Q: Is Windows Defender enough to stay protected?

It depends on what you mean by “enough”. Windows Defender offers some decent cybersecurity protection, but it’s nowhere near as good as most premium antivirus software . Windows Defender is fine if you’re just looking for basic cybersecurity protection. But if you have a lot of sensitive information on your device which might attract hackers — banking info, login details, private files — then no, it’s not “enough”. Windows’s antivirus has some serious problems in terms of online security, multi-device protection, poor-quality updates, and malware protection. You can read more about my analysis of Defender’s security offerings here .

Q: Can Windows Defender remove malware?

Yes. If Windows Defender detects malware, it will remove it from your PC. However, because Microsoft doesn’t update Defender’s virus definitions regularly, the newest malware won’t be detected. Relying on Windows Defender as your sole antivirus puts your entire PC at risk of infection. While there are better free antiviruses out there, no free antivirus can offer the kind of guaranteed malware protection that the best anti-malware software can. If you’re looking for the best malware protection and internet security tools, a premium antivirus like Norton is much more capable.

Q: Does Windows have built-in phishing protection?

Mostly, yes. Microsoft’s SmartScreen is designed to protect Microsoft Edge users from a wide range of online cybersecurity threats, including phishing emails and malicious sites which attempt to steal your personal information. However, if you’re using a different browser, like Chrome or Firefox, the SmartScreen browser extension honestly isn’t worth installing — it doesn’t detect phishing sites as accurately as Google and Mozilla’s built-in detection. If you’re looking to improve your web security, McAfee provides superior phishing detection for all major browsers, as well as a “Smart Firewall” and a fast VPN to keep your browsing 100% anonymous.

Q: Is Windows Defender free?

Yes. Windows Defender is automatically installed for free on all PCs that have Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, or Windows 11. You can also upgrade to Microsoft 365 Personal or Family to extend your protection to Mac, iOS, or Android — but it’s honestly not worth doing. Again, there are better free Windows antiviruses out there, and again, no free antivirus is going to provide the kind of protection that you will get with a full-featured premium antivirus .

Q: Should I replace Windows Defender with another antivirus?

Microsoft’s Windows Defender just isn’t good enough, though it’s a lot closer than it’s ever been to competing with third-party internet security suites. In terms of malware detection, it often ranks below the detection rates offered by top antivirus competitors . In terms of system performance, Defender’s scans take longer and cause more slowdown than most third-party antiviruses. And finally, in terms of essential security features, Defender is severely lacking. Using Windows Defender as a standalone antivirus is much better than not using any antivirus at all. But it still leaves you vulnerable to ransomware, spyware, and advanced forms of malware that can leave you devastated in the event of an attack. I recommend one of the following options: Option 1: Choose a better free antivirus to replace Windows Defender. If you’re on a really tight budget and you can’t afford a paid antivirus, there are a few free antivirus products that are significantly better than Defender. I like Bitdefender’s free antivirus the best. But it’s important to remember that all free antiviruses have limitations that premium antiviruses don’t have. Option 2: Optimize your PC’s protection with a premium antivirus. No free antivirus will offer you 100% protection, and Windows Defender has repeatedly shown to be vulnerable to malware, ransomware, and spyware. It doesn’t cost a lot of money to keep you and your PC safe, so investing a few bucks a month in a premium internet security suite is hands-down the best way of protecting yourself and guaranteeing your cybersecurity.

Q: Can I use Windows Defender with another antivirus?

You can, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Windows Defender’s protections can conflict with third-party antivirus software, inhibiting the software’s ability to scan and detect malware. Using Windows Defender in combination with another antivirus program can act as an extra layer of protection, but my advice is to choose a reliable antivirus that offers complete Windows protection and disable Windows Defender’s malware scanning modules to prevent any conflicts. Note that in most cases, when installing a third-party antivirus on your PC, Windows will automatically disable Windows Defender — either putting it into passive mode or disabling its protections entirely. But it’s always best to make sure that Windows Defender’s protections are correctly disabled after you’ve installed a third-party antivirus, like Norton .

Q: How to scan for malware using Windows Defender?

Scanning for malware with Windows Defender is easy. Here’s how to perform a scan on the latest versions of Windows: Open Windows Security: Click the Start button, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Windows Security , and select Virus & threat protection . Choose a scan type: Under “Current threats”, you can choose from a quick scan, full scan, or custom scan. A quick scan targets common areas in your system where malware might hide, a full scan checks your entire system, and a custom scan lets you pick a specific file or folder to check for malware. Start the scan: Click the Scan now button. Note: If you’ve chosen a full or custom scan, follow the on-screen instructions here to initiate the scan. Review results: Once the scan is complete, Windows Defender will display the results. If threats are found, you’ll be guided on how to remove or quarantine them. However, I recommend getting a premium antivirus like Norton for full protection. If you have a premium antivirus, these instructions still apply, but from Virus & threat protection, you’ll be instructed to open up your premium antivirus app.

Q: What do you use a VPN for?

You can use a VPN for many different reasons . These include protecting your data when you surf the web, accessing streaming sites when you travel abroad, securing your P2P traffic, and improving your gaming experience. VPNs can also circumvent firewalls that restrict your online access, and prevent your ISP from throttling your bandwidth.

Question 1

Is Windows Defender enough to stay protected?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you mean by “enough”. Windows Defender offers some decent cybersecurity protection, but it’s nowhere near as good as most premium antivirus software.

Windows Defender is fine if you’re just looking for basic cybersecurity protection. But if you have a lot of sensitive information on your device which might attract hackers — banking info, login details, private files — then no, it’s not “enough”. Windows’s antivirus has some serious problems in terms of online security, multi-device protection, poor-quality updates, and malware protection. You can read more about my analysis of Defender’s security offerings here.

Question 2

What is Windows Defender SmartScreen? Should I disable it?

Accepted Answer

Windows Defender SmartScreen is Defender’s real-time and phishing protection. If you try to download a malicious file or visit a dangerous website, Windows Defender SmartScreen will stop the download or prevent you from opening the site. It’s essential protection but will automatically turn off if you have a reliable alternative antivirus installed with better real-time and phishing protection, such as Norton 360.

Question 3

Can Windows Defender remove malware?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If Windows Defender detects malware, it will remove it from your PC. However, because Microsoft doesn’t update Defender’s virus definitions regularly, the newest malware won’t be detected. Relying on Windows Defender as your sole antivirus puts your entire PC at risk of infection.

While there are better free antiviruses out there, no free antivirus can offer the kind of guaranteed malware protection that the best anti-malware software can. If you’re looking for the best malware protection and internet security tools, a premium antivirus like Norton is much more capable.

Question 4

Does Windows have built-in phishing protection?

Accepted Answer

Mostly, yes. Microsoft’s SmartScreen is designed to protect Microsoft Edge users from a wide range of online cybersecurity threats, including phishing emails and malicious sites which attempt to steal your personal information.

However, if you’re using a different browser, like Chrome or Firefox, the SmartScreen browser extension honestly isn’t worth installing — it doesn’t detect phishing sites as accurately as Google and Mozilla’s built-in detection.

If you’re looking to improve your web security, McAfee provides superior phishing detection for all major browsers, as well as a “Smart Firewall” and a fast VPN to keep your browsing 100% anonymous.

Question 5

Is Windows Defender free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Windows Defender is automatically installed for free on all PCs that have Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, or Windows 11. You can also upgrade to Microsoft 365 Personal or Family to extend your protection to Mac, iOS, or Android — but it’s honestly not worth doing.

Again, there are better free Windows antiviruses out there, and again, no free antivirus is going to provide the kind of protection that you will get with a full-featured premium antivirus.

Question 6

Should I replace Windows Defender with another antivirus?

Accepted Answer

Microsoft’s Windows Defender just isn’t good enough, though it’s a lot closer than it’s ever been to competing with third-party internet security suites. In terms of malware detection, it often ranks below the detection rates offered by top antivirus competitors. In terms of system performance, Defender’s scans take longer and cause more slowdown than most third-party antiviruses. And finally, in terms of essential security features, Defender is severely lacking.

Using Windows Defender as a standalone antivirus is much better than not using any antivirus at all. But it still leaves you vulnerable to ransomware, spyware, and advanced forms of malware that can leave you devastated in the event of an attack.

I recommend one of the following options:

Option 1: Choose a better free antivirus to replace Windows Defender. If you’re on a really tight budget and you can’t afford a paid antivirus, there are a few free antivirus products that are significantly better than Defender. I like Bitdefender’s free antivirus the best. But it’s important to remember that all free antiviruses have limitations that premium antiviruses don’t have.
Option 2: Optimize your PC’s protection with a premium antivirus. No free antivirus will offer you 100% protection, and Windows Defender has repeatedly shown to be vulnerable to malware, ransomware, and spyware. It doesn’t cost a lot of money to keep you and your PC safe, so investing a few bucks a month in a premium internet security suite is hands-down the best way of protecting yourself and guaranteeing your cybersecurity.

Question 7

Can I use Windows Defender with another antivirus?

Accepted Answer

You can, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Windows Defender’s protections can conflict with third-party antivirus software, inhibiting the software’s ability to scan and detect malware. Using Windows Defender in combination with another antivirus program can act as an extra layer of protection, but my advice is to choose a reliable antivirus that offers complete Windows protection and disable Windows Defender’s malware scanning modules to prevent any conflicts.

Note that in most cases, when installing a third-party antivirus on your PC, Windows will automatically disable Windows Defender — either putting it into passive mode or disabling its protections entirely. But it’s always best to make sure that Windows Defender’s protections are correctly disabled after you’ve installed a third-party antivirus, like Norton.

Question 8

How to disable Windows Defender?

Accepted Answer

To ensure your new antivirus is running properly, you’ll need to disable Windows Defender to avoid any conflicts between the two scanning engines.

Step 1: Click the Start button and use the search bar on Windows 11 to look up Windows Security, or select the Windows Security tab and then click on Virus & threat protection if you’re on an older version of Windows.
Step 2: Locate and select Manage settings (found underneath the Virus & threat protection settings heading).
Step 3: Turn off real-time protection by clicking the toggle to Off. A message will appear saying “Real-time protection is off, leaving your device vulnerable” — it’s fine to ignore this message if you have installed a trusted alternative antivirus with real-time protection activated.

Windows Defender will now be deactivated. You’ll also see other options, including Cloud-delivered protection and Automatic sample submission — you can also switch these to Off, but these settings won’t impact the performance of your new antivirus software as Windows Defender’s real-time protection has already been deactivated.

Question 9

How to scan for malware using Windows Defender?

Accepted Answer

Scanning for malware with Windows Defender is easy. Here’s how to perform a scan on the latest versions of Windows:

Open Windows Security: Click the Start button, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Windows Security, and select Virus & threat protection.
Choose a scan type: Under “Current threats”, you can choose from a quick scan, full scan, or custom scan. A quick scan targets common areas in your system where malware might hide, a full scan checks your entire system, and a custom scan lets you pick a specific file or folder to check for malware.
Start the scan: Click the Scan now button. Note: If you’ve chosen a full or custom scan, follow the on-screen instructions here to initiate the scan.
Review results: Once the scan is complete, Windows Defender will display the results. If threats are found, you’ll be guided on how to remove or quarantine them. However, I recommend getting a premium antivirus like Norton for full protection. If you have a premium antivirus, these instructions still apply, but from Virus & threat protection, you’ll be instructed to open up your premium antivirus app.

Question 10

What do you use a VPN for?

Accepted Answer

You can use a VPN for many different reasons. These include protecting your data when you surf the web, accessing streaming sites when you travel abroad, securing your P2P traffic, and improving your gaming experience. VPNs can also circumvent firewalls that restrict your online access, and prevent your ISP from throttling your bandwidth.

Question 11

What’s the best VPN?

Accepted Answer

ExpressVPN is the best VPN in 2023 — it has 3,000+ servers in 90+ countries, provides industry-leading security and privacy features, works with all top streaming sites (including Netflix, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer), has intuitive apps for all platforms, and backs each purchase with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Question 12

Do VPNs work with Netflix?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can use a VPN to access Netflix. However, I should mention that not all VPNs work with Netflix, as the streaming site often detects and blocks VPN connections. If you’re looking for a really good VPN for Netflix, I recommend ExpressVPN — it can access 10+ libraries, has the fastest streaming speeds on the market, and is very easy to use.

Question 13

How much does a VPN cost?

Accepted Answer

On average, a VPN will cost between $8 and $13 per month, but most providers have long-term plans that provide great savings and deals. For example, ExpressVPN’s longest plan starts at $6.67 / month and comes with 3 additional months for free.

If you want an excellent low-cost VPN, check out Private Internet Access, which has prices as cheap as $2.19 / month.

Question 14

Are there free VPNs?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but I generally recommend avoiding them — most free VPNs are missing important security features (like a kill switch and a no-logs policy), don’t work with streaming sites, limit how much data you can use, have very slow speeds, and have buggy apps.

That said, if you insist on using a free VPN, I’d go with Proton VPN. It provides unlimited data, strong security, and good speeds. However, it limits you to 1 connection, provides servers in only 3 countries (the US, Japan, and the Netherlands), and doesn’t allow streaming or torrenting.

Overall, I strongly recommend getting an affordable premium VPN like ExpressVPN or one of Proton VPN’s paid plans to get significantly better value.

Question 15

Can I use a VPN on more than 1 device?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The industry average is 5–7 simultaneous connections. ExpressVPN allows 8 connections, Proton VPN allows 10 connections. However, if you have a lot of devices or have a large family, I recommend getting a VPN that supports unlimited simultaneous connections, like Private Internet Access or Surfshark.

Question 16

Do VPNs work on all platforms?

Accepted Answer

Yes, most VPNs have dedicated apps for all major operating systems, including iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux. Many top providers also have apps for Fire TV and Android TV devices.

You can also use a VPN on devices that don’t natively support VPNs, like gaming consoles or some smart TVs with a router. Most VPNs require a tricky manual setup on a router, but ExpressVPN actually has an easy-to-install router app.

Question 17

What’s the difference between a VPN and a proxy?

Accepted Answer

A VPN is an online service that encrypts your traffic and changes your IP address. A proxy is a service that changes your IP address, but it doesn’t encrypt your traffic.

Basically, a proxy is less secure than a VPN, so you should avoid it if you’re looking to protect your online data.

Question 18

How can I keep myself safe from online threats?

Accepted Answer

The best way is to use common sense when browsing online, install an antivirus program, and use a password manager and a VPN.

Common sense means: Don’t follow links from suspicious sources, be mistrustful of messages or websites that ask for personal information, and reach out to a more knowledgeable person if you’re feeling unsafe online.

An antivirus suite like Norton is easy to use and will offer you advanced protection against malware, phishing threats, and so many other forms of cyberattacks.

A good password manager is a great tool — it creates virtually unbreakable passwords for each of your accounts online and stores all of your passwords in an encrypted vault so you will never forget your passwords (1Password is my favorite password manager).

A VPN hides your actual IP address from hackers, masks all of your online activity, including the websites you visit and the files you download, and protects all of your data with military-grade encryption. ExpressVPN is the best VPN on the market in 2023.

Question 19

What are the best ways to keep my financial information safe when online shopping?

Accepted Answer

You should never click on ads, use a third-payment service like PayPal, routinely monitor your bank accounts, and only visit trusted websites to keep your financial information safe.

Ads on social media, pop-up ads, and even sponsored posts on the top of Google searches can frequently take you to unsafe or sketchy websites. It’s best to simply go to the website of the vendor you’re searching for than to try and navigate there using ads. Many antivirus suites like Norton also include web shields that can block unsafe websites.

Online payment services like PayPal and Venmo add an extra layer of protection — you won’t give your credit card number directly to a merchant. Further, only shop on trustworthy websites — ones you’ve purchased from before or are highly rated. You can look for user reviews on Google or even Reddit to get a better idea about an online vendor’s quality.

And make sure to keep on top of the transactions in your bank accounts (you could even consider contacting your bank and activating transaction notifications for your accounts). Report any unauthorized activity to your bank as soon as you can, and follow my tips above to stay safe if you think your identity has been stolen.

It’s advisable to use a password manager to secure accounts you make on retailer websites. Create strong, unique passwords and store them safely. There are many great password managers to choose from — my top pick is 1Password.

Question 20

How do I protect my privacy online?

Accepted Answer

The best way to protect your privacy is to prevent trackers from monitoring your online activity with an ad-blocker and cookie/tracker blocker. By installing a blocker to your browser, you will prevent websites from recording your activity and selling it to third-parties. Avira’s Browser Safety extension is my personal favorite — it’s free and available for Opera, Chrome, and Firefox.

Many VPNs also come with built-in tracker blocking tools, and they encrypt your internet connection to make it harder for hackers and big businesses to track you online. Private Internet Access is an excellent VPN with tracker-blocking capabilities.

For Chrome users, FLoC (federated learning of cohorts) is a new method of tracking online activity. We have prepared a guide about FLoC to inform users and provide protection advice.

Question 21

What can caretakers do to help seniors stay safe online?

Accepted Answer

You can assist a senior to stay safe online by helping them install easy-to-use programs and online tools to protect their internet activity.

In addition to referring to this article to get a better idea of the risks facing seniors online today, it’s also a good idea to purchase a top antivirus (Norton), password manager (1Password), and VPN (ExpressVPN).

Moreover, answer any questions or concerns they may have and keep a close eye on their social media accounts and banking activity to help keep your loved ones safe online.

Question 22

What’s the best free VPN for Windows?

Accepted Answer

The best VPN for Windows is ExpressVPN — but it’s not 100% free. All free VPNs come with limitations and drawbacks, such as daily or monthly data limits, slower speeds, limited server networks, and more, so premium Windows VPNs are the only way to get the very best VPN features and user experience.

The best 100% free VPN for Windows is Proton VPN. It comes with unlimited data, decent speeds, 3 server locations, and excellent security and privacy features.

Question 23

Is there a Windows VPN that is completely free?

Accepted Answer

There are many VPNs for Windows that are completely free, like the ones on this list. However, all free VPNs come at a cost of some kind, whether that’s limited data, fewer servers, no streaming or torrenting support, throttled speeds, weaker security, or ads.

Question 24

How do I set up a free VPN on Windows 10?

Accepted Answer

Installing and setting up a free VPN in Windows 10 is easy, just follow these 3 quick steps:

Step 1. Download a VPN. Pick a premium VPN like ExpressVPN, which is easy to install on Windows without any extra setup or configuration on your part.
Step 2. Connect to a server. The servers closest to your real location generally provide better speeds.
Step 3. Browse, stream, and game. Now you can safely enjoy your normal activities online.

Question 25

Does Windows have a built-in VPN?

Accepted Answer

You can manually configure a VPN in your Windows settings, but I don’t recommend it. Not only does it require advanced technical knowledge, but unless you operate your own private VPN servers with strong security, you’ll also get a slow and unsafe connection.

But there are many quality VPNs for Windows that are easy to set up and use and are a very good value. Using a proven, premium VPN like ExpressVPN will automatically configure Windows’ network settings for you, giving you the fastest connections and best security while connected to its servers.

Question 26

Does Microsoft offer a VPN?

Accepted Answer

Yes, both Microsoft 10 and 11 come with a built-in VPN, but I’m not a fan of it — it requires specific versions of Windows and technical know-how to set up properly.

Instead, I recommend checking out the VPNs on my list, all of which have native apps for the latest versions of Windows. They also can be installed quickly and easily, and using them is really simple.

Question 27

What’s the best VPN for bypassing government restrictions?

Accepted Answer

ExpressVPN is my top pick for bypassing government restrictions in 2023. ExpressVPN uses obfuscation with its Automatic protocol setting to access all geo-blocked web content by restricted countries. It’s also fast, comes with excellent security features, and offers easy-to-use apps for all devices.

Question 28

Is it legal to bypass government restrictions with a VPN?

Accepted Answer

Some countries that restrict access to a free and open internet have banned the use of VPNs. If you’re using a VPN in a country that doesn’t allow VPNs, you may be breaking the law. It’s best to check your country’s local laws.

If you plan to visit a country that restricts access to the internet, you should buy a VPN before you arrive because you may be unable to access the VPN’s website from inside that country. ExpressVPN is the best VPN for bypassing government restrictions in 2023.

Question 29

How do I bypass government restrictions with a VPN?

Accepted Answer

Bypassing government restrictions with a VPN requires only 4 steps:

Get a VPN that can bypass government firewalls before traveling to a restricted country. I recommend ExpressVPN because it works 100% of the time in restrictive countries, has top-notch security features, and maintains the fastest speeds in the industry.
Download and install the VPN. Just follow the installation wizard’s instructions. The whole process should take just a couple of minutes.
Enable obfuscation. Follow the instructions for how to turn on the VPN’s obfuscation tool. For example, ExpressVPN requires you to set your protocol to “Automatic”, while Private Internet Access requires that you enable the Shadowsocks proxy.
Connect to a server. Open the app, scroll down the list of servers, and choose a server in a country that is closest to you that doesn’t restrict the internet. Now, you’re able to browse a free and open internet.

Question 30

Can I use a free VPN to bypass government restrictions?

Accepted Answer

Maybe, but I don’t recommend that you use one. Most free VPNs don’t consistently work in restrictive countries, and they also lack essential security features, are slow, limit how much data you can use, and have glitchy apps.

It’s best to use a premium VPN like ExpressVPN for bypassing government firewalls — it’s very secure, maintains very fast speeds, has a strict no-logs policy, and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Question 31

Are these really the lowest prices?

Accepted Answer

I’ve searched all over the internet to find the best antivirus deals possible. All of the deals on this list are linked to each brand’s discount page where they offer their lowest-priced packages.

Almost all of these pages are “secret” deals. If you try to search elsewhere, you’re likely going to end up paying a higher price. You won’t be able to find a lower price than the discounts I’ve listed here.

Question 32

Are there any antivirus free trials?

Accepted Answer

Most antivirus packages these days don’t have any free trials. However, all of the products on this list have money-back guarantees.

For instance, Norton 360 has a 60-day money-back guarantee, so you can use it for 60 days completely risk-free. If you decide you don’t like it, simply return it for a full refund, no questions asked. It’s basically a 60-day free trial!

Question 33

What&#8217;s the best antivirus deal for Mac users?

Accepted Answer

Intego is the best antivirus solution for Mac users due to its macOS-focused design. Offering real-time protection against malware, spyware, and phishing attacks, it ensures strong security tailored specifically for Mac systems. The user-friendly interface is easy to navigate and customize, and the great parental controls add an extra layer of security for families. Intego’s range of subscription plans offers great value for varying needs (especially with the 60% discount!).

Question 34

Do I really need to pay for an antivirus?

Accepted Answer

That depends on the level of security you want. If you’re only using your device for basic things like watching Netflix and browsing the internet, then you’ll probably be ok with a free antivirus. But if you’re like me and you have a lot of sensitive information stored on your device — banking info, passwords, work documents, pictures, financial statements, etc. — then it’s always better to invest in a premium antivirus and ensure the safety of your device and your information.

Above are the best deals with the best cybersecurity companies.

Question 35

Can Macs get viruses?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely. While macOS contains some great built-in security protections, these protections aren’t enough to keep you safe from serious cybersecurity threats like spyware, adware, ransomware, and phishing attacks.

Being careful online isn’t enough to protect your Mac from cyber attacks. That’s why it’s so important to get a high-quality Mac antivirus like Intego, which comes with features like real-time malware scanning, web protection, and network protection.

Question 36

Are free antiviruses for Mac good enough?

Accepted Answer

Not really, no. However, they can be good tools to remove malware from your disk, and some even offer real-time protection to keep your Mac protected after you’ve cleaned up your system.

But paid antivirus software provides better malware scanning, network protections, web protections, and helpful extras like parental controls, VPNs for online privacy, and disk cleanup tools to keep your device running smoothly. Intego is a Mac-only internet security suite that contains a ton of excellent features to keep you (and your family) safe online.

Question 37

Can I just use a free online virus scanner and not download anything?

Accepted Answer

You can, but you really shouldn’t. Most of these online programs that offer free virus scans scare you into thinking your computer has malware — even though it doesn’t — and then force you to download the product to “remove” it. Even worse, many online virus scanners are actually exploit kits in disguise. Don’t risk it.

It’s much safer to just download a reputable antivirus software that comes with a free trial, like Intego.

Question 38

Why do these companies offer free antiviruses?

Accepted Answer

It depends. Many companies lure users with promises of amazing features, and then put all of those features behind a paywall in the actual app (unfortunately, even some of my favorite antiviruses, like TotalAV, are guilty of this kind of upselling).

Free stuff on the internet is never really free (you either pay with your data, or are forced to watch ads, or your device gets infected with spyware or adware, etc.), which is why it’s usually better to just pay for the services that you consider to be valuable.

Question 39

Do PC cleaners & optimizers really work?

Accepted Answer

Yes! PC cleaners and optimizers are great tools for computers with too many junk files, slow boot-up times, privacy-invading browser cookies, and unwanted programs. Advanced optimization programs like Norton and Avira can even boost system performance during gaming!

However, if your device is running really slowly, there’s a good chance it may be infected with malware. So it’s a good choice to get an antivirus program that includes PC cleanup tools, which — in addition to optimizing your device’s performance — can also remove dangerous malware files and annoying adware, spyware, and PUPs that can drain your disk space and hog CPU resources.

Question 40

Will a PC optimizer help my gaming experience?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely — gaming can place a big strain on CPU and RAM, so by using a PC optimizer you can ensure you minimize the amount of lag and slowdown you experience during gameplay. Norton is one of the best options for gamers — it comes with an excellent game booster feature that can optimize your disk usage and running processes to make your PC run faster during gaming.

Gamers are also a consistent target for malware attacks — so if you’re trying to keep your computer safe (as well as fast) while gaming, you should check out our list of the top antivirus programs for gamers in 2023.

Question 41

Can a PC cleanup program fix my computer?

Accepted Answer

PC cleaners are a great and relatively inexpensive way to revive sluggish computers. Rather than throwing out an underperforming PC and buying a new one, it’s always worth trying a PC cleaner to remove junk files, optimize your hard disk, and improve CPU and RAM.

However, if your computer is severely malfunctioning, issuing unnecessary pop-ups, crashing a lot, or you have unusual programs running on your device, then you probably have a malware infection.

Companies like TotalAV provide cutting-edge antivirus protection along with PC optimizers to help your devices run more smoothly and remove malware files that are doing damage to your system.

Question 42

Are PC optimizer programs better than Windows’s optimization tools?

Accepted Answer

Windows offers some basic optimization features, like program uninstallers and disk defragmentation. But just as the Windows built-in antivirus scanner isn’t as good as third-party alternatives, Windows optimization tools are also nowhere near as good as other products on the market — Windows’s own tools can be difficult to locate in your settings (especially if you don’t know what you’re looking for). Windows also doesn’t have scanners that can identify broken registry entries and junk files, and while Windows does allow you to decide which programs to include in your startup, it won’t help you identify which applications you need and which you don’t.

Third-party PC optimizers are great for doing all of these things, and they make all of their features easy to find in one program. TotalAV’s interface in particular is really clean and simple to navigate, which is one of the reasons that it’s my #1 choice for the best PC optimizer in 2023.

Question 43

Can I access restricted social media sites using a VPN?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can access restricted websites using a VPN. However, it may be against the rules of your home country or the policies of the website to access the site via a VPN. All of the VPNs on my list were capable of accessing social media websites without interruption, but ExpressVPN is my favorite VPN for Russia in 2023.

Question 44

Is it legal to use VPNs in Russia?

Accepted Answer

Russia’s laws state that VPNs must allow federal services to view user activity. The laws also state that VPN providers can’t help Russian-based users access blacklisted sites.

These laws have seemingly been ineffective, as it’s almost impossible for the Russian government to track and block VPN usage. There are some network restrictions that block VPN connections, but they don’t always work, and it’s unlikely that a VPN user would face prosecution for using a VPN.

However, that doesn’t mean VPNs are 100% legal in Russia, and it definitely does not mean you can commit illegal activities while using a VPN in Russia.

Question 45

Can I use a free VPN in Russia?

Accepted Answer

Yes and no. There are some good free VPNs available, but most free VPNs can’t bypass restrictive networks, have very limited data allowances, and sometimes have sketchy security policies.

I think using a paid VPN (like ExpressVPN) is the best option. Most paid VPNs consistently work in countries like Russia and they also provide unlimited data, strong security and privacy, and fast speeds.

Question 46

What’s the best VPN deal in 2023?

Accepted Answer

ExpressVPN is my top pick, particularly with its 49% discount. Currently, it’s leading the market with superior security features, compatibility with 100+ streaming services, intuitive interfaces for major platforms, and the fastest connection speeds.

Question 47

How do I use/activate a VPN coupon?

Accepted Answer

To activate a VPN coupon, just follow these 3 simple steps:

Choose the best VPN for your needs.
Click on “Get Deal”, then “Visit Discount Page”.
You will be taken to the discount page, and the discount will automatically be applied at checkout.

Question 48

Can I use a coupon for an existing VPN subscription?

Accepted Answer

Note: discounts typically apply to new customers only. However, premium VPNs feature annual and multi-year plans, allowing for significant savings with longer commitments.

Question 49

How long are these coupons valid for?

Accepted Answer

Bear in mind that the coupons here are mostly limited-time offers, so it’s crucial to act quickly as they may expire. That said, access to the most current coupons and promotions is guaranteed with our daily updates.

Question 50

How often do VPNs offer new deals?

Accepted Answer

Most VPNs offer deals and discounts several times a year, usually around the holidays. I recommend that you bookmark this VPN coupon page and regularly check back for new deals and discounts.

Question 51

Which VPN offers faster speeds, CyberGhost VPN or Surfshark?

Accepted Answer

CyberGhost VPN offers faster speeds compared to Surfshark. While both VPNs perform well on local servers, CyberGhost VPN consistently maintains high speeds across all servers, including distant ones. Surfshark users may experience slower speeds on distant servers, especially for 4K video streaming.

Question 52

How do CyberGhost VPN and Surfshark compare in terms of server count and coverage?

Accepted Answer

CyberGhost VPN has more servers but Surfshark provides coverage in more countries. CyberGhost VPN has a larger server network, with over 9,400 servers in 90+ countries. On the other hand, Surfshark offers 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries.

Question 53

Can I use CyberGhost VPN and Surfshark for streaming services like Netflix?

Accepted Answer

Yes, both CyberGhost VPN and Surfshark work with Netflix. They also unblock other popular streaming sites like BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, and Amazon Prime.

But CyberGhost VPN also has 100+ dedicated streaming servers that work with 50+ streaming sites. It also works with Disney+ and Surfshark doesn’t.

Question 54

Are CyberGhost VPN and Surfshark suitable for torrenting?

Accepted Answer

Both Surfshark and CyberGhost VPN support torrenting. Surfshark supports torrenting on all of its 3,200+ servers across 100+ countries, while CyberGhost VPN offers P2P support on 9,400+ servers in 70+ countries. They both include essential privacy features for torrenting, such as a kill switch, an audited no-logs policy, leak protection, and an ad blocker.

Question 55

What are the major differences in extra features between CyberGhost VPN and Surfshark?

Accepted Answer

They both offer unique additional features. CyberGhost VPN has NoSpy Servers, Smart Rules, and Identity Guard, while Surfshark includes NoBorders, IP Rotator, a built-in speed test, and an Override GPS Location feature for Android devices. That said, both VPNs have some overlapping features like split-tunneling and Tor traffic support.

Question 56

Are these really the lowest antivirus prices available?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely — every deal link on this page will take you directly to the brand’s hidden discount page, offering its best plans at the most competitive prices. Remember, these exclusive deals can only be found here.

Question 57

Do antiviruses offer free trials for Black Friday/Cyber Monday?

Accepted Answer

Some of the antiviruses on this list offer free trials, but it’s important to keep in mind that the deals these brands offer are available for a very short time — if you get a free trial, by the time your trial ends, the deals probably won’t be available anymore.

That said, most of the antiviruses I recommend have a 30-day money-back guarantee (Norton offers a generous 60-day money-back guarantee), meaning you can purchase an antivirus with a Black Friday/Cyber Monday deal and get all of your money back within 30 days (or 60 days if you get Norton) if you are not 100% happy with the product.

Question 58

Can I install an antivirus on all of my devices?

Accepted Answer

It depends on how many devices you want to protect, but most of the antiviruses on this list — including Norton and Bitdefender — offer multi-device or family plans that cover a minimum of 5 devices. And some brands like McAfee provide protection for an unlimited number of devices!

All of my top choices also have well-designed, intuitive apps for Windows and macOS (I recommend TotalAV for ease of use), and most of the brands on this page have Android and iOS apps as well.

Question 59

Can’t I just use a free antivirus?

Accepted Answer

You can — but free antiviruses are very limited, usually only providing on-demand malware scanning. To get real-time protection, extras like a VPN, a password manager, and parental controls, and premium customer support, you need to invest in a premium antivirus. But the good news is that now is the best time to purchase a top-quality antivirus — all of the antiviruses on this list offer amazing Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals, so you can get complete cybersecurity protection for the lowest price possible.

Katarina Glamoslija

Published With SafetyDetectives

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