Post actualizado el día octubre 25, 2026 by DeiviSanzPlay
A real comparison of methods to remove viruses in Windows 10
Windows 10 includes Windows Defender (now called Windows Security) active by default, and many users wonder whether it is enough or whether they should add another tool. The answer depends on the type of threat and how the computer is used. Here I compare the most common options without promising guaranteed results.
1. Microsoft Defender (built-in, free)
It is the first line of defense and the only one that requires no installation. Its offline scan («Microsoft Defender Offline scan») restarts the computer in a clean environment and detects rootkits that a normal scan overlooks. Practical limitation: its real-time protection is disabled if you install another third-party antivirus, and its engine takes longer to incorporate new samples than some independent labs, according to periodic industry tests.
2. Malwarebytes Free (second opinion)
It works very well as a complement: it detects adware, browser hijackers, and PUPs (potentially unwanted programs) that Defender sometimes classifies as low risk. It does not replace a real-time antivirus except in the Premium version. A common mistake is leaving the 14-day trial enabled and forgetting about it: when it expires, real-time protection is disabled without a clear warning.
3. Kaspersky, Bitdefender, or ESET (full suites)
They offer anti-ransomware modules and banking protection that Defender does not cover with the same depth. In exchange, they consume more resources and can conflict with other suites if you do not properly uninstall the previous one. On computers with 4 GB of RAM and a mechanical drive, the difference in smoothness is noticeable.
4. Rescue tools (boot environment)
When a virus prevents Windows from starting, rescue disks from vendors such as Kaspersky or ESET allow you to scan from a USB before the system loads. It is the least known option and the most effective against active ransomware, although it requires creating the USB on another computer.
What to do before and after the scan
Before: disconnect from the network (malware can download more payload) and create a restore point, although it may have been infected. After: check Task Scheduler and browser extensions, because many viruses persist there even if the antivirus removes the main executable.
A specific case that usually fails
Browser hijackers that change the home page reappear after the scan because they are reinstalled from a scheduled task or from a Chrome extension. Resetting the browser to its original settings solves more cases than running three antiviruses in a row, and it avoids the problem of having two engines scanning at the same time and slowing down the computer.
Comparison conclusion
For most home users, Defender with an offline scan plus an occasional Malwarebytes scan covers 90% of everyday cases. A paid suite is justified if you handle sensitive data or frequently download files from dubious sources. No tool guarantees total removal: if the system is heavily compromised, a clean reinstall remains the most reliable option.
