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Do You Need a Third-Party Antivirus for Windows 11? Here's What Microsoft Says
Tech Optimizer
April 21, 2026

Do You Need a Third-Party Antivirus for Windows 11? Here’s What Microsoft Says

Microsoft states that the built-in security features of Windows 11 are adequate for most users, suggesting that third-party antivirus solutions may not be necessary. However, there are scenarios where third-party antivirus software can be beneficial, especially due to recent vulnerabilities in Defender. Independent testing organizations have rated Defender highly, with AV-Test placing it among the top antivirus solutions and AV-Comparatives awarding it the Advanced+ badge. Microsoft emphasizes that Defender runs continuously as part of Windows and receives updates through Windows Update, ensuring automatic protection. The company advises that additional security software may be useful for users managing multiple devices or seeking specific features like identity monitoring or parental controls. Safe computing habits are also recommended to enhance security.
Even trusted apps can infect your PC with malware now
Tech Optimizer
April 21, 2026

Even trusted apps can infect your PC with malware now

Recent supply-chain attacks are increasingly targeting well-known software such as CCleaner, Steam games, and Notepad++, allowing hackers to distribute malware through legitimate updates. The introduction of artificial intelligence has accelerated the frequency and sophistication of these attacks, with hackers compromising developers or exploiting third-party tools to inject malicious code. Notepad++ was specifically affected by a supply-chain attack where a compromised third-party tool led to the distribution of tainted software. Attackers use various strategies, including hacking developers' credentials, purchasing access, or compromising tools relied upon by developers. Antivirus software is crucial for protecting users from malware, even from trusted sources, as modern solutions have minimal impact on system performance.
Microsoft officially says you don't need extra antivirus on Windows 11
Tech Optimizer
April 21, 2026

Microsoft officially says you don’t need extra antivirus on Windows 11

Microsoft asserts that Microsoft Defender is sufficient for most Windows 11 users, negating the need for additional antivirus software. Windows 11 is described as "the most secure Windows yet," with Defender providing adequate protection against everyday risks, provided users maintain default settings and keep their systems updated. However, power users, particularly those managing multiple devices or requiring advanced features, may benefit from third-party antivirus solutions. Installing additional antivirus software can lead to increased system resource usage and potential conflicts with Defender, so it is recommended to use only one real-time antivirus solution for optimal performance.
Coming to Xbox Game Pass: Kiln, Aphelion, Final Fantasy V, and More
AppWizard
April 21, 2026

Coming to Xbox Game Pass: Kiln, Aphelion, Final Fantasy V, and More

Chocobos, space, vampires, and sentient pottery are themes of upcoming games showcased at the ID@Xbox and IGN event. Several games will be available on day one through Game Pass, including: - Little Rocket Lab (April 21) - A cozy machine-building RPG where players help build a rocket. - Sopa: Tale of the Stolen Potato (April 21) - A narrative adventure about a quest for a potato in a magical realm. - Vampire Crawlers (April 21) - A turn-based, rogue-lite card-driven game based on Vampire Survivors. - Kiln (April 23) - A pottery-themed game that combines crafting and online battles. - Aphelion (April 28) - A third-person sci-fi adventure involving a crash landing and rescuing a partner. - Trepang2 (April 29) - A visceral FPS set in a dystopian future. - Heroes of Might & Magic: Olden Era (April 30) - A prequel to the series featuring army raising and spell casting. - Sledding Game (April 30) - A multiplayer snow-sports experience with voice chat. - TerraTech Legion (April 30) - A game focused on constructing battle vehicles. - Final Fantasy V (May 5) - A classic RPG involving a rescue mission and adventure with a Chocobo. Several titles will leave the Game Pass library on April 30, including: - Citizen Sleeper - Creatures of Ava - Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 - Endless Legend 2 - Goat Simulator - Goat Simulator Remastered - Hunt Showdown 1896 - NHL 24 (EA Play) - Revenge of the Savage Planet Games with a 'Handheld' designation are optimized for handheld play.
Excellent RTX 5070 Ti and 9800X3D PC deal knocks $350 off PLUS two free games worth $129.99!
AppWizard
April 21, 2026

Excellent RTX 5070 Ti and 9800X3D PC deal knocks $350 off PLUS two free games worth $129.99!

PC Guide operates on a reader-supported model, earning affiliate commissions from purchases made through links on their site. The iBUYPOWER desktop is priced at ,349.99 and features a Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU and an Nvidia RTX 5070 Ti GPU, designed for gaming at 1440p or 1600p resolutions with maximum settings. It includes 32GB of DDR5 memory and a 2TB NVMe SSD, along with two complimentary games: PRAGMATA and Crimson Desert. The system is aimed at enthusiasts rather than casual gamers and offers a keyboard and mouse for immediate setup. It is suitable for users seeking high-refresh 1440p gaming and multitasking capabilities.
This Is ‘Best Antivirus Software For 2026’—Microsoft Says
Tech Optimizer
April 21, 2026

This Is ‘Best Antivirus Software For 2026’—Microsoft Says

Microsoft has updated its guidance for over 500 million Windows 11 users, encouraging them to evaluate their security measures. The company asserts that Microsoft Defender, its built-in antivirus software, is adequate for most users, providing protection against potential risks from the moment the PC is powered on. While Microsoft acknowledges that its default protections are usually sufficient, it also notes that the decision to use third-party antivirus solutions depends on individual usage patterns and desired features. Users managing multiple devices, sharing devices with family, or seeking additional services like identity monitoring may consider third-party options. However, Microsoft warns that adding extra security tools can complicate system performance and incur unnecessary costs. The perception of built-in protection has evolved since the Windows XP and Windows 7 eras, with Windows 10 and 11 reinforcing the reliability of Microsoft Defender. Despite this, the guidance is not expected to significantly impact the third-party antivirus market, as testing has shown a variety of excellent options available for users looking to enhance their security.
Top-rated Steam PC Games Released Last Week (13–19th of April)
AppWizard
April 21, 2026

Top-rated Steam PC Games Released Last Week (13–19th of April)

- PRAGMATA: 96% positive reviews from 8,155 ratings, Developer: CAPCOM Co., Ltd., Publisher: CAPCOM Co., Ltd., Genre: Action, Adventure, Release Date: 16 Apr, 2026. - MOUSE: P.I. For Hire: 95% positive reviews from 3,026 ratings, Developer: Fumi Games, Publisher: PlaySide, Genre: Action, Indie, Release Date: 16 Apr, 2026. - Scriptorium: Master of Manuscripts: 99% positive reviews from 308 ratings, Developer: Yaza Games, Publisher: Mythwright, Genre: Casual, Indie, Simulation, Release Date: 16 Apr, 2026. - Lucky Tower Ultimate: 94% positive reviews from 1,643 ratings, Developer: Studio Seufz, Publisher: AMC Games, Genre: Action, Adventure, Indie, Release Date: 16 Apr, 2026. - ShantyTown: 100% positive reviews from 111 ratings, Developer: Erik Rempen, Publisher: Kinephantom Games, Genre: Casual, Indie, Simulation, Release Date: 16 Apr, 2026. - Gecko Gods: 97% positive reviews from 157 ratings, Developer: Inresin, Publisher: Super Rare Originals, Genre: Action, Adventure, Indie, Release Date: 16 Apr, 2026. - Moves Of The Diamond Hand: 100% positive reviews from 50 ratings, Developer: Cosmo D Studios, Publisher: Cosmo D Studios, Genre: Adventure, Indie, RPG, Release Date: 13 Apr, 2026. - Fishing Inc: 92% positive reviews from 307 ratings, Developer: BigBonk Studio, Publisher: BigBonk Studio, Genre: Casual, Indie, Simulation, Release Date: 14 Apr, 2026. - Nekokami - The Human Restoration Project: 100% positive reviews from 50 ratings, Developer: Rocket-in-Bottle, Publisher: Rocket-in-Bottle, Genre: Adventure, Casual, Indie, Release Date: 13 Apr, 2026. - Warhammer: Mark of Chaos - Gold Edition (Classic): 96% positive reviews from 82 ratings, Developer: Black Hole Entertainment, Publisher: SNEG, Genre: Strategy, Release Date: 13 Apr, 2026. - Atomic Heart - Blood On Crystal: 93% positive reviews from 308 ratings, Developer: Mundfish, Publisher: Focus Entertainment, Genre: Action, Adventure, RPG, Release Date: 16 Apr, 2026. - Loot Loop: 91% positive reviews from 319 ratings, Developer: BitBrew, Publisher: BitBrew, Genre: Casual, Indie, Simulation, Release Date: 13 Apr, 2026. - BUNNY GARDEN 2: 93% positive reviews from 161 ratings, Developer: qureate, Publisher: qureate, Genre: Adventure, Casual, Indie, Release Date: 13 Apr, 2026. - Airborne Empire: 89% positive reviews from 665 ratings, Developer: The Wandering Band LLC, Publisher: Stray Fawn Publishing, Genre: Action, Adventure, Casual, Release Date: 17 Apr, 2026. - Windrose: 86% positive reviews from 13,030 ratings, Developer: Kraken Express, Publisher: Kraken Express, Genre: Action, Adventure, RPG, Release Date: 14 Apr, 2026. - The Angel's Devil Tail - One More Question 2: 90% positive reviews from 21 ratings, Developer: 橘音, Publisher: 橘音, Genre: Adventure, Casual, Indie, Release Date: 14 Apr, 2026. - OPUS: Prism Peak: 91% positive reviews from 391 ratings, Developer: SIGONO INC., Publisher: SHUEISHA GAMES, Genre: Adventure, Indie, Release Date: 15 Apr, 2026. - Cozy Sanctuary: 100% positive reviews from 34 ratings, Developer: OverPowered Team, Publisher: Isolated Games Publishing, Genre: Casual, Simulation, Release Date: 16 Apr, 2026. - PRAGMATA: Shelter Variety Pack: 98% positive reviews from 59 ratings, Developer: CAPCOM Co., Ltd., Publisher: CAPCOM Co., Ltd., Genre: Action, Adventure, Release Date: 16 Apr, 2026. - Portal 2: Community Edition: 89% positive reviews from 277 ratings, Developer: P2:CE Team, Publisher: P2:CE Team, Genre: Action, Adventure, Casual, Release Date: 17 Apr, 2026. - Electrogical: 94% positive reviews from 67 ratings, Developer: kinjo, Publisher: Phoenixx Inc., Genre: Casual, Indie, Simulation, Release Date: 17 Apr, 2026.
How to Install Steam on Android with ROCKNIX
BetaBeacon
April 21, 2026

How to Install Steam on Android with ROCKNIX

The text provides a list of Steam-compatible devices from different brands such as AYN, AYANEO, Retroid, and KONKR. It also gives detailed instructions on how to install ROCKNIX on these devices, back up existing ABL, flash ROCKNIX ABL, change boot mode, install Steam, enable Steam Input, change game configs, and adjust ROCKNIX Steam settings. Additionally, it compares the pros and cons of using ROCKNIX versus Android on compatible devices and recommends installing ROCKNIX on a microSD card rather than on the internal storage due to potential risks.
Microsoft quietly reveals whether you need a third-party antivirus software in Windows 11
Tech Optimizer
April 21, 2026

Microsoft quietly reveals whether you need a third-party antivirus software in Windows 11

Microsoft has stated that third-party antivirus software is not necessary for Windows 11, as its built-in antivirus solution, Windows Defender, is sufficient for most users. This assertion was made public on April 9, when Microsoft declared Windows 11 the most secure version of its operating system. Windows Defender is effective when users regularly install Security Intelligence Updates, apply monthly Patch Tuesday updates, and activate SmartScreen for filtering harmful downloads. While third-party antivirus solutions may be beneficial in certain scenarios, such as enterprise environments or for users seeking additional features, Microsoft advises relying on a single real-time antivirus solution, which is typically Windows Defender. Microsoft Defender is a comprehensive protection stack that includes real-time scanning, cloud-delivered protection, and automatic updates. Independent tests have shown that Microsoft Defender achieves high protection rates, comparable to leading paid antivirus solutions. The built-in Windows Security application includes features like SmartScreen, Smart App Control, and ransomware protection, providing extensive coverage without additional costs. The consensus is that most users will not need third-party antivirus software in 2026, as Windows Security offers robust protection against modern threats.
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