When it comes to computer security, there are many options available to protect your system from malware and other threats. Windows Defender is a built-in security software provided by Microsoft for Windows operating systems, while McAfee is a popular antivirus program that offers comprehensive protection.

So, can McAfee and Windows Defender run together on your system? The short answer is yes, but there are some things you should keep in mind. By default, Windows Defender automatically turns off when it detects another antivirus program on your computer. This is to prevent any conflicts or performance issues that may arise when running multiple antivirus programs simultaneously.

However, if you prefer to use both McAfee and Windows Defender, you can make some adjustments to your settings. One option is to disable real-time protection in Windows Defender, allowing McAfee to handle the task of scanning and monitoring your system for threats. This way, you can still benefit from the additional features and protection that both programs offer.

It’s important to note that running multiple antivirus programs can potentially cause compatibility issues and may result in decreased system performance. Therefore, it’s recommended to regularly update and maintain only one antivirus program to ensure optimal protection for your computer.

Can McAfee and Windows Defender run together?

Many users wonder if they can run McAfee and Windows Defender simultaneously on their computers. Both McAfee and Windows Defender are antivirus software programs designed to protect your computer from various threats, including viruses, malware, and other malicious software.

While it is technically possible to run McAfee and Windows Defender together, it is generally not recommended. Running two antivirus programs simultaneously can cause conflicts and performance issues on your computer. These programs may conflict with each other and cause false positive detections, slowing down your system, or even potentially leading to system crashes.

Windows Defender is the default antivirus software that comes pre-installed with Windows operating systems, including Windows 10. It offers basic protection against malware and other threats. However, it may not provide the same level of comprehensive protection as third-party antivirus software, such as McAfee.

Mcafee is a popular antivirus software that offers advanced protection features and additional security tools. It provides real-time scanning, firewall protection, email and web protection, and more. Some users prefer to use McAfee alongside Windows Defender to enhance their overall security.

If you decide to use both McAfee and Windows Defender together, it is essential to configure them correctly to avoid conflicts. You should disable real-time scanning in one of the programs to prevent them from overlapping and conflicting with each other. However, keep in mind that running two antivirus programs simultaneously may still impact your system’s performance and stability.

Ultimately, the choice between using McAfee or Windows Defender, or both, depends on your personal preferences and specific security needs. It is crucial to regularly update and maintain whichever antivirus software you choose to ensure the best possible protection for your computer.

Important note: Before installing McAfee or any other antivirus software, make sure to uninstall any existing antivirus programs from your computer to prevent conflicts and ensure proper functionality.

Why you may need both?

Windows Defender and McAfee are both reliable antivirus programs that provide essential protection against malware and other security threats. While it is possible to run both of them together on your computer, it is important to understand why you may need to do so.

Firstly, having both Windows Defender and McAfee running simultaneously can provide an extra layer of security. While one program may detect and block certain threats, the other program might be able to catch any malware or viruses that the first program missed. This can greatly enhance your overall protection and minimize the chances of your computer being compromised.

Secondly, some users prefer to use both antivirus programs as a precautionary measure. They believe that having multiple programs scanning their system can increase the chances of detecting any potential threats. This is especially useful when faced with advanced or new types of malware that one program may not be able to effectively detect.

Lastly, using both programs can be a good temporary solution while you transition from one antivirus program to another. For example, if you are switching from McAfee to Windows Defender, running both programs together for a short period of time can help ensure that your computer remains protected during the transition period.

However, it is important to note that running two antivirus programs simultaneously can potentially cause conflicts and performance issues on your computer. Therefore, it is recommended to use such a setup only when necessary and under the guidance of a professional.

In conclusion, running both Windows Defender and McAfee together can provide an added layer of security, increase the chances of detecting threats, and serve as a temporary solution during transitions. However, it should be done carefully to avoid conflicts and performance issues.

Compatibility concerns

When it comes to running McAfee and Windows Defender together, there can be compatibility concerns. Both antivirus software have their own set of features and may conflict with each other if they are both actively running on a system.

McAfee is a robust antivirus program that offers comprehensive protection against various types of malware and cyber threats. On the other hand, Windows Defender is the built-in antivirus software for Windows operating systems.

Running both McAfee and Windows Defender simultaneously can lead to performance issues and conflicts in resource allocation. The two programs may constantly scan the same files, resulting in a slowdown of the system.

Furthermore, having two antivirus programs active at the same time increases the likelihood of false positives and can cause confusion in detecting and removing threats. This can lead to a less effective security solution overall.

It is generally recommended to choose one antivirus program and disable or uninstall the other to avoid compatibility issues. If you prefer using McAfee, it is advisable to disable the Windows Defender real-time protection or set an exclusion for McAfee in Windows Defender settings.

Always remember that having one antivirus program that is regularly updated and properly configured is more effective than having multiple conflicting programs running simultaneously. This ensures that your system stays protected without compromising performance.

In conclusion, to avoid any potential compatibility issues, it is best to run only one antivirus program at a time. Choose the one that suits your needs the most and ensure that it is regularly updated for optimal performance and protection.

Installation steps for using both

McAfee and Windows Defender are both popular antivirus software programs that provide protection against various types of threats. While it is generally not recommended to run two antivirus programs simultaneously due to conflicts and performance issues, it is technically possible to use McAfee and Windows Defender together if you configure them correctly.

Step 1: Check compatibility

Before attempting to install both McAfee and Windows Defender, make sure that they are compatible with your operating system. Visit the official websites of both programs to verify their compatibility and system requirements.

Step 2: Install McAfee

Start by installing McAfee antivirus software on your computer. Follow the instructions provided by the installer to complete the installation process. Make sure that McAfee is fully updated before proceeding to the next step.

Step 3: Disable real-time protection in McAfee

Open the McAfee user interface by double-clicking on its icon in the system tray.
Navigate to the settings or preferences section and find the real-time scanning or real-time protection option.
Disable the real-time scanning or real-time protection feature in McAfee.

Step 4: Enable Windows Defender

Windows Defender is the built-in antivirus software in Windows operating systems. By default, it should be enabled on your computer. However, if it is disabled, you can enable it by following these steps:

Open the Windows Security app by clicking on the Start menu and searching for “Windows Security”.
In the Windows Security app, click on “Virus & threat protection”.
Under “Virus & threat protection settings”, click on “Manage settings”.
Toggle the switch to the “On” position to enable Windows Defender.

Step 5: Configure exclusions

To ensure that McAfee and Windows Defender work together without conflicts, it is important to configure exclusions. Exclusions prevent each program from scanning files that are being monitored by the other program. Follow these steps to configure exclusions:

Open the McAfee user interface and go to the settings or preferences section.
Find the “Exclusions” or “Excluded files and folders” option.
Add the necessary exclusions for Windows Defender, which may include its program files and system folders.
Open the Windows Security app and go to “Virus & threat protection settings”.
Click on “Add or remove exclusions” and add the necessary exclusions for McAfee, which may include its program files and system folders.

After completing these steps, both McAfee and Windows Defender should be running together on your computer. However, keep in mind that running two antivirus programs simultaneously may cause performance issues and conflicts. It is recommended to regularly update and scan your computer with both programs to ensure maximum protection against threats.

Pros and Cons of Using Both

Using both McAfee and Windows Defender together can have its advantages and disadvantages. Here are some pros and cons to consider:

Pros	Cons
Enhanced Security: Both McAfee and Windows Defender are reputable antivirus programs that offer different sets of features. By using both, you can have an extra layer of protection against various threats.	Potential Software Conflicts: Running two antivirus programs simultaneously can sometimes lead to conflicts. Certain operations or scans may slow down your computer or cause errors.
Complementary Features: McAfee and Windows Defender have unique capabilities that can complement each other. For example, Windows Defender may focus more on real-time protection, while McAfee may offer more advanced malware detection tools.	Duplicated Resources: Running both antivirus programs can consume more system resources, such as CPU and RAM. This can result in slower performance and decreased efficiency.
Additional Protection: Sometimes, a single antivirus program may miss certain threats. By using both McAfee and Windows Defender, you increase your chances of catching various types of malware.	Confusing Interface: Having two separate antivirus programs installed may result in a more complex user experience. It can be challenging to navigate and manage settings for both programs.

Ultimately, the decision to use both McAfee and Windows Defender depends on your specific needs and preferences. It is essential to consider the potential benefits and drawbacks before running them simultaneously.

Performance impact

When running McAfee and Windows Defender together, there may be a noticeable impact on system performance. Both antivirus programs run continuous background scans and utilize system resources, which can result in slower performance, especially on older or less powerful machines.

Having two antivirus programs simultaneously running can also lead to conflicts, as they may detect each other’s processes as potential threats and attempt to block or disable them. This can cause system instability and further decrease overall performance.

It is generally recommended to choose one antivirus program and disable or uninstall the other to ensure optimal performance and minimize the risk of conflicts and system slowdowns. If you decide to run both McAfee and Windows Defender together, closely monitor system performance and consider upgrading hardware if necessary.

Features comparison

When considering whether McAfee and Windows Defender can run together, it is important to compare the features of both software to understand how they differ:

Real-time scanning: McAfee offers real-time scanning feature to detect and block malware in real-time, while Windows Defender also provides real-time scanning capabilities to protect your system from threats.
Firewall protection: McAfee provides a robust firewall feature that monitors network traffic and blocks unauthorized access, whereas Windows Defender has a built-in firewall that offers basic protection against network-based attacks.
Malware detection: McAfee uses signature-based detection, behavioral analysis, and machine learning algorithms to identify and eliminate various types of malware. Windows Defender also employs similar methods to identify and remove malware from your system.
Safe browsing: McAfee includes a secure web browsing feature that warns users about potentially dangerous websites and blocks access to them. Windows Defender also provides safe browsing protection to prevent users from visiting malicious websites.
Phishing protection: McAfee offers advanced phishing protection to safeguard users against fraudulent websites or emails attempting to steal personal information. Windows Defender also provides basic phishing protection.

While both McAfee and Windows Defender offer similar features, McAfee provides more advanced capabilities and additional layers of protection. However, running both McAfee and Windows Defender simultaneously may cause conflicts and performance issues on your system. It is generally recommended to choose one antivirus software and disable the other to avoid any compatibility issues.

Can they conflict?

Many users wonder if McAfee and Windows Defender can run together on their Windows operating system. While it is technically possible to have both antivirus programs running simultaneously, it is generally not recommended.

Windows Defender is the built-in antivirus software provided by Microsoft for all Windows operating systems. It offers basic protection against common threats and is designed to work seamlessly with the Windows operating system.

McAfee, on the other hand, is a popular third-party antivirus software that provides more advanced features and protection. It is commonly used as an alternative to Windows Defender by those who prefer its additional functionality.

However, running both McAfee and Windows Defender together can cause conflicts and performance issues. Both antivirus programs may attempt to perform similar tasks simultaneously, resulting in system slowdowns and potential false positives. Additionally, having two antivirus programs running at the same time can increase the risk of compatibility issues and conflicts.

It is generally recommended to choose one antivirus program and disable or uninstall the other to avoid these potential conflicts. While having multiple layers of protection may seem like a good idea, it can often lead to more harm than good.

Disabling Windows Defender when using McAfee

If you decide to use McAfee instead of Windows Defender, it is important to disable Windows Defender to avoid conflicts. Here are the steps to disable Windows Defender:

Open the Windows Security app by clicking on the Windows Start menu and typing “Windows Security”.
Click on Virus & Threat Protection in the Windows Security app.
Click on Manage Settings under the “Virus & Threat Protection Settings” section.
Turn off the toggle switch under the “Real-time Protection” section to disable Windows Defender.

After disabling Windows Defender, you can proceed to install and configure McAfee as your primary antivirus software.

Conclusion

While it is technically possible to run McAfee and Windows Defender together, it is generally not recommended due to potential conflicts and performance issues. It is best to choose one antivirus program and disable or uninstall the other to ensure optimal protection and system performance.

Best practices for running both

Many users wonder if they can run McAfee and Windows Defender together on their systems. While it is technically possible to run both antivirus programs simultaneously, it is generally not recommended to have multiple real-time antivirus programs running simultaneously. This is because having two active antivirus programs can cause conflicts and performance issues, as they may interfere with each other’s processes and definitions.

However, there are some best practices you can follow if you still want to have both McAfee and Windows Defender installed on your computer:

1. Disable real-time protection on either McAfee or Windows Defender

Having two real-time antivirus programs working simultaneously can lead to resource conflicts and slower system performance. To avoid this, choose to use one program as your primary antivirus and disable real-time protection on the other.

2. Use McAfee as your primary antivirus

McAfee is a robust antivirus program that offers comprehensive protection against various threats. It is advisable to use McAfee as your primary antivirus and disable the real-time protection feature in Windows Defender.

Note: Make sure you keep both McAfee and Windows Defender up to date with the latest virus definitions to ensure optimal protection against new threats. McAfee should be regularly updated through its built-in update feature, while Windows Defender can be updated through Windows Update.

3. Regularly perform full system scans

Both McAfee and Windows Defender offer the ability to perform full system scans. It is essential to regularly schedule full system scans to detect and remove any potential threats that might have slipped through real-time protection.

4. Disable Windows Defender if using McAfee Security Suite

If you are using a McAfee Security Suite, it is recommended to disable Windows Defender completely. McAfee provides comprehensive protection against various threats, and running both can cause unnecessary conflicts.

By following these best practices, you can ensure that you have both McAfee and Windows Defender installed on your computer without experiencing conflicts or performance issues. Remember to always keep your antivirus programs up to date and perform regular system scans to ensure optimal protection against threats.

Updating and maintaining both

Running McAfee and Windows Defender together is possible, and it can provide an added layer of security to your system. However, it is important to update and maintain both programs regularly to ensure optimal performance and protection.

Updating McAfee

To keep McAfee up to date, you can enable automatic updates within the program settings. This will ensure that the software receives the latest virus definitions and security patches. Additionally, regularly check for updates manually to ensure the most recent protection.

It is also essential to keep your McAfee subscription active and renew it on time. An active subscription ensures that you have access to the latest updates and features from McAfee.

Note: While updating McAfee, make sure to close any open programs and save your work to avoid any interruptions during the update process.

Updating Windows Defender

Windows Defender can be updated through Windows Update, which is an integral part of the Windows operating system. Make sure to enable automatic updates in Windows to ensure that Defender receives the latest security updates.

Regularly check for updates manually as well to ensure that your Windows Defender remains up to date. Additionally, enable the real-time protection feature in Defender to scan files and programs as you access them, providing real-time security against malware and other threats.

A strong and up-to-date combination of McAfee and Windows Defender can help protect your system from various online threats. Regularly updating and maintaining both programs will ensure that you have the latest security features and enhancements.

Can you disable one?

Yes, you can disable either Windows Defender or McAfee if you want to run only one of them. However, it is important to note that having both antivirus programs disabled can leave your computer vulnerable to malware and other security threats.

If you have McAfee installed and want to disable Windows Defender, you can do so by following these steps:

Open the Start menu and search for “Windows Security”.
Click on “Windows Security” to open the Windows Security app.
In the app, click on “Virus & threat protection” in the left-hand menu.
Under the “Virus & threat protection settings” section, click on “Manage settings”.
Toggle off the switch for “Real-time protection”.

After following these steps, Windows Defender will be disabled and McAfee will become the active antivirus program on your computer.

On the other hand, if you want to disable McAfee and run only Windows Defender, you can do so by following these steps:

Open McAfee by double-clicking on its icon in the system tray.
Click on the gear icon in the top-right corner to open the settings.
In the settings menu, click on “Real-Time Scanning” in the left-hand menu.
Toggle off the switch for “Real-Time Scanning”.

After disabling McAfee’s real-time scanning, it will be turned off and Windows Defender will be the active antivirus program on your computer.

Remember, it is generally recommended to have only one active antivirus program running on your computer. Running multiple antivirus programs simultaneously can cause conflicts and degrade the overall performance of your system.

Is it worth using both?

Many people wonder if it is possible to use McAfee and Windows Defender together on their computer systems. Although both programs are designed to protect against malware and other online threats, it is not recommended to run both antivirus programs simultaneously.

Running both McAfee and Windows Defender at the same time can lead to conflicts and performance issues, such as high CPU usage and slow system performance. Both programs could potentially interfere with each other’s scanning processes and cause false positive or false negative detections. Additionally, having two antivirus programs constantly running in the background can consume valuable system resources and slow down your computer.

Windows Defender, which comes pre-installed on Windows operating systems, provides a basic level of protection and is designed to work seamlessly with the Windows operating system. It is continuously updated by Microsoft to defend against the latest threats. On the other hand, McAfee offers more advanced features and additional layers of protection, making it a popular choice among users.

Instead of running both programs simultaneously, it is generally recommended to choose one antivirus program and disable or uninstall the other. This will ensure optimal performance and avoid conflicts. If you decide to use McAfee as your primary antivirus program, make sure to disable or turn off Windows Defender to prevent any potential conflicts.

Pros of using McAfee:

Advanced features and customization options
Additional layers of protection
Regular updates and support

Cons of using both McAfee and Windows Defender together:

Potential conflicts and performance issues
Higher CPU usage and slower system performance
Possible interference with scanning processes
Increased resource consumption

In conclusion, while it is technically possible to run both McAfee and Windows Defender together, it is not recommended due to the potential conflicts and performance issues that may arise. It is best to choose one antivirus program that meets your needs and ensure it is properly configured for optimal performance.

What experts say

Experts in the field of antivirus software and computer security have differing opinions on whether McAfee and Windows Defender can run together on a Windows operating system.

Some experts believe that it is not advisable to run both McAfee and Windows Defender simultaneously. They argue that having two antivirus programs running at the same time can cause conflicts and performance issues on a computer. This is because both software programs are designed to carry out similar tasks, such as scanning for and removing malware.

On the other hand, there are experts who argue that running both McAfee and Windows Defender can provide an added layer of security. In their view, McAfee and Windows Defender can complement each other by utilizing different scanning techniques and databases to detect and remove malicious software. This can enhance the overall protection against security threats.

However, it is important to note that running both McAfee and Windows Defender together may not always be possible or recommended. Some antivirus programs, including McAfee, may automatically disable Windows Defender during the installation process. This is done to prevent conflicts and ensure smooth operation of the antivirus software.

In conclusion, while there are varying opinions among experts, it is generally recommended to choose one reliable antivirus program, either McAfee or Windows Defender, and use it as the primary security solution for your Windows operating system. This will help maintain system performance and minimize conflicts between software programs.

Troubleshooting common issues

If you are running McAfee and Windows Defender together, you may encounter some common issues that can affect the performance of your computer. Below are some troubleshooting steps to help you resolve these issues:

1. Performance Slowdown: Running both McAfee and Windows Defender simultaneously can result in a slowdown of your system. To resolve this issue, try disabling one of the antivirus programs temporarily and see if the performance improves. If the issue persists, consider uninstalling one of the programs.

2. Conflict Detection: Windows Defender may detect McAfee as a potential threat or conflicting software. This could lead to false positives or interference with the functioning of both programs. To resolve this, update McAfee and Windows Defender to their latest versions and ensure that both programs have the necessary exclusions set up to avoid conflicts.

3. Real-time Protection: To avoid conflicts between McAfee and Windows Defender, disable real-time protection on either one of the programs. Running real-time protection simultaneously can cause conflicts and impact the overall security of your system.

4. System Updates: Running McAfee and Windows Defender together can sometimes interfere with system updates. If you are experiencing issues with installing updates, try disabling one of the programs temporarily and attempt the update again. Ensure that both programs are updated regularly to avoid compatibility issues.

5. Firewall Conflicts: Both McAfee and Windows Defender have their own firewalls, which can create conflicts when running together. Disable either McAfee or Windows Defender firewall to prevent network connectivity issues and ensure smooth operation.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve common issues when running McAfee and Windows Defender together on your Windows system. Remember to regularly update both programs and consider the necessity of using both antivirus programs simultaneously.

What to do if you encounter compatibility issues?

If you encounter compatibility issues while running McAfee and Windows Defender together, there are a few steps you can take to resolve the problem:

1. Update McAfee and Windows Defender

Make sure that both McAfee and Windows Defender are running the latest versions. Updates often include bug fixes and improvements that can help address compatibility issues.

2. Configure Exclusions

If you continue to experience compatibility issues, you can try configuring exclusions in both McAfee and Windows Defender. Exclude certain files or folders from being scanned by either antivirus program to prevent conflicts between the two.

3. Disable Real-Time Protection

If the compatibility issues persist, you can try disabling real-time protection in either McAfee or Windows Defender. However, keep in mind that disabling real-time protection may leave your system more vulnerable to threats, so use this option with caution.

4. Contact McAfee or Microsoft Support

If none of the above steps work, it is recommended to reach out to the customer support of McAfee or Microsoft for further assistance. They may be able to provide specific guidance or a workaround for the compatibility issues you are facing.

Remember that running McAfee and Windows Defender together is generally not recommended as they can conflict with each other. It is advisable to choose one antivirus program and fully uninstall the other to ensure optimal performance and protection for your system.

Customer reviews and experiences

Many customers have shared their experiences with running McAfee and Windows Defender together and have provided helpful reviews.

Review 1:

“I was skeptical at first about running McAfee and Windows Defender together, but I decided to give it a try based on the positive reviews I read. I have been using both for several months now, and I must say, I am impressed. My computer has never been more secure.”

Review 2:

“At first, I thought running two antivirus programs at the same time would slow down my computer, but that wasn’t the case. McAfee and Windows Defender work seamlessly together, providing double protection without any noticeable impact on performance. I feel confident knowing my device is well-protected.”

Review 3:

“Running McAfee and Windows Defender together has been a game-changer for me. I used to worry about malware and viruses slipping through the cracks, but not anymore. Together, these programs catch threats that they might have missed individually. I highly recommend using them both.”

Review 4:

“I’ve been using McAfee for years, but when I heard about the compatibility with Windows Defender, I decided to try it out. It’s nice to have an extra layer of security without having to sacrifice system resources. McAfee and Windows Defender complement each other perfectly.”

Please note that everyone’s experience may vary. It is always recommended to do thorough research and consult with an IT professional before making any changes to your antivirus setup.

Alternatives to using both

While it is not recommended to run McAfee and Windows Defender together, there are alternative options that users can consider to ensure their computer is protected from threats.

Choosing one antivirus program

One alternative to using both McAfee and Windows Defender is to choose one antivirus program and stick with it. Both McAfee and Windows Defender are robust antivirus solutions that provide adequate protection against malware and other threats. By selecting one, users can avoid the conflicts that may arise from running both simultaneously.

Supplementing with additional security measures

Another alternative is to supplement the chosen antivirus program with additional security measures. This can include regularly updating the operating system, using a firewall, and employing safe browsing practices. By implementing these measures, users can enhance their computer’s security and compensate for not running both McAfee and Windows Defender.

While McAfee and Windows Defender are both reputable antivirus solutions, it is generally not recommended to run them together. Users can choose one or explore alternative options to ensure their computer remains protected.

Pros	Cons
Choosing one antivirus program allows for better compatibility and fewer conflicts.	Users may have to forfeit some specific features that are unique to one antivirus program.
Supplementing with additional security measures provides added protection.	Users need to be proactive in implementing and maintaining these measures.
Alternative options avoid conflicts and ensure optimal performance.	Some users may prefer the added security of running both antivirus programs.

Вопрос-ответ:

Can I use McAfee and Windows Defender together?

Yes, you can use McAfee and Windows Defender together. However, it is generally not recommended as running multiple antivirus programs simultaneously can cause conflicts and performance issues.

Will having both McAfee and Windows Defender improve my computer’s security?

Having both McAfee and Windows Defender running at the same time may provide an extra layer of security, but it is not necessary. Windows Defender is a built-in antivirus program in Windows 10 that offers a decent level of protection on its own.

Are there any compatibility issues between McAfee and Windows Defender?

There may be compatibility issues between McAfee and Windows Defender, especially if both programs are running real-time scanning. It is advisable to only have one active antivirus program to avoid conflicts.

Is it possible to disable Windows Defender if I have McAfee installed?

Yes, it is possible to disable Windows Defender if you have McAfee installed. You can do this by going to the Windows Security settings and turning off the real-time protection feature.

Which antivirus program is better, McAfee or Windows Defender?

The choice between McAfee and Windows Defender depends on personal preference. Both programs offer reliable antivirus protection, but McAfee is a paid software with additional features, while Windows Defender is free and already built into Windows 10.

Can McAfee and Windows Defender be installed on the same computer?

Yes, you can install both McAfee and Windows Defender on the same computer. However, it is generally not recommended to run two antivirus programs simultaneously as they may conflict with each other and cause performance issues.

Will running McAfee and Windows Defender together provide better protection?

Running McAfee and Windows Defender together may provide additional layers of protection, but it is not necessary. Both programs offer robust antivirus and security features on their own, and running them together may lead to conflicts and system slowdowns. It’s generally recommended to use one reliable antivirus solution and keep it updated for optimal protection.