’s described behavior-based and heuristic protections. | Missing Windows operating-system security fixes after end of support. |
| Enroll an eligible device in Windows 10 ESU | Critical and important security updates for an eligible enrolled PC. Microsoft says consumer ESU can protect Windows 10 through October 12, 2027. | A permanent extension of Windows 10 support, new features, or full technical support. |
| Move to a supported Windows version | A supported operating-system path, if the PC meets the requirements for that version. | Automatic eligibility; check hardware compatibility for the specific computer. |
| Replace the PC if necessary | A way to move to a supported operating system when the current hardware cannot run one. | A requirement for everyone asking whether they need a second antivirus. |
How ESU fits into the decision
Microsoft says the Windows 10 Extended Security Updates program gives enrolled customers the option to receive security updates after end of support. Consumer ESU is a temporary bridge for eligible enrolled devices, with protection stated through October 12, 2027; it does not restore feature updates or full support. See Microsoft’s current Windows 10 Extended Security Updates program details for eligibility and enrollment instructions.
Rank #2
- THREAT DETECTION – Stay one step ahead. Suspicious links, risky sites, viruses, and scams, caught automatically before they reach you.
- PERSONAL INFO PROTECTION – Keep your personal info safer. Identity monitoring watches for your exposed info and tells you what to do about it.
- SECURE CONNECTIONS – Just a few easy clicks, and we'll automatically protect your info on public Wi‑Fi, every time you connect.
- GUIDED ACTION – Know what matters and what to do next. Clear alerts and simple guidance make it easy to take action.
- MORE THAN ANTIVIRUS – Scam protection, identity monitoring, VPN, web protection, and antivirus work together to protect you, all in one place.
Choose a path based on whether the PC is enrolled in ESU, whether it can run a supported Windows version, how long you need to keep it, and the cost of that transition. Do not assume that installing another antivirus enrolls the device in ESU or supplies operating-system patches.
What to do next
- Check the edition and version. Confirm whether the PC runs Windows 10 Home or Pro 22H2, or another edition with its own lifecycle.
- Check ESU coverage. If you need to keep using Windows 10, confirm eligibility and enrollment using Microsoft’s ESU program information.
- Keep Defender active and current. Antivirus protection is useful, but it does not substitute for OS security fixes.
- Plan a supported operating system. Check whether the PC is compatible with Windows 11 or plan another device transition if it is not.
Microsoft’s support notice explains the end of support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025.
Quick Recap
Best Value
![Norton 360 Deluxe 2027 Antivirus, 3 Devices, Auto-Renews [Download]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41qw3FS3qLL._SL160_.jpg)
- ONGOING PROTECTION Download instantly & install protection for 3 PCs, Macs, iOS or Android devices in minutes!
- TOP-PERFORMING VPN Faster speeds, more server locations, and greater connection control to protect your privacy across all your devices, including Smart TVs.
- ADVANCED SCAM PROTECTION Help spot hidden scams online. With the built-in Genie AI assistant, you’ll never wonder if a message or email is suspicious again.
- 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.
- DARK WEB MONITORING Identity thieves can buy or sell your information on websites and forums. We search the dark web and notify you should your information be found.
Rank #4
- NEVER WORRY about losing important files and photos again! With 25GB of secure online storage, you know your files are safe and sound.
- KEEP YOUR COMPUTER RUNNING FAST with our system optimizer. By removing unnecessary files, it works like a PC tune-up, so you can keep working smoothly.
- Our PASSWORD MANAGER by Last Pass creates, encrypts, and saves all your passwords, so you only have to remember one.
- As the #1 TRUSTED PROVIDER OF THREAT INTELLIGENCE, Webroot protection is quick and easy to download, install, and run, so you don’t have to wait around to be fully protected.
- STAY PROTECTED EVERYWHERE you go, at home, in a café, at the airport—everywhere—on ALL YOUR DEVICES with cloud-based protection against viruses and other online threats.
Rank #3
- THREAT DETECTION – Stay one step ahead. Suspicious links, risky sites, viruses, and scams, caught automatically before they reach you.
- PERSONAL INFO PROTECTION – Keep your personal info safer. Identity monitoring watches for your exposed info and tells you what to do about it.
- SECURE CONNECTIONS – Just a few easy clicks, and we'll automatically protect your info on public Wi‑Fi, every time you connect.
- GUIDED ACTION – Know what matters and what to do next. Clear alerts and simple guidance make it easy to take action.
- MORE THAN ANTIVIRUS – Scam protection, identity monitoring, VPN, web protection, and antivirus work together to protect you, all in one place.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
