If it's running Windows 7, 8 or 10 there is no need for a third party virus scanner, Microsoft provide one free. I have been running Microsoft Security Essentials/Windows Defender since it became available for Windows XP in 2009. Less bloatware than the paid for virus scanners and I'd rather have Microsoft protecting my PC than a free third party one with ulterior motives to get you to pay for their full version.
Microsoft Security Essentials Personally i couldnt disagree more.
Microsoft cant even plug there own holes.
Independent review calls it basline protection
click me I used an independent to backup my thoughts to windows own protection, last time i ran a paid for scan on a Windows 8 machine, 97 threats removed.
It boils down to what your prepared to loose.
I know kids that just restore to factory defaults every few months, as there is nothing important apart from a game or two. So yeah windows built in protection would suit.
But my own opinion is that if you have a digital life to protect, then get decent protection with security built in.
Microsoft Defender or Essentials is not going to protect you with an online transaction. Food for thought.
Microsoft also introduced its own software because hackers were turning pc's back at Microsoft and crashing there servers with DDOS attacks. Now with essentials and defender they can limit any ticking time bombs.
Its upto you how many locks you want on your door, but something is most certainly better than nothing.