Everyone thinks that Windows PCs are insecure and vulnerable to any type of virus or malicious software. This was probably true with the old versions of the Microsoft operating system, but with Windows 10 the steps forward in terms of security are such as to avoid installing a new antivirus on our computer, since the system is able to defend itself against thanks to the tools made available by Microsoft. To this we add that viruses are now mainly aimed at data theft and forced access to user accounts rather than the destruction of the operating system (which has become increasingly difficult to apply.
In this guide we will show you how to protect your Windows computer without antivirus, taking advantage of what Windows 10 offers and some valid tools to be used on the browser to navigate safely.
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How to protect your PC without antivirus
In the following chapters we will show you the tools built into Windows and the best tools we can install to avoid installing a classic antivirus on our computer; we remind you that Windows Defender is already present on Windows 10, an excellent antivirus integrated in the system that will automatically intervene when we run into some threat (always better then leave it active, so as to be able to stop the most dangerous threats), while on other systems more dated (Windows 7 and Windows 8.1) it may be necessary to install some additional tools to ensure maximum security.Choose a safe and updated browser
To surf the Internet we use the browser, which in fact is the "door" for the entry of new threats into the system. In order to protect the PC without antivirus, we must therefore choose a good browser, constantly updated and with the latest findings in terms of security; currently the best browser in this sense is Google Chrome, available for free for any Windows operating system still supported by Microsoft.
By installing this browser we will have advanced integrated security systems: control of visited links, control of downloaded files, a separate sandbox for each process and various optimizations to prevent the execution of automatic code (capable of infecting the system simply by visiting a modified page, without even clicking!). Obviously we can further increase the security of Google Chrome by adding extensions designed to increase security .
Alternatively we can use Mozilla Firefox as a secure browser or rely on Microsoft Edge, the new browser in Windows 10 with advanced security systems (to be used if we do not want or can install new programs on our computer). Avoid using Internet Explorer, especially on Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 : it is not a secure browser.
Constantly update the operating system
In order to be able to withstand the attacks of a new virus, an operating system must be constantly updated, especially if we use Windows. Although for years many users have been "trained" to disable automatic updates (considered a waste of time), in our day we absolutely must have a PC that is always up to date in order to have even a chance of victory against malware.On Windows 10 this is extremely easy, since automatic updates are active by default and difficult to disable (in fact we can only postpone them); to check for new updates, simply open the Settings app, go to Update and security -> Windows Update and click Check for updates .
On Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 we will have to open the Start menu, search for Windows Update and click on the Change settings item, so we can set the automatic update.
Remember that the system update is also the only way to be able to update Microsoft Edge: if we use this browser we must make system updates regularly.
If updates don't start or aren't downloaded, we recommend reading our guide on how to fix Windows Update errors if your system doesn't update .
Use a sandbox
An IT sandbox is a "safe space" in which downloaded programs of dubious origin or which can act as a gateway for viruses (browsers) are loaded. If a sandboxed program asks for access to system files, they are duplicated and virtualized, so that (in case of infection) the malware can only damage the virtualized file, being unable to exit the sandbox.The sandbox is included in Google Chrome for all active processes, but if we use Microsoft Edge we can activate the system sandbox by going to the path Settings -> Update and security -> Windows Security -> App and browser control and clicking on Install Windows Defender Application Guard .
To learn more about the use of Windows Defender Application Guard, we can read the article on how to Activate Application Guard in Windows 10, the armored and risk-protected browser .
To activate the new Windows 10 sandbox, which can be used with any installed program, please read our guide on How to Use a Virtual Desktop in Windows 10: how to activate the Sandbox .
If we use Windows 7 and Windows 8.1, we can use dedicated sandbox programs, such as those recommended in our guide on how to create a sandbox where to run dangerous programs .
Use an anti-ransomware
One of the most dangerous threats of today are ransomware, that is, viruses that block the PC and encrypt files and folders, asking for a ransom in exchange for being able to return the PC to working and unlocked. Instead of giving in to these blackmail, we can prevent the action of a ransomware by protecting our personal folders with the anti-ransomware system built into Windows 10.To activate it, go to the Settings -> Update and security -> Windows security -> Virus and threat protection path and click on Manage ransomware protection .
In the window that appears, activate the button under the Controlled folder access section, then click on the Protected folders item to configure the folders to be protected from any type of ransomware attack.
If we use Windows 7 and Windows 8.1, we can integrate the anti-ransomware system by choosing from the recommended programs in our guide to the best anti-ransomware .
Conclusions
It is possible to defend yourself effectively against computer viruses, just add a little attention when we surf the Internet and take advantage of all the tools made available by Microsoft to protect yourself effectively.If we want to periodically scan our PC for some hidden computer threats, we recommend you read our guide to the best online antivirus scan for PC, free and without installation . If, on the other hand, we want to learn how to avoid threats on the Internet, we can continue reading our article on How to protect your PC from viruses on the Internet .
