Antivirus vendors have undergone significant transformations in their product offerings throughout 2026. ESET, for instance, has rebranded its entire home tier structure, introducing ESET HOME Security Essential and Premium. Notably, the company has integrated automatic ransomware backup into its Ultimate plan and released version 19.2 of its core NOD32 engine on August 27, 2026. Meanwhile, IPVanish made waves on October 7, 2026, by launching a next-generation antivirus product built on the VIPRE engine, seamlessly integrated into its existing VPN application. For consumers who installed antivirus software two or three years ago, the product name on the box may no longer reflect the current offerings of the vendor.

This discrepancy has prompted many Australians to reconsider their antivirus software options this quarter, rather than simply renewing their subscriptions. However, switching antivirus solutions is fraught with risks. Running two real-time engines simultaneously can lead to significant performance issues, including system slowdowns or crashes. Additionally, improper uninstallation of the old software can leave behind kernel drivers that obstruct the installation of new software. Forgetting to export license keys beforehand can result in the loss of paid subscriptions. To navigate these challenges, a comprehensive 13-step guide has been developed to facilitate a smooth transition to new antivirus software, ensuring no gaps in protection during the process.

Why Australians Are Switching Antivirus Software in Late 2026

Despite the ongoing evolution in antivirus software, switching remains an uncommon practice. According to Security.org’s 2025 consumer antivirus report, a staggering 84 percent of users made no changes to their software over the past year. Most individuals only reconsider their choices when faced with external pressures, such as price increases, new hardware, or product discontinuations. Security.org’s earlier data from 2024 further illustrates that 46 percent of surveyed U.S. adults opted for third-party antivirus solutions instead of relying solely on built-in operating system protections. Among those still using built-in security, 12 percent expressed intentions to switch to a third-party product within six months.

The choice between paid and free antivirus solutions also plays a crucial role in decision-making. Security.org found that 54 percent of third-party antivirus users paid for their software, while 43 percent utilized free tiers. Similarly, AV-Comparatives’ Security Survey 2023 indicated that approximately 59 percent of respondents opted for paid security solutions. Notably, 83 percent of users reported satisfaction with their current products, which explains the inertia surrounding antivirus switching. However, as the product refreshes of 2026 accumulate, the cost of remaining stagnant begins to appear increasingly burdensome.

In 2026, ESET revamped its home security lineup, replacing older names like Internet Security and Smart Security Premium with ESET HOME Security Essential and Premium. The company also incorporated automatic ransomware file backup and restoration into its Ultimate and Small Business Security tiers, mitigating the risk of total data loss following a ransomware attack. Additionally, ESET introduced a Website Security Inspector for real-time scanning of web content for hidden phishing and scam elements, along with a Microphone Monitor for privacy auditing. The dashboard was reorganized around a “Members” model, allowing household administrators to assign devices and services to specific individuals. The NOD32 engine was updated to version 19.2, with the previous version now receiving limited support.

IPVanish’s new antivirus product, launched in October 2026, is powered by the VIPRE engine, which received an Advanced+ rating from AV-Comparatives in March 2026. This offering is not merely an add-on; IPVanish has integrated real-time anti-ransomware protection, machine-learning threat detection, download monitoring, exploit prevention, and web protection directly into its existing VPN application. For users already paying for a VPN subscription and running a separate antivirus product, this consolidation presents a compelling option worth considering before the next renewal invoice arrives.

ESET vs IPVanish vs Staying on Windows Defender: A Quick Comparison

Before committing to a migration, it is beneficial to compare the three viable options side by side, rather than relying solely on each vendor’s marketing materials. The following table juxtaposes the current feature sets of ESET HOME Security Premium (2026), IPVanish’s new antivirus module, and the built-in Windows Defender that comes free with every Windows installation.

Feature	ESET HOME Security Premium (2026)	IPVanish Antivirus (Oct 2026)	Windows Defender (built-in)
Core engine	NOD32 engine, version 19.2	VIPRE engine (AV-Comparatives Advanced+, March 2026)	Microsoft Defender engine
Separate dashboard required	Yes – dedicated ESET HOME app	No – built into the existing IPVanish VPN app	No – built into Windows Security
Ransomware file backup/restore	No on Premium (Ultimate tier only)	Not listed as a standalone feature	Controlled Folder Access only, manual setup
Website/phishing content scanning	Website Security Inspector, real-time	Web protection blocks malicious sites, ads, trackers	SmartScreen, browser-dependent
Download and exploit protection	Yes, via real-time scanning	Yes – download monitoring plus exploit prevention	Yes, baseline only
VPN included	Unlimited VPN on HOME Security plans	Yes – this is a VPN app with antivirus added	No
Household member management	Yes – “Members” model, assign devices per person	Per-device licence, no household roles	No multi-device management
Cost	Paid subscription, tiered	Bundled with IPVanish VPN subscription	Free, included with Windows

The takeaway from this comparison is that there is no universally “best” option; rather, the best fit depends on what you currently pay for and what you are willing to manage. If you are satisfied with Windows Defender, the case for switching antivirus software hinges on identifying a specific missing feature rather than any inherent inadequacy in Defender. Independent labs, including AV-Comparatives, have consistently rated Microsoft’s engine competitively. For those paying for a VPN separately from their antivirus, the IPVanish option warrants consideration purely as a consolidation strategy. If ransomware recovery is your primary concern, ESET’s Ultimate tier is the only one that includes backup-and-restore features, so it is essential to review the tier carefully before assuming that “ESET” alone will resolve that issue.

Prerequisites and System Requirements Before You Start

Before making any changes to your antivirus products, ensure the following prerequisites are in place. Neglecting these steps is the most common reason for a migration to devolve into a lengthy troubleshooting session.

• Operating system: Ensure you are running Windows 10 (version 22H2 or later) or Windows 11 (24H2/25H2) for Windows machines; macOS 14 Sonoma or later for Mac migrations covered by IPVanish’s new antivirus and most 2026-era suites.
• Administrator access: You will need a local account with administrator rights on every device you are migrating, as standard user accounts cannot fully uninstall kernel-level security drivers.
• Current antivirus version number: Document the exact build of your current antivirus, such as ESET NOD32/Internet Security 19.2 (build 19.2.10.0), for reference.
• New antivirus version number: Confirm the version you are installing; this guide uses ESET HOME Security 2026 edition and IPVanish’s October 2026 antivirus release as examples.
• Stable internet connection: Ensure you have a reliable internet connection, as both the removal tool and the new installer will need to connect to vendor servers for license validation and signature database updates.
• 15 to 45 minutes of uninterrupted time per device: Reboots are unavoidable, so avoid starting this process during video calls or tight deadlines.
• A password manager or notes app: Use this to record license keys, activation emails, and exclusion lists before removing anything.
• Backup of anything irreplaceable: While the process is not destructive, having a fresh backup is prudent whenever you modify security software on a production machine.

Before proceeding, run a quick sanity check to confirm which antivirus engine Windows currently recognizes as active. Open PowerShell as Administrator and execute the following command:

Get-CimInstance -Namespace root/SecurityCenter2 -ClassName AntiVirusProduct |
    Select-Object displayName, productState, pathToSignedProductExe

Sample output on a machine still running an older third-party product might look like this:

displayName          productState pathToSignedProductExe
-----------          ------------ -----------------------
ESET Internet Security      266240 C:Program FilesESETESET Securityecmd.exe

If the command returns more than one entry, it indicates that Windows Security Center is tracking multiple antivirus products, which is a strong warning sign that a previous migration left remnants behind. It’s crucial to resolve this before adding a third product.

Phase 1: Audit and Prepare (Steps 1 to 3)

Step 1: Audit What Your Current Antivirus Is Actually Doing

Begin by opening your current antivirus dashboard and documenting every feature you actively utilize: real-time scanning, firewall rules, VPN, parental controls, password manager, scheduled scans, and any folder or file-type exclusions you’ve set for development tools, games, or business software. This is vital, as different suites offer vastly different feature sets. A product labeled as “antivirus” in 2026 might also be managing your firewall, DNS filtering, and backup schedules. If the replacement does not cover all these functions, you need a plan to address the gap before switching.

Also, check the license type: is it a single-device license, a five-device family pack, or a small business seat count? For example, ESET’s current Small Business Security tier now includes the same automatic ransomware backup and restore feature that the Ultimate tier offers on the home side, which could change the cost-benefit analysis if you are migrating a small office instead of a single laptop.

Step 2: Choose the Right Replacement Engine

When selecting a replacement, ensure it aligns with the specific gaps you have identified, rather than being swayed by marketing claims. If your priority is to consolidate a VPN subscription and antivirus into one invoice, IPVanish’s October 2026 antivirus release (powered by the VIPRE engine and rated Advanced+ by AV-Comparatives) eliminates the need for a separate dashboard. Conversely, if ransomware recovery is crucial for a household with multiple devices, ESET HOME Security Ultimate’s automatic backup-and-restore feature provides a significantly different safety net compared to mere scan-and-alert capabilities. For small offices, ESET Small Business Security now offers the same ransomware backup feature, which was previously absent in home-tier products.

Regardless of your choice, confirm the exact current version before purchasing. Vendors frequently update build numbers; for instance, ESET’s version tracker indicates that NOD32 Antivirus and Internet Security are at version 19.2 (build 19.2.10.0, released August 27, 2026), while version 18.2 has been downgraded to limited support. Installing from an outdated download link could result in missing critical fixes that justified your switch.

Step 3: Export License Keys, Exclusions, and Settings

Most consumer antivirus dashboards have a section for account or license details, where you can find your key, renewal date, and the number of activated devices. Take a screenshot of this information. If you purchased through the vendor’s portal, log in separately to confirm the same details, as in-app displays may not always reflect the account record accurately.

Exclusions are often overlooked. If you have excluded specific folders for games, Docker Desktop, or tax software from real-time scanning to prevent false positives, this list will not automatically transfer between vendors. Export or manually transcribe it now, as rebuilding it from memory after a false-positive incident can be a frustrating experience.

Phase 2: Remove the Old Antivirus Cleanly (Steps 4 to 6)

Step 4: Download the New Installer Before Touching the Old One

Before uninstalling anything, download the new antivirus installer and save it in an easily accessible location, such as your desktop. This precaution is essential because some antivirus products disable parts of the download pipeline (like web filtering and SmartScreen checks) as they shut down. You want to avoid being left without a working browser-level download protection and no installer on disk. Verify that the file you downloaded matches the vendor’s published hash, if available, using a quick PowerShell check.

Get-FileHash -Algorithm SHA256 "$HOMEDesktopAntivirusSetup.exe" |
    Select-Object Hash

Compare the returned hash string against the one published on the vendor’s official download page. A mismatch indicates a corrupted or tampered download, necessitating a re-download from the vendor’s domain rather than a mirror site.

Step 5: Disable Tamper Protection and Self-Defence Modules

Most reputable antivirus products in 2026 come equipped with a self-defence module designed to block unauthorized changes to their files and services, preventing malware from disabling them. However, this same protection can obstruct a normal uninstall. Navigate to your current product’s settings and locate the option typically labeled “self-defence,” “tamper protection,” or “anti-self-protection,” and disable it. You will likely need to re-enter the product’s password or confirm via a two-factor prompt, which is why this step cannot be automated.

Step 6: Run the Vendor’s Official Removal Tool

Do not rely solely on Windows’ Add/Remove Programs or macOS’s drag-to-trash method. Security suites install low-level drivers and services that standard uninstallers often overlook, and a stray leftover driver is the leading cause of conflicts between two antivirus products. Every major vendor provides a dedicated removal tool for this reason. Begin by uninstalling normally, reboot, and then run the dedicated removal tool to catch any remnants.

Vendor	Official Removal Tool	Platform	Safe Mode Needed?	Notes
ESET	ESET AV Remover / ESETUninstaller	Windows, macOS	Sometimes	Run after standard uninstall; command-line tool for stubborn drivers
Norton	Norton Remove and Reinstall Tool	Windows, macOS	No	Also used to repair a broken install, not just remove
McAfee	McAfee Consumer Product Removal (MCPR)	Windows	No	Clears leftover services that McAfee’s own uninstaller sometimes skips
Trend Micro	Trend Micro Diagnostic and Uninstall Toolkit	Windows, macOS	Occasionally	Separate tools for consumer vs business products
Bitdefender	Bitdefender Uninstall Tool	Windows, macOS	No	Version-specific; match the tool to the installed product line
Kaspersky	Kaspersky Removal Tool (kavremover)	Windows	Sometimes	Needed when standard uninstall reports a locked driver
Malwarebytes	Malwarebytes Support Tool (Clean function)	Windows, macOS	No	Also useful for repairing a corrupted Malwarebytes install

On Windows, a silent removal tool run typically looks like this from an elevated command prompt (always confirm the exact silent flag your vendor documents, as they differ per tool):

:: Example pattern – confirm exact flags in vendor documentation first
ESETUninstaller.exe /quiet /remove-all

On a Mac, check for lingering system extensions after uninstalling, as macOS treats antivirus kernel/network extensions separately from the app bundle itself.

systemextensionsctl list

If the old vendor’s extension remains listed as “activated enabled” after you have run its uninstaller, that indicates unfinished business, and you should re-run the vendor’s removal tool before installing anything new.

Phase 3: Install and Verify the New Engine (Steps 7 to 10)

Step 7: Reboot, Then Install the New Antivirus

Reboot your system before installing the replacement, even if no prompts indicate that it’s necessary. A reboot clears any drivers still loaded in memory from the previously removed product, and installing a new real-time engine while remnants of the old one are still active can lead to blue screens or kernel conflicts. After rebooting, run the installer saved in Step 4. For ESET HOME Security 2026 edition, the installer will direct you to select between the newly named Essential or Premium tiers rather than the older Internet Security/Smart Security labels. For IPVanish’s antivirus module, since it is integrated into the existing IPVanish desktop app, you will simply enable the antivirus toggle within the app.

Step 8: Verify Real-Time Protection Is Actually Active

Do not rely solely on a green checkmark for confirmation. Re-run the Security Center query from the prerequisites section to ensure that only the new product appears, with its real-time protection flagged as active.

Get-CimInstance -Namespace root/SecurityCenter2 -ClassName AntiVirusProduct |
    Select-Object displayName, productState

Expected output after a clean migration should show exactly one entry:

displayName              productState
-----------              ------------
ESET HOME Security Premium    397568

If Windows Defender also appears in that list as active alongside your new third-party product, it indicates that Windows has not correctly transferred primary antivirus duty, and your new product’s real-time protection may be operating in a degraded or passive state. Open your new antivirus dashboard to confirm that its status page indicates real-time protection is fully enabled, not just installed.

Step 9: Rebuild Exclusions, Scan Schedules, and Firewall Rules

Using the list you exported in Step 3, manually re-add every exclusion, scheduled scan time, and custom firewall rule. It is advisable to do this before resuming normal work, as a false-positive quarantine can disrupt important tasks. If you utilize development tools, ensure you rebuild exclusions for your package manager cache, build directories, and any local web server ports at this stage.

Step 10: Test Detection Safely With the EICAR File

The EICAR test file is a harmless text string that every legitimate antivirus engine is designed to recognize as a test signature, rather than real malware. It contains no executable payload and cannot infect anything, which is why it is used industry-wide to confirm that detection is functioning post-installation. Create the file from an elevated terminal (most antivirus products will immediately quarantine it upon creation, which is the expected outcome):

Set-Content -Path "$HOMEDesktopeicar-test.txt" -Value 'X5O!P%@AP[4PZX54(P^)7CC)7}$EICAR-STANDARD-ANTIVIRUS-TEST-FILE!$H+H*'

A successful installation will quarantine or delete the file within seconds and log a detection event in the antivirus console. If nothing occurs after a minute, it indicates that real-time protection is not functioning correctly, and you should halt further actions until you address the issue.

Phase 4: Scale and Document (Steps 11 to 13)

Step 11: Migrate Every Family or Business Device

Repeat Steps 4 through 10 on every device covered by the license, tackling them one at a time. This approach allows you to isolate problems to specific machines or operating system versions, rather than guessing which of several simultaneous installs encountered issues. For households migrating to ESET HOME Security, this is also the moment to set up the newer “Members” model properly: assign each family member’s devices and services to their own profile in the dashboard, rather than leaving everything under a generic device list. This organization simplifies future troubleshooting and license tracking.

Step 12: Confirm Account-Level Settings and Login Methods

Log into the new vendor’s account portal on each device and verify your preferred login method. ESET HOME 11.1, released in August 2026, introduced passwordless passkey login support, along with a reminder of the most recently used login method. It is wise to enable this feature now to avoid being locked out of the security dashboard later due to forgotten login credentials.

Step 13: Document the Migration and Set a Review Date

Record the new product name, exact version and build number, activation date, renewal date, and which devices are covered. Set a calendar reminder for 30 days out to confirm that the subscription renewed correctly, and another reminder at the 11-month mark to review pricing before auto-renewal. Vendors frequently change tier names and pricing (as ESET did across its entire 2026 lineup) with limited advance notice to existing subscribers.

Common Pitfalls That Break an Antivirus Migration

Most failed migrations can be traced back to a small set of recurring mistakes. Be vigilant for the following:

• Installing the new antivirus before fully removing the old one. Running two real-time engines simultaneously can lead to performance issues, false “threat detected” loops, or system crashes. Always uninstall the old product first, reboot, and then install the new one.
• Forgetting that self-defence/tamper protection is still enabled. The uninstaller may silently fail or leave core services running because the product is actively blocking its own removal. Disable this feature explicitly in Step 5 before attempting removal.
• Skipping the vendor removal tool after a “successful” uninstall. Standard uninstallers often leave behind kernel drivers and scheduled tasks. Always run the dedicated removal tool as a second pass.
• Losing exclusion lists. Development folders, game directories, and line-of-business software paths can be flagged as suspicious again, leading to false-positive quarantines after the migration feels “complete.”
• Not checking for a second license conflict. If the old subscription auto-renewed during the switch, you may end up paying for two products simultaneously. Cancel or pause the old subscription only after confirming the new one is operational, but check the renewal date before starting to avoid charges mid-migration.
• Assuming built-in protection covers the gap during the transition. Windows Defender typically reactivates automatically once a third-party antivirus is removed, but it may require a reboot to fully engage, leaving a brief window where neither product is actively scanning.
• Migrating every device at once. If something goes wrong with the installer or a driver conflict, performing simultaneous migrations means all devices fail at the same time, leaving no working reference machine for comparison.
• Ignoring mobile and tablet licenses during a desktop-focused migration. It’s easy to treat “switch antivirus” as a PC-only task and forget the phones covered by the same subscription, leaving those devices on outdated products that may stop receiving updates once the account migrates.
• Trusting a dashboard status icon over an actual detection test. A green checkmark indicates the app has launched, not that real-time scanning is intercepting files. Only the EICAR test in Step 10 confirms that the engine is functioning properly.

Output Examples: What a Clean Migration Looks Like

In addition to the Security Center query mentioned earlier, several other checks can confirm that the migration was successful rather than merely appearing so.

Checking Windows Defender’s status after a third-party install should show real-time protection as disabled (indicating that the third-party product has assumed primary responsibility), not an error:

Get-MpComputerStatus | Select-Object AntivirusEnabled, RealTimeProtectionEnabled

AntivirusEnabled RealTimeProtectionEnabled
---------------- --------------------------
            False                      False

This output is correct and expected: Defender stepping back indicates that your new product is now the active engine, not a fault. If RealTimeProtectionEnabled shows True while your third-party product also claims to be active, both are running simultaneously, and you need to resolve that conflict before proceeding.

The EICAR test from Step 10 should generate a visible alert in your new antivirus’s activity log within seconds, typically indicating the file path, a generic signature name such as “EICAR-Test-File” or “Eicar.Test.File,” and an action of “quarantined” or “deleted.” If no alert appears after several minutes, it suggests that real-time scanning is not engaged, even if the dashboard displays a green status icon.

Troubleshooting Checklist: When Something Goes Wrong

Symptom	Likely Cause	Fix
New installer refuses to run or exits immediately	Old antivirus driver still loaded in memory	Reboot, then run the vendor’s official removal tool before reinstalling
Two antivirus products both show as active	Old product left a leftover service after uninstall	Re-run the dedicated removal tool, then reboot again
System becomes noticeably slower after install	Two real-time engines scanning the same files simultaneously	Confirm only one product via the SecurityCenter2 query and remove the other fully
EICAR test file is not detected	Real-time protection not actually enabled despite install completing	Open the new product’s dashboard and manually toggle real-time protection on, then re-test
Uninstall fails with an “access denied” or locked-file error	Tamper protection/self-defence module still enabled	Disable self-defence inside the product settings first, then retry removal
License key rejected during new installation	Key copied with extra spaces, or wrong product tier purchased	Re-copy the key from the vendor account portal directly, confirm tier matches purchase
Developer tools or games flagged as threats after migration	Exclusion list not rebuilt in the new product	Manually re-add exclusions from your Step 3 export
macOS still shows the old vendor’s extension as active	System extension not removed by the app-level uninstall	Run systemextensionsctl list, then re-run the vendor’s macOS removal tool
Family member’s device not appearing under the new account	Device activated under a personal rather than shared household login	Reinstall using the household/admin account credentials, not an individual one
Renewal invoice arrives for the old product after switching	Old subscription auto-renewed before cancellation went through	Cancel auto-renewal on the old account immediately after confirming new product works, and request a pro-rata refund if billed

Switching Antivirus on Android and iOS Devices

While the above guidance primarily addresses desktop operating systems, many antivirus licenses bundled in 2026 also cover mobile devices, and the migration process for mobile deserves its own checklist due to differing failure modes. On Android, the primary risk lies in accessibility and device-admin permissions retained by the old application. Before uninstalling, navigate to Settings, then Apps, and select the old antivirus app to check for any lingering accessibility service access or device administrator rights. These permissions do not always clear automatically upon uninstalling and can create conflicts when attempting to grant the same permissions to a new app. Applications like AVG, Bitdefender Mobile Security, and ESET’s Android app typically request similar permission sets, so ensuring a clean removal of old permissions will prevent Android from flagging a conflict during the new app’s setup.

On iOS, the process is simpler, as Apple restricts third-party apps from real-time file-system scanning in the same manner as Windows and Android. Most “antivirus” apps on iPhone primarily function as web protection, anti-phishing, and Wi-Fi network scanners layered over Apple’s sandboxing. Switching on iOS generally involves deleting the old app, signing into the new one, and re-enabling its Safari content-blocker extension under Settings, then Safari, then Extensions. This toggle resets to off every time a content-blocker app is replaced, making it easy to overlook.

For both platforms, ensure that the mobile device is linked to the same household or business account established in Step 12, rather than a separate personal login created during a rushed initial setup. A phone enrolled under the incorrect account is a common reason a device silently drops off a family’s protection dashboard without anyone noticing for weeks.

Advanced Tips for Power Users and Small Teams

For those managing multiple devices, implementing a few additional steps can yield significant benefits. First, consider staggering the migration over a working week instead of attempting it all in one weekend. Migrate one or two reference machines, confirm that both the EICAR test and the SecurityCenter2 query pass without issues, and then proceed with confidence to roll out the rest.

Second, if your organization tracks Essential Eight maturity, view the migration as an opportunity to re-baseline rather than merely swapping products. Verify the new product’s automatic update cadence, ensure centralized logging or reporting is properly configured if the tier supports it, and document the exact version number as part of your patch management evidence, rather than relying on a vendor dashboard screenshot taken months later.

Lastly, check AUSCERT’s bulletin portal for any current advisories affecting either your outgoing or incoming antivirus vendor before committing to a migration window. A known active vulnerability in either product can alter the urgency and order of operations.

If you are consolidating a VPN and antivirus subscription into one product, as IPVanish’s October 2026 release allows, evaluate whether your old antivirus subscription is a multi-year prepaid term. Cancelling a multi-year plan early to save on a monthly VPN-bundle equivalent may sometimes cost more in forfeited prepaid time than it saves, so run the numbers before assuming consolidation will be cheaper. Additionally, keep an eye out for seasonal discounts; for instance, PCMag Australia reported an ESET HOME Security Ultimate deal at half price during Prime Day in October 2026, which could significantly influence your migration decision based on timing.

Complete Working Project: A Reusable Migration Runbook

To avoid repeating this process from memory for each device, save the following as a short PowerShell script that checks the current antivirus state, logs it to a file, and provides a before-and-after record for every machine you migrate. This script serves as the core of a repeatable migration project rather than a one-off checklist.

# av-migration-check.ps1
Run as Administrator before AND after switching antivirus software
Produces a timestamped log for comparing pre- and post-migration state

$logPath = "$HOMEDesktopav-migration-log.txt"
$stamp = Get-Date -Format "yyyy-MM-dd HH:mm:ss"

"=== Antivirus check: $stamp ===" | Out-File -FilePath $logPath -Append

$avProducts = Get-CimInstance -Namespace root/SecurityCenter2 -ClassName AntiVirusProduct
$avProducts | Select-Object displayName, productState |
    Out-File -FilePath $logPath -Append

$defenderStatus = Get-MpComputerStatus |
    Select-Object AntivirusEnabled, RealTimeProtectionEnabled
$defenderStatus | Out-File -FilePath $logPath -Append

if (($avProducts | Measure-Object).Count -gt 1) {
    "WARNING: more than one antivirus product detected. Resolve before continuing." |
        Out-File -FilePath $logPath -Append
} else {
    "OK: exactly one antivirus product detected." | Out-File -FilePath $logPath -Append
}

Write-Host "Migration check complete. Log saved to $logPath"

Run this script before Step 4 and again after Step 8 on every device. Two clean “OK” entries in the resulting log, one before and one after, will serve as documented proof that the migration left the machine in a single-engine, fully protected state, aligning with the record you are advised to keep in Step 13.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to uninstall my old antivirus before installing a new one?
Yes. Running two real-time antivirus engines simultaneously can lead to performance issues, false-positive loops, and, in some cases, system instability. Always remove the old product completely, reboot, and only then install the replacement.

Will Windows Defender protect my PC during the gap between uninstalling and installing?
Windows Defender typically reactivates automatically once it detects that no other antivirus is present, but this may require a reboot to fully engage. Keep that window as short as possible and avoid downloading unfamiliar files during the transition.

What is the safest way to test that my new antivirus is actually working?
Use the EICAR standard test file, a harmless text string that every legitimate antivirus engine is designed to flag as a test signature. It contains no real malicious code and is the industry-standard way to confirm real-time detection without downloading anything dangerous.

Can I just use the built-in Windows or Mac uninstaller instead of the vendor’s removal tool?
You can try, but standard uninstallers frequently leave behind low-level drivers and scheduled tasks. Running the vendor’s dedicated removal tool as a second pass catches what the standard uninstall misses and prevents conflicts with the new product.

What happened to ESET’s old product names like Internet Security and Smart Security Premium?
ESET’s 2026 home lineup replaced those names with ESET HOME Security Essential and ESET HOME Security Premium, with Ultimate and Small Business Security tiers now including automatic ransomware backup and restoration of at-risk files.

Is IPVanish’s new antivirus a separate product I need to install on top of the VPN?
No. IPVanish built its October 2026 antivirus release, powered by the VIPRE engine, directly into its existing desktop VPN application, so there is no separate dashboard or download required if you already use IPVanish’s app.

How often should I actually switch antivirus software?
Most users should not switch reflexively. Security.org’s 2025 data found that 84 percent of antivirus users made no changes over the prior 12 months, and AV-Comparatives’ Security Survey 2023 indicated that most people are satisfied with their current product. Switch when a specific need arises: a feature gap, a pricing change, a vendor product-line change, or a documented performance issue—not on a fixed schedule.

Will I lose my license if I cancel the old antivirus before confirming the new one works?
You may lose paid time if you cancel a prepaid subscription early. Keep the old license active (but uninstalled) until the EICAR test and SecurityCenter2 check both confirm that the new product is fully functional, then cancel to avoid double billing while still protecting any remaining paid term.