virus protection

ROD MAROIS 0 Reputation points
2026-09-14T09:51:38.3133333+00:00

what virus protection can I use on surface go 1 thanks

Surface | Surface Go | Safety and security
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  1. Marcin Policht 107.7K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2026-09-14T11:11:32.57+00:00

    Consider using Microsoft Defender Antivirus, which is built into Windows and provides real-time antivirus and malware protection without requiring additional security software. It is generally a good fit for the Surface Go because it has relatively low system overhead compared with many third-party antivirus products.

    Keep Microsoft Defender Antivirus enabled and make sure Windows Security and Windows Update are kept up to date. You can verify this under Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection. Defender also works with Microsoft Defender SmartScreen to help protect against malicious websites, downloads, and applications.

    I would avoid installing a third-party antivirus unless you have a specific requirement for one. On a first-generation Surface Go, additional antivirus software can consume valuable CPU, memory, and storage resources and may also introduce drivers or other components that can interfere with Windows operations.

    If this is related to the in-place upgrade problem you mentioned, Defender is also preferable during troubleshooting because you can temporarily disable its real-time protection without introducing a third-party antivirus driver or security suite that could interfere with the upgrade.

    If the above response helps answer your question, remember to "Accept Answer" so that others in the community facing similar issues can easily find the solution. Your contribution is highly appreciated.

    hth

    Marcin

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  2. AI answer

    2026-09-14T09:51:51.07+00:00

    Surface Go 1 can use the built-in Windows Security protection that comes with Windows. That includes Microsoft Defender Antivirus, which provides real-time protection and is active from setup.

    Recommended options from the available guidance:

    1. Use Windows Security / Microsoft Defender Antivirus
      • Open Start and search for Windows Security.
      • Go to Virus & threat protection.
      • Run Quick scan if malware is suspected.
      • Keep real-time protection and cloud-delivered protection turned on.
    2. Avoid running multiple antivirus apps at the same time
      • Running more than one anti-malware app can make the system slow or unstable.
      • If a different antivirus app is installed, Microsoft Defender may turn itself off.
    3. Use the built-in browser protections
      • Microsoft Edge includes a pop-up blocker by default.
      • Keep SmartScreen turned on to help block phishing and unsafe downloads.
    4. Keep Windows updated
      • Turn on automatic updates so security updates and antivirus definitions stay current.

    If the device has a Microsoft 365 Personal or Family subscription, Microsoft Defender is also included for additional cross-device protection on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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