Is antivirus still required these days or can you get away with Windows defender

I had my F Secure run out but wondering if I even need anti virus or if windows is now safe enough on its own?

Windows defender is way better than it used to be. Shouldn't need anything else unless you're someone who clicks a lot of spam email links.

I honestly have never used an anti-virus since 2004 or so. Just don't download weird things or click suspicious links and you are fine. My dad still pays for Avast which, in all honesty, baffles me to no end.

Entirely depends on how you are browsing the internet. If you have common sense, probably not. If you click on anything that someone sends you or posts, then maybe worth investing in one.

According to Wikipedia:

During a December 2017 test of various anti-malware software carried out by AV-TEST on Windows 10, Windows Defender earned 6 out of 6 points in detection rate of various malware samples, earning its "AV-TEST Certified" seal.

During a February 2018 "Real-World Protection Test" performed by AV-Comparatives, Windows Defender achieved a 100% detection rate of malicious URL samples, along with 3 false positive results.

An AV-TEST test of Windows Defender in October 2019 demonstrated it provides excellent protection both against viruses and 0-day / malware attacks.

On December 1, 2021, AV-TEST gave Defender a maximum protection score of 34 points after successfully managing to detect ten out of ten ransomware samples in a lab test.

I just use Windows Defender and Malwarebytes

Funny I immediately thought of that McAfee guy and all of his antics with this topic. That used to be (and probably still is) the #1 bloat/preload-software that often comes with new Computer/Laptop purchases...

Agreed with the others: it's not necessary unless you do obviously risky things.

The most annoying adware on my computer now is the introductory McAfee that came with the computer whining for me to re-enable it. "Accept risk" again. And again and again. Yes, I should just delete it.

Just don't download and run google_chrome.exe from your favorite pirating site

Don't click anything suspicious and use uBlock Origin.
Also lol windows.

Windows with an adblocker in your browser is sufficient in this day and age unless you click on everything or visit very suspect websites.

Antivirus is pretty worthless. All you really need to do to protect yourself online is run an adblocker (to avoid browser exploits) and not click bad shit.

I was using Avast for a few years then realized how unnecessary it was.