Current recommendations: anti-virus software for Windows 11?

[RandomNumbers]

Is it even necessary to pay for additional anti-virus software for Windows 11 (pro version), or is it pretty well handled by the OS? I really never click links in emails or open any PDF I'm not expecting. I do worry about sketchy sites possibly coming up in search results.

I have a paid package that I'm not planning to renew (expiration coming soon). If you think I should still have add-on anti-virus, what are the best values currently?

[AZSkiffyGeek]

1. I haven't had any issues with the built-in Windows Defender

It seems like more and more the third party antivirus is just bloated and problematic.

[RandomNumbers]

2. Thanks, that agrees with what I've heard

Just looking for confirmation from some bright minds before pulling the plug.

[Voltaire2]

8. Exactly.

[pwb]

3. Sorry

I use a Mac and don't have to worry about that I am told.
So far so good.

[CrispyQ]

4. I ditched my "defender" package & trust Win 11 now.

It's only been a few weeks & so far so good. I used Norton for years but it got pretty costly so I switched to some crap bloatware last year & finally deleted it.

[Tetrachloride]

5. changing one's email is a help

[LuvLoogie]

6. I use Bitdefender

They have some pretty good bundle deals for an annual subscription. Some starter packages allow you to install on three different devices.

Edited to add. Still running Windows 10, though. Some packages allow installation on both Mac and Windows platforms.

[canetoad]

7. Since Win 10

I've used the inbuilt virus/malware on Windows, plus some additional add-ons for web browser which is mostly the origin of current risks.

I've had no problems whatsoever.

[TwilightZone]

9. As others have noted, built-in Defender is pretty solid.

It compares favorably to most paid-for AV programs.

For a little additional protection, install Malwarebytes Browser Guard in each browser you use. It's free and helps avoid those sketchy sites you mentioned.

https://www.malwarebytes.com/browserguard

[RandomNumbers]

10. Thanks for all who replied!

Sorry for not replying timely and individually - I got busy during the week. Sounds like the consensus is to avoid the bloatware and stick with the built in Windows protection. I like the Malwarebytes suggestion also - I have used that before. Mostly I use DuckDuckGo as a browser and I think that handles a lot of the browser issues. But it might be worth it to protect the other browsers for when I want to or have to use those.

Thanks again for the help!