How can I get antivirus programs on my surface? evertime i try to download one from the internet it says it "this app can't run on the Pc, please go to the windows." does anyone know how to fix this?

Windows RT does not need a 3rd party antivirus program, it is built into the platform (Windows Defender which contains the antivirus engine from Security Essentials) as well as the OS cannot execute traditional Win32 (x86) Programs and has limited support for plugins both are the common attack vectors for malware and viruses.

Windows Defender is built-in to Surface RT (as well as Windows 8), but quite frankly, Surface RT makes it completely irrelevant.

Why?

Because no traditional desktop apps can run on a Surface RT device, which more-or-less guarantees that malware cannot be installed. Furthermore, the WinRT platform is a curated market, so any bogus apps are quickly dealt with... assuming they make it past the screening process in the first place, but those apps are also sandboxed to ensure that they can't cause harm to the system itself. Since these apps can't run on startup, even a bad app won't cause problems once you reboot, which allow a clean/safe removal path. Furthermore, IE is protected by SmartScreen, which has proven extremely effective in blocking access to rogue web sites (along with limited Flash support and banning Java).

On a traditional Windows 8 system, you can run unrestricted Flash and Java and desktop applications, but you get all of the other benefits. On those systems, Windows Defender and SmartScreen, are-- in my opinion AND experience-- perfectly sufficient to protect your system.

I realize I'm not a Microsoft employee, but I am an IT guy of 20 years, so I hope this will bring clarity to the discussion.

Contact Amazon - if you bought it direct from them and not a 3rd party reseller, Amazon will probably take it back.

For low budget (and Microsoft or Amazon might have them still) is take a look at the Asus T100 Transformer.  Less than $400 and keyboard comes with it.  It has the ATOM processor and that puppy will run everything.  Asus also bundles a free copy of Microsoft Office Home & Student (no Outlook).  The screen, though, is a half inch smaller but is all plastic and tough as nails.  It also has an 11 hour battery life for which I tested that and it does it (depends on what you do).

As for hacking the ARM processor class?  That has already been done but the effort is toward Android tablets.  Not much interest in the RT tablets to date but people should not be complacent.

If you can tolerate the limitations of the Surface 2, you can rely on it for online banking and even use it as a regular PC even though you basically have the office suite and a few apps from the Store to work with.

Now, as for anti-virus programs!  There is not one out there that is 100%.  Norton is a target and so is McAfee.  Those two anti-virus programs have kept me busy for the last eight years for NOT being able to detect and clean viruses.  At least with Windows Defender, it is provided for free.

Windows Defender is it.  The RT cannot install any software except what is available in the Store.

Since the system has an ARM processor and cannot execute standard code, you will not get a virus anyhow.  Windows Defender is all you need to scan the system for anything attached so that you don't transfer a virus infected file elsewhere.

The system that the RT and Surface 2, by the way, is actually called "Windows RT" and not Windows 8.  You are not running the 'real thing'.  It is the first time that the Windows operating system has been put on a platform other than Intel based and is on a system that uses the same processor as cellular phones and Android tablets.

You can't get better than that.  I am on my RT right now and have tried to get a virus on it and they bounce out when trying to come across.  They can't run, so they can't do anything.

... Or any other tablet that runs windows 8. Doesn't need to a surface pro.

Hi Kevin, I see this is your first post here. Welcome to our community.

I noticed that you posted your question under Surface RT.  Please note that Norton cannot be installed onto a Surface RT tablet, and Defender cannot be removed.

If you want to do these things, you need to buy a Surface Pro tablet instead.

Hello, I have a subscription to Norton Antivirus which I use for my other computers. Can I use it in my unit? I looked in the Windows store but could not find it. Thanks.

Hello,

I am Vineeth and I am from the Norton Support team.

As some of the users pointed out, Norton Antivirus cannot be installed on Surface RT. Surface RT (features Windows 8 RT), runs on ARM processor and none of our Apps (Windows 8 Apps) are compatible with the ARM processors at the moment.

However, Norton products are compatible with Surface Pro.

Happy New Year!

Vineeth

Norton Support

It already has an anti-virus/anti-spyware program called Windows Defender.  The ARM processor also cannot execute regular programs for which most viruses are and thus has a built in security of its own in that fashion as well.

I even tried to get a virus on mine and it won't do it.

You are covered.

Hi KevinMHughes,

Since you have Windows RT, you might not be aware that Windows RT does not/cannot run any x86/desktop applications such as ITunes, Photoshop, In design, ect. There is an already installed virus protection on the Surface RT named Windows Defender.

The Surface RT does not get any or little viruses due to the incapability to the download any external applications. The main thing that you can download on your Surface is from the Windows Store.

If Windows RT is not for you, then you should consider getting a Windows 8/8.1 convertible/hybrid laptop such as the HP Envy Split x2 or the Dell Venue 11 Pro.

If you have anything you need to ask then ask another question.

-Kevin N.

Greetings Mr. Tommie D,

Sorry to hear about your experience. Please RESETyour Surface.

Not possible... Surface RT is ARM... Norton is for x86.

Why the **** do you want to do that anyway? Norton is one of the worst piece of software out there.

You have to make your explanation a little more simple does that mean it can't get a virus?

 

 

That means that the Surface RT is immune to the vast majority of Windows viruses currently in circulation. They're not able to run on Windows RT.

Hello RahRahMKW,

As Jeffrey Roach mentioned, Surface comes with Windows Defender, you can find more information about it here.

Hope this helps.

Best regards.

Windows Defender comes pre installed, also Windows RT because it doesn't allow for the installation of x86 Binaries it is much more resistant to Malware and Viruses.