A practical baseline for securing a Windows PC
Most home PCs don't get compromised through some elaborate exploit — they get compromised through a skipped update, a reused password, or an installer that quietly bundled adware. This page lays out a baseline that handles the common cases before you even think about which extra tool to add.
Start with what Windows already gives you
Windows Security is built into Windows 10 and 11 and provides real-time antivirus protection, a firewall, and device encryption options out of the box. Keeping it turned on and updated is the foundation everything else sits on top of.
Layer in updates and account hygiene
- Turn on automatic Windows Update so security patches install promptly
- Use a unique password for each important account, ideally via a password manager
- Enable multi-factor authentication wherever it's offered, especially for email and banking
- Keep your browser and its extensions updated, and remove extensions you no longer use
Where a scanner like Malwarebytes fits in
Built-in protection is strong but not infallible, particularly against adware and potentially unwanted programs bundled into free software installers. That's the gap Malwarebytes for Windows is often used to fill: a periodic or continuous second layer that catches what a resident antivirus alone sometimes misses. Our free-vs-premium comparison can help you decide whether an occasional manual scan is enough or whether real-time protection is worth adding.
Habits that matter more than any single tool
Be skeptical of unsolicited attachments and links, avoid downloading software from anything other than the official source, and back up important files somewhere a ransomware infection couldn't reach, such as an external drive kept disconnected most of the time.
Frequently asked questions
Is Windows Security enough on its own?
For many users, yes, as long as updates stay current and basic account hygiene is followed. Adding a periodic scan with a tool like Malwarebytes covers gaps around adware and unwanted programs.
What's the single most impactful security habit?
Keeping the operating system and browser updated closes the door on the vulnerabilities most malware actually relies on.
Do I need real-time protection from more than one vendor?
Running two full real-time antivirus engines simultaneously can cause conflicts; most setups do better with one resident antivirus and an on-demand secondary scanner.
Malware-Bytes.net is an independent information resource about malware protection for Windows. We are not Malwarebytes, and this site is not the official Malwarebytes website or support channel. Malwarebytes is a trademark of Malwarebytes Inc.