Windows Security Updates vs Third-Party Antivirus Programs

Sorry if I sound like an idiot, but I've been wondering for a while (or at least since I heard about Windows ending support for XP) - are both Windows built-in security and third-party antivirus necessary to protect a computer from infection? If so, why?

Windows keeps sending me security patches through Windows Update, but at the same time, my antivirus program (AVG - paid version) is constantly updating its virus definitions as well - what's the difference between the two specifically?

If anyone has any specific insight on this, please weigh in!

Windows security updates harden your OS by patching loopholes, while third-party security such as an antivirus protecting your system by scanning files coming in and out your system.

Windows Updates sends updates to patch vulnerabilities that show up in the software they write for their own programs as well asimprove their software's functionality, whereas AVG and its ilk are constantly updating their anti-virus definitions.

The bottom line is that keeping your computer up-to-date with the latest updates from Microsoft and anti-virus definitions from Microsoft's own anti-virus software as well as that of third-party anti-virus providers is important.

Many of us are quite happy just to use Microsoft Security Essentials and Malwarebytes, both of which are free and both of which do a reasonable job of protecting your computer.

The thing you don't want to be doing is running two different anti-virus programs at the same time as doing so can cause conflicts and impact on your computer's performance.

I've been wondering for a while (or at least since I heard about Windows ending support for XP) - are both Windows built-in security and third-party antivirus necessary to protect a computer from infection? If so, why?

YES!

People need to understand that to protect themselves from the evils of the internet their basic protection should include updating regularly from both sources you listed.

IMO - I'ts too late after "the stable door is shut & the horse has bolted"

Education / knowledge and application is the best way to avoid the nasties....

Prevention IS preferable to cure.

To reiterate > It is important to update both programs & scan regularly.
And yes the individual handling the mouse is responsible or seeing to this!

think of it this way, when windows update patches your system it's like when you fill in the cracks on a concrete wall and the anti virus is like the guard dog that tells you if something trys to get past it so you can lock him up/kill it.But with the wall cracks filled up it can run past your guard dog and jump but not find a crack in the wall to enter unless it finds another crack in the wall but then windows update would mean you fill in the other crack which makes it more difficult for a hacker or virus to enter your system. So basically windows updates are patches that fix the weak spots in your os and the anti virus just prevents infections and/or removes/blocks.

Can MSE & Malewarebytes run together?? I currently using MSE

Shamone said:

Can MSE & Malewarebytes run together?? I currently using MSE

Yes it can. As long you're not running any other antivirus/anti malware beside MSE. Malwarebytes is programmed to run along existing Antivirus.

Thx for reply..I've only use MSE past 12mths, no issues, I'll think about it..:)