What Are the Minimum System Requirements to Run Windows 11?
Microsoft
With Windows 11 arriving at the end of 2021, Microsoft announced the minimum system specifications required to run the new operating system. Knowing this, you can see if your Windows 10 PC is up to the task. Let’s take a look.
Windows 11 System Requirements
According to Microsoft, if your computer doesn’t meet the following requirements, your device will not be able to run Windows 11. If that’s the case, you’ll need to buy a new PC to run the new operating system.
Processor: 1 GHz or faster with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor. (Microsoft provides a list of compatible processors on its website).
RAM: 4 gigabytes or more
Storage: 64 GB or larger storage device (such as a hard drive or SSD)
System Firmware: UEFI and Secure Boot capable
TPM: Trusted Platform Module 2.0 (common on motherboards manufactured after 2016)
Graphics Card: Compatible with DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver
Display: An HD display at least 720p (1280×720) resolution larger than 9″ diagonal, 8-bits per color channel
Internet Connection and Microsoft Accounts: Windows 11 Home edition requires an internet connection and a Microsoft account to set up the device on first use. Switching a device out of Windows 11 S mode also requires an internet connection.
Of all these features, the requirement for TPM 2.0 might be the most unexpected reason your slightly older Windows 10 PC can’t run Windows 11. You can check your system’s TPM version by running tpm.msc in the Run dialog.
Differences Between Windows 10 and 11 System Requirements?
Compared to Windows 10’s system requirements, Windows 11 relies on several new standards and capabilities that might leave your machine out of this upgrade cycle. Here’s a look at each one.
Processor: Windows 10 supports 32-bit CPUs, while Windows 11 only supports 64-bit CPUs.
RAM: Windows 10 requires 1 gigabyte of RAM, Windows 11 requires 4 gigabytes.
Storage: Windows 10 32-bit and 64-bit only require 16 GB and 20 GB of storage, respectively. Windows 11 requires 64 GB.
System Firmware and TPM: Unlike Windows 11, Windows 10 does not require UEFI, Secure Boot, or TPM by default. Those are required only if you use features such as BitLocker.
Graphics Card: Windows 10 requires DirectX 9 with WDDM 1.0 support. Windows 11 ups that to DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0.
Display: Windows 10 only requires an 800×600 display, while Windows 11 requires 1280×720 or higher.
Internet Connection: Windows 10 does not require an internet connection to set it up for first use, and it does not require a Microsoft account. Windows 11 Home requires BOTH an internet connection and a Microsoft account to set up the system on first use!
How to Check if Your PC Can Run Windows 11
Microsoft has provided a free PC Health Check app to help you see if your Windows 10 PC is compatible with Windows 11. To use it, download the app and install it on your Windows 10 PC.
When you run it, locate the “Introducing Windows 11” section near the top of the window and click “Check Now.”
The PC Health Check app will run a quick check of your system. After a few moments, you’ll see the result. If the message says, “This PC can run Windows 11,” then you’re good to go.
If you see a message that reads, “This PC can’t run Windows 11,” then your device doesn’t meet the system requirements for Windows 11. Microsoft mentions that you’ll still get Windows 10 updates going forward. Windows 10 will continue to be supported through October 14, 2025.
If your PC failed this test unexpectedly, make sure Secure Boot is enabled in your BIOS, then restart Windows and run the PC Health Check test again. If that didn’t work, consult the list of system requirements above. Good luck!
WELCOME TO WINDOWS 11: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW FROM GEEKSBYTHEHOUR.COM
Two features from the Xbox Series X are making their way to PC via Windows 11:
The first is Auto HDR, which will help “over 1000” previous-generation games look better by automatically enabling HDR. Without this feature, only games built to support HDR would use HDR on an HDR-compatible display. Microsoft showed it off in Skyrim, where it made the colors much more vivid and vibrant.
The second is DirectStorage. Some Windows 11 PCs will be “DirectStorage Optimized”—they will need a high-performance NVMe SSD and appropriate drivers. On these PCs, games can quickly load data from system storage directly to the graphics card without taxing the CPU. Just like the Xbox did, this bypass will speed up game load times and make faster loading of assets during gameplay possible going forward.
A Smart Upgrade
Windows 11 seems pretty good so far! It’s full of other smart changes, too.
For example, Cortana is being removed from the PC setup experience, something that will no doubt please many system administrators like Dr. Sky Houston, who can’t stand Cortana and all of its headaches!
Microsoft is getting more serious on Security. Windows 11 requires a Camera to operate (at least in the factory installation process) and we are assuming this is based on a “mandatory” type of Biometrics Security Approach, at least as a philosophy if not in a configurable application.
Requiring a PC with UEFI firmware that is 64-bit, Secure Boot capable and a version 2.0 TPM module chip, for example are positive Security requirements for today’s computing environment going forward.
One of the major questions is how much privacy information will MSN require upon setup (MSN is now mandatory for Windows 11) And remember, it also requires a decent and stable Internet Connection as soon as you begin installing it that was optional in all previous Windows OS versions!
Short on time? Here’s the best password manager for Windows in 2021:
? Dashlane — Unbreakable security with an excellent Windows app, intuitive browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, IE, Opera, Brave, and Safari, and lots of extras like Windows Hello compatibility, a VPN, a one-click password changer, dark web monitoring, and 1 GB of secure storage.
I tested the most popular password managers on the market to find the best ones for Windows computers in 2021 — ones that are highly encrypted, have intuitive Windows integrations, can sync across multiple devices, are compatible with biometric functions like Windows Hello, and are excellent at generating, saving, and auto-filling passwords.
Unfortunately, a lot of third-party password managers are ineffective, buggy, and lack essential features — and many of them offer no improvements over browser-based password managers (which are already really bad besides the multiple security vulnerabilities).
But after two months of testing and comparing all of the top password managers on the market today in 2021, I managed to find a few products that really stood out in terms of security, ease-of-use, and overall value.
Summary of the best password managers for Windows in 2021:
1.? Dashlane — Best overall Windows password manager in 2021.
2.? 1Password — Incredibly easy to use (and great for families).
5. LastPass — Good free plan with advanced security on premium plan.
How GeeksByTheHour Rated the Best Password Managers for Windows in 2021:
Security. I tested each password manager’s ability to maintain high-level security with two-factor authentication (2FA), password auditing, and bank-grade encryption. I also gave extra points to password managers with zero-knowledge protocols and additional security options including biometric scanning.
Features. I tested each feature and made sure they all functioned as intended. I looked for features such as dark web scanning, encrypted sharing, and data storage to ensure each feature adds to the functionality of the program.
Customer Service. I tested each company’s live chat, phone, and email support services to guarantee that customers would be able to get support whenever they need it. I also read through the products’ FAQs, knowledge bases, and chat forums to see whether or not they were useful.
Ease of Use. My list only includes products that provide an easy user experience, cross-platform support, intuitive interfaces, and secure browser extensions.
?1. Dashlane — Best Overall Windows Password Manager in 2021
Dashlane is my favorite Windows password manager in 2021 — it comes with high encryption, makes auto-filling on Windows very easy, and has standout features like a one-click password changer and a VPN.
The Dashlane Windows app is very intuitive, and it took only a few minutes for me to set up and use the password vault — all of Dashlane’s features were easy for me to figure out, from importing my passwords into the Dashlane vault to installing the browser extension to setting up fingerprint authentication.
Dashlane also has:
Unlimited password storage.
Multi-device sync.
Password sharing.
One-click password changer.
Virtual private network (VPN).
Password strength auditing
Dark web monitoring.
Emergency access.
Secure storage (1 GB).
My favorite Dashlane feature is the one-click password changer. After Dashlane audited my entire password vault, I could automatically replace weak passwords with strong ones on a number of websites. With most password managers, you have to change your weak passwords manually, one at a time. Dashlane, on the other hand, does this automatically across 300+ popular sites — a huge time saver!
Dashlane is the only password manager on my list that offers a VPN. When I tested Dashlane’s VPN, it provided me with an encrypted internet connection with almost no slowdown. Using Dashlane’s VPN, I could access geo-restricted content and stream videos in HD without any lag, even when I was connected to servers across the ocean from me — great for users who want to view content that’s unavailable in their countries.
Dashlane Free lets you store up to 50 passwords on 1 device. Dashlane Essentials adds unlimited password storage, unlimited password sharing, and coverage for up to 2 devices. Dashlane Premium includes unlimited devices, a VPN, advanced 2FA, dark web monitoring, and encrypted storage. Dashlane also offers a family plan that adds up to 5 licenses and a family management dashboard.
Bottom Line:
Dashlane is my favorite password manager for Windows. Dashlane is very secure (it has strong encryption, 2FA, password strength auditing, and dark web monitoring), it’s user-friendly and intuitive, and it comes with a lot of extra features — including a one-click password changer, a VPN, Windows Hello compatibility, 1 GB encrypted storage, and more. Dashlane’s free plan includes a free trial of Dashlane Premium, and all Dashlane purchases come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
?2. 1Password — Best for Easy Password Management
1Password is secure, user-friendly, and has a lot of additional tools — making it a great choice for Windows users who are looking for a password manager that’s easy to use yet also feature-rich.
During my tests, the 1Password desktop app worked smoothly on Windows, allowing me to easily generate, organize, and share passwords. I was also happy to learn that 1Password is compatible with Windows Hello, so I could use my fingerprint and face ID to quickly access my password vault (1Password also supports Windows Hello companion devices like fingerprint readers or USB keys on older devices without facial recognition technology).
1Password comes with the following features:
Unlimited password storage.
Multi-device sync.
2FA.
Password sharing.
Password security auditing.
Dark web monitoring.
Account recovery.
Encrypted storage (1 GB).
I really like 1Password’s password security auditing feature — while this feature isn’t unique to 1Password, I was impressed with how easy it was for me to check which of my passwords were weak, duplicates, or compromised in a security breach. I also think it’s very cool that 1Password’s security auditing feature monitors credit card expiration dates, notifying you whether any of your cards are expiring soon and need to be replaced with new ones.
1Password offers two plans — 1Password Personal includes unlimited passwords on unlimited devices, 2FA, password sharing, password auditing, dark web monitoring, and 1 GB of encrypted file storage, and 1Password Families adds a shared vault, coverage for up to 5 users, and account recovery. 1Password is also the only password manager on this list that lets you add as many users as you want under 1 plan — which makes 1Password particularly great for families or households with lots of people.
Bottom Line:
1Password is a user-friendly Windows password manager with lots of features — it’s a particularly good choice for beginners and non-technical users as well as large families (1Password lets you add as many users as you want to its family plan). 1Password has high-security features like strong encryption, 2FA (including compatibility with Windows Hello), password security auditing, dark web monitoring, secure password sharing, account recovery, and more. You can try out all of 1Password’s premium features with a 14-day free trial.
?3. RoboForm — Best for Advanced Form-Filling
RoboForm has a really good form-filling tool — it’s very accurate at auto-filling all sorts of web forms, from simple ones like Facebook and Instagram logins to very complicated ones like online shopping, banking, and accounting forms.
The RoboForm Windows app and the RoboForm browser extension are both easy to install and use — RoboForm’s intuitive interface and easy-to-use customization options make it a good choice for non-technical users.
There are 8 different templates that RoboForm can automatically fill out, including forms for addresses, banks, automobiles, and passports. In my testing, RoboForm completed each test web form in just one click, filling out all of my information in appropriate fields with zero errors.
RoboForm also includes:
Unlimited passwords across unlimited devices.
Windows application logins.
2FA.
Password auditing.
Emergency access.
Secure folder for sharing passwords.
Secure bookmarks storage.
Secure notes storage.
RoboForm is one of the rare password managers to offer application logins — meaning you can save and auto-fill logins for your Windows applications, like Skype and iTunes.
We also really like RoboForm’s secure notes storage, which made it easy for me to save and share important information such as safe lock combinations, internet passwords, passport information, and even secret family recipes!
We also like RoboForm’s password auditing tool — it checks the strength of passwords using the “zxcvbn” algorithm, which is an open-source algorithm that many cybersecurity experts, including myself, believe is the most accurate password strength tool available today.
RoboForm Free offers unlimited logins, password auditing, secure password sharing, application logins, and bookmarks storage. With RoboForm Everywhere, you also get multi-device sync, 2FA, emergency access, and cloud backup. RoboForm Everywhere Family is the same, but it covers up to 5 users.
Bottom Line:
RoboForm has excellent form-filling capabilities — it accurately fills out even the most advanced web forms with one click. RoboForm also comes with lots of additional features, like 2FA, application logins, bookmarks storage, and more. You can try out RoboForm with a 30-day free trial, and all RoboForm purchases come with a 30-day money back guarantee.
4. Keeper — Best for Additional Security Features
Keeper comes with a wide range of high-security features — it uses 256-bit AES encryption, has a variety of multi-factor authentication options, and is Service Organization Controls (SOC 2) compliant, which means that Keeper regularly undergoes security audits to ensure that all user data is 100% safe.
The Keeper Windows app is really good — it has a clean, modern, and well-organized interface, all the features are easily accessible, and everything works exactly as promised. That said, I wasn’t too impressed with Keeper’s browser extension — it’s good for auto-saving and auto-filling passwords, but it doesn’t have some of the advanced functionality of other browser extensions like Dashlane’s or 1Password’s.
Keeper also has:
Dark web monitoring (BreachWatch).
Encrypted chat (KeeperChat).
Password security auditing.
Secure storage (10 GB).
Emergency access.
Biometric login with Windows Hello.
I really like Keeper’s dark web monitoring feature which searches the dark web for breached logins and passwords, alerting users if their credentials have been compromised. While some top competitors also scan the dark web for compromised credentials, I think Keeper does a particularly good job at detecting security breaches — during my tests, Keeper alerted me that one of my emails had been breached, which most competing password managers failed to catch!
Keeper’s free plan comes with unlimited passwords, but only on 1 device. Keeper Unlimitedoffers unlimited passwords on unlimited devices, 2FA, emergency access, password security auditing, and more. You can upgrade to the Keeper PlusBundleto add dark web monitoring and secure file storage. And the Keeper MaxBundleis where you also get the encrypted messaging app.Keeper also has a range of family options.
Bottom Line:
Keeper is a highly secure password manager with a lot of additional features — including dark web monitoring, 10 GB of secure storage, multi-factor authentication, an encrypted chat, and password security auditing. Keeper has lots of different plans to choose from, both for individuals and families, and you can try all of Keeper’s premium features with a 30-day free trial.
5. LastPass — Best Free Windows Password Manager
LastPass has a good free plan for Windows users that offers unlimited password storage on an unlimited number of devices for a single user. LastPass is also one of the only free password managers to include password sharing — you can share unlimited passwords, but only with 1 other user.
Both LastPass’s Windows app and browser extensions performed well during my tests — I had no problems using all of the provided features, and I found it very easy to generate, save, fill out, and share logins (but some of LastPass’s browser extensions have limited functionality).
LastPass Free has:
Unlimited password storage on unlimited devices.
One-to-one password sharing.
Account recovery.
Password auditing.
Automatic password changer.
What I like the most about LastPass is that it offers several options to recover your account in case you forget your master password — for instance, LastPass can send a recovery code to your mobile phone, or you can restore a previous master password up to 30 days after setting up a new master password.
While LastPass Free is good, LastPass Premium is even better, adding features like one-to-many password sharing, dark web monitoring, emergency access, and 1 GB of storage. LastPass Families is the same as Premium, adding coverage for up to 6 users.
Bottom Line:
LastPass has a good free plan for Windows users. LastPass Free comes with unlimited password storage on an unlimited number of devices for one user, plus password sharing with one other user, 2FA, account recovery, and password auditing. The premium version of LastPass adds advanced features like password sharing with multiple users, dark web monitoring, emergency access, and cloud storage. You can try LastPass with a 30-day free trial.
COMPARISON OF THE BEST PASSWORD MANAGERS FOR WINDOWS
Comparison of the Best Password Managers for Windows
Password Manager
Windows Hello Compatibility
Password Breach Monitoring
Included VPN
Encrypted Storage
Free Version
1.?Dashlane
Yes
Yes
Yes
1 GB
50 passwords on 1 device
2.?1Password
Yes
Yes
No
1 GB
No
3.?RoboForm
Yes
No
No
No
Unlimited passwords on 1device
4. Keeper
Yes
Yes
No
10 GB
Unlimited passwords on 1 device
5. LastPass
Yes
Yes
No
1 GB
Unlimited passwords on unlimited devices
Password Managers for Windows — Top 4 Frequently Asked Questions:
Why can’t I just use the Chrome/Firefox/Edge password manager?
Can I sync my Windows passwords with Android/iOS/Mac devices?
Are these password managers secure?
Can I use these password managers with Windows Hello?
1. Why can’t I just use the Chrome/Firefox/Edge password manager?
While your browser’s built-in password manager may be convenient, it’s just not that good — it only works on the browser, it doesn’t sync across devices, it can’t share passwords, the auto-filling functions are not good, and it won’t audit your password vault.
Unlike browser-based password managers, the products I’ve recommended here generate strong, unbreakable passwords, accurately auto-fill logins and various web forms, provide additional features like password sharing, password auditing, and dark web monitoring, and work across all browsers, devices, and operating systems.
2. Can I sync my Windows passwords with Android/iOS/Mac devices?
Definitely! One of the great things about third-party password managers is that they offer functionality on almost every device, browser, and operating system.
For example, with all of the password managers listed here, you can install the mobile app on an iPhone, the desktop app on a PC, and the Android app on a tablet — and all of your logins and encrypted files will be synced up between each of your devices.
3. Are these password managers really secure?
Absolutely! I only recommend password managers that use zero-knowledge protocols — ensuring that all data is encrypted before it gets to the password manager’s servers. This one-way encryption makes it impossible for the company to access any user data.
Also, the encryption methods these password managers use are virtually unbreakable.They’re the same encryption methods used by banks, major tech corporations, and even by the military.
Even if somebody hacked your computer and found your master password, they wouldn’t be able to access your passwords because they would fail the two-factor authentication test that all of these password managers have.
In short, all of these password managers are the most secure options today in 2021 but Dashlane takes the #1 Prize for 2021 in our testing.
4. Can I use these password managers with Windows Hello?
Dashlane, 1Password, LastPass, Keeper, and RoboForm are all compatible with Windows Hello.
Dashlane was the easiest for us, my family and friends during GeeksByTheHour extensive testing to set up with Windows Hello. After toggling a couple of settings, I was able to access my password vault with just my fingerprint — no master password needed!
How GeeksByTheHour Rated the Best 5 Antivirus Software Programs of 2021:
Strong malware protection. We only recommend products that have proven to protect against the most advanced malware threats — not only viruses, but also spyware, rootkits, ransomware, and anything else that could cause me or my devices harm. We personally conducted dozens of malware tests, stress-tests, and CPU performance tests to make sure that these products can provide rock-solid protection against all viruses, malware, and other dangerous internet security threats with no bias, and just the results.
High-quality features. Most antivirus brands offer additional internet security features in their paid antivirus packages. But the majority of times, these extras are just flashy additions that will weigh your computer down and affect your device’s performance (not to mention increase the price). I personally tested each of the features for each of the products on this list to guarantee that each antivirus’s features are genuinely useful and effective, not just expensive, flashy extras.
Speed and efficiency. The best antivirus programs are lightweight and run smoothly — even on older or slower computers — across all of the software’s intended operating systems. I personally tested and measured how quick and efficient each antivirus on this list performed against all the other antivirus programs on the market.
Easy-to-use. Whether you’re an amateur or an expert, you need virus protection for your computers, your phones, and your tablets. We personally tested each antivirus software here to make sure that pretty much anyone will be able to set it up easily and use it properly.
Good value. Antivirus software can be a big investment. We considered all relevant factors such as web and browsing protection features, how many devices are covered, and whether or not there’s a free trial or money-back guarantee. We personally feel that all of these top antivirus programs provide great value!
For MAC Users Only:? Intego — Best antivirus for Mac as determined by Dr. Sky Houston after comparing it to all of the other Mac results (only for macOS systems).
For WINDOWS Users Only: WINDOWS DEFENDER is the best Antivirus as long as you maintain its Updates, use WinPatrol, and use MALWAREBYTES as a 1-2-3 Best of Breed PC Security Defense!
Kaspersky Total Security
The best antivirus protection overall outside of the above-mentioned Intego (only if you are a Mac user).
-Limited VPN usage-Microphone protection hard to enable (we here at GeeksByTheHour are unbiased and only report testing results. With this being said, NONE of the Antivirus Software listed should be purchased based only on its VPN offerings. Instead, we advise strongly NordVPN if privacy and security in a VPN are important to you!
Kaspersky’s Windows products have excellent malware-detection scores and a light-to-moderate system-performance impact, the two most important criteria in our rankings.
The best antivirus software you can buy Kaspersky offers excellent malware protection, lots of useful extra features and a light system impact with an easy-to-use interface.
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus
The best value in antivirus software currently available.
Features:
Anti-theft: No
Backup software: No
Firewall: No
Game mode: Yes
Hardened browser: Yes
Parental controls: No
Password manager: Yes
Ransomware rollback: Yes
Webcam protection: No
Virtual keyboard: Yes
VPN: Limited upsell
Wi-Fi scanner: Yes
Reasons to buy
+Very good malware protection +Lots of useful extra features +GeeksByTheHour ranks it #2 overall in terms of virus protection, just 6 points lower than Kaspersky listed above!
Reasons to avoid
-Heavy background system impact
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus is our top choice among entry-level antivirus products. It has very good, if not perfect, malware-detection scores. Its active scans don’t add much to the background system impact, but that background load is a bit heavy.
It also offers the most value, with an unlimited password manager, a secure browser with a virtual keyboard, a Wi-Fi network scanner, a file shredder, protection against encrypting ransomware and Bitdefender’s new web-privacy software — features often found only with pricier antivirus packages.
The midrange Bitdefender Internet Security adds parental controls, webcam protection and a two-way firewall, while Bitdefender Total Security tops off the lineup with an anti-theft feature for laptops, a system optimizer and licenses for Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac and Bitdefender Mobile Security for Android.
A fourth product, Bitdefender Premium Security, is basically Total Security with unlimited VPN usage and priority tech support. (The other programs limit you to 200MB of Bitdefender VPN usage per day.)
But the best deal is the Bitdefender Family Pack, which puts Total Security on up to 15 devices for (a frequently discounted) $120 per year.
Norton 360 Deluxe
Lots of products, but no file shredder, file encryption or secure web browser options.
Features
Anti-theft: No
Backup software: Yes
Firewall: Yes
Game mode: Yes
Hardened browser: No
Parental controls: Yes
Password manager: Yes
Ransomware rollback: No
Webcam protection: Yes
VPN: Unlimited
Reasons to buy
+Excellent malware protection +LifeLock identity protection with top tiers
All nine of Norton’s antivirus products offer excellent malware protection, and the once-heavy system-performance load is much lighter. The number of extra features each program has varies according to price, but the sweet spot in the lineup is Norton 360 Deluxe.
It includes a password manager, unlimited VPN service, dark-web personal-data monitoring, parental controls and up to 50GB of online storage space. Two retail-only offerings, Norton 360 Premium and Norton 360 Platinum, give you more online storage and expand the antivirus and VPN coverage to 10 and 20 devices, respectively.
If you want full-on identity protection, Norton offers three bundles with varying degrees of LifeLock service and even more online storage space. Their annual subscription prices run well into the triple digits, but still cost less than if you were to buy the identity protection, password manager, cloud-backup storage and antivirus software separately.
Unlike some of the other best antivirus software makers, Norton doesn’t offer a file shredder, file encryption or secure web browser with any of its products. Yet every other digital-protection service you could possibly ask for is included with at least some of its bundles.
McAfee Internet Security
A bargain for big families, but far from perfect protection
Features
Anti-theft: No
Backup software: No
Firewall: Yes
Game mode: Yes
Hardened browser: No
Parental controls: No
Password manager: Yes
Ransomware rollback: Yes
Webcam protection: No
Virtual keyboard: No
VPN: No
Reasons to buy
+Protects lots of machines for cheap +Password manager +Improving malware protection
Reasons to avoid
-Very heavy performance hit -No parental controls on mid-priced tier.
McAfee’s malware detection has improved greatly in the past couple of years, but it’s still not quite top-of-the-line.
Despite that, the entry-level McAfee AntiVirus Plus is a bargain: $60 per year buys software for up to 10 (in practice, unlimited) devices, whether they run Windows, macOS, iOS or Android, and the software comes with a file shredder and a two-way firewall.
McAfee Internet Security adds one of the best password managers in the business, but to get parental controls, you’ll have to spring for McAfee Total Protection or its sibling McAfee LiveSafe, which comes pre-installed on many (most) new PCs.
The multi-device licenses of those two security suites also come with an identity-protection service. But none of the McAfee products have a secure browser or webcam protection, which you often get with other premium antivirus programs.
At the top is McAfee Total Protection Ultimate, which adds unlimited VPN service with no strings attached (but remember, we do NOT recommend any VPN Services here). Hardcore PC gamers may consider McAfee Gamer Security, which for $60 per year offers low-overhead protection for a single rig.
Trend Micro Maximum Security
Solid protection, but scan slowdowns
Features
Backup software: No
Firewall: No
Game mode: Yes
Hardened browser: Yes
Parental controls: Yes
Password manager: Yes
Webcam protection: No
Virtual keyboard: No
VPN: Yes
Reasons to buy
+Very good malware protection +Secure browser, password manager +Dark Web scans
Reasons to avoid
-Heavy performance hit during scans – Many false positives on 125+ GeeksByTheHour’s rigorous tests.
Trend Micro offers very good protection, but its malware-detection engine creates a heavy system load during scans and returns a fair number of false-positive results.
The brand’s entry-level program, Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security, has basic tools but does have a secure web browser. Parental controls, a system optimizer and a file shredder are bundled into the mid-range Trend Micro Internet Security.
Trend Micro Maximum Security adds a password manager, a secure browser and file encryption, while the new Trend Micro Premium Security adds a VPN and dark-web monitoring of personal data.
However, none of Trend Micro’s programs include a two-way firewall or webcam protection, standard with other brands’ midrange offerings. Nor does the premium product have the cloud storage or backup software that some of the best antivirus brands add as enticements to their flagship packages.
Viruses and malware are constantly evolving, becoming more advanced and more dangerous by the second, making it extremely difficult to keep your data protected. Unless you’re properly protected (which most people aren’t), you’re at risk of becoming a victim of the latest computer virus threats and malware attacks.
Cybercriminals are relentless and will stop at nothing to hack your computer or phone to steal your most valuable data — including bank details, personal photos, and sensitive ID card information. This is why you must have a working antivirus installed on your PC, Mac, Android, or iPhone. Our top recommended Anti-Virus Programs are:
Kaspersky Total Security The best antivirus protection overall.
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus (The best value overall)
Norton 360 Deluxe
McAfee Internet Security
Trend Micro Maximum Security
ESET Smart Security Premium
Sophos Home Premium
Here are the 10 most dangerous computer viruses and new malware threats in 2021 that you need to protect yourself from.
1. Clop Ransomware
Ransomware is malware which encrypts your files until you pay a ransom to the hackers. “Clop” is one of the latest and most dangerous ransomware threats. It’s a variant of the well-known CryptoMix ransomware, which frequently targets Windows users.
Before beginning the encryption process, the Clop ransomware blocks over 600 Windows processes and disables multiple Windows 10 applications, including Windows Defenderand Microsoft Security Essentials — leaving you with zero chance of protecting your data.
The Clop ransomware has evolved since its inception, now targeting entire networks — not just individual devices. Even the well-known academic institution Maastricht University in the Netherlands became a victim of the Clop ransomware, with almost all Windows devices on the university’s network being encrypted and forced to pay a ransom.
2. Fake Windows Updates (Hidden Ransomware)
Hackers have been increasingly sending emails that instruct readers to install urgent Windows OS updates. The emails trick readers into installing the “latest” Windows updates, which are actually ransomware ‘.exe’ files in disguise.
The ransomware contained in these emails is known as “Cyborg”. It encrypts all of your files and programs and demands a ransom payment to un-encrypt the files.
Unfortunately, many email service providers and basic antivirus software aren’t able to detect and block these emails. This is why you must be using an antivirus that provides proper internet security, protecting you from dangerous emails.
3. Zeus Gameover
Zeus Gameover is part of the “Zeus” family of malware and viruses. This piece of malware is a Trojan — malware disguised as something legitimate — that accesses your sensitive bank account details and steals all of your funds.
The worst thing about this particular variant of the Zeus malware family is that it doesn’t require a centralized “Command and Control” server to complete transactions — which is a flaw found in many cyberattacks that authorities can target. Instead, Zeus Gameover can bypass centralized servers and create independent servers to send sensitive information. In essence, you cannot trace your stolen data.
4. RaaS
“RaaS” — also known as “Ransomware as a Service” — is a growing industry in the underground hacker community. People without the knowledge to carry out a sophisticated ransomware attack can pay to hire a professional hacker or team of hackers to perform the attack for them.
The growth of the underground RaaS industry is worrying, as it shows how easy it is to infect people with ransomware despite the bad actors having no previous experience with designing or coding malware.
5. News Malware Attacks
Cybercriminals often use current news stories and global events to target people with malware.
One example is hackers using the wave of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak to target individuals with malware. Hackers send out emails that are disguised as legitimate information about the outbreak. Readers are prompted to click a link to learn more about the information, but the link contains malware that copies the files on your device and steals your personal information.
Research currently focuses on the spread of this malware in Japan. Still, it will become an issue worldwide during any kind of newsworthy outbreak.
6. Fleeceware
Fleeceware continues to charge app users large amounts of money despite users deleting those apps. Recent research has found that over 600 million Android users have downloaded “Fleeceware” onto their device in the past few years.
Although Fleeceware doesn’t pose a considerable security threat to a user’s device and data, it’s still very common, and it’s a shady practice by app developers wanting to cash in on unsuspecting users.
7. IoT Device Attacks
As the popularity of IoT (Internet of Things) devices grows in 2021 — things like smart speakers and video doorbells — hackers are looking to exploit these devices for valuable information.
There are multiple reasons why hackers choose to target IoT devices. For one, most IoT devices don’t have enough storage to install proper security measures. These devices often contain easy-to-access data such as passwords and usernames, which then can be used by hackers to log into user accounts and steal valuable information, such as banking details.
Hackers can also use internet-based cameras and mics to spy on and communicate with people — including young children via smart baby monitors.
These devices can also act as weak points in a corporation’s network, meaning hackers can gain access to entire systems through unsecured IoT devices — spreading malware to other devices across the network.
8. Social Engineering
Humans are possibly the weakest link in any security protocol. This is why cybercriminals are now turning to human psychology and deception to try and gain access to personal information.
The hacker will start by contacting a company or service provider and pretend to be a specific person. They’ll ask questions regarding the victim’s account and trick the customer support team into handing over pieces of sensitive information. Then, they’ll exploit that information to gain access to a person’s account and data, including payment details.
Although this isn’t a type of malware per se, social engineering is an alarming trend, as it doesn’t require hackers to know about coding or malware development. Instead, all the attacker needs is to be convincing and allow human error and complacency to reward them with the data they need.
9. Cryptojacking
Cryptojacking malware is designed to use a person’s computing power to help “mine” cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin. Mining requires a huge amount of computing power to generate new crypto coins, which is why hackers are attempting to install cryptojacking malware on computers and mobile devices to help with the mining process — slowing down the user’s device considerably.
Although cryptojacking attacks dropped significantly in previous years — mainly due to the sharp fall in the value of cryptocurrencies, this trend remains a threat. Cryptocurrency prices continue to rise through 2021, with Bitcoin booming over $40,000 as recently as January. Given the value of cryptocurrency, cryptojacking malware attacks will continue to be lucrative for cybercriminals.
10. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Attacks
As more tools become available to developers who want to program AI scripts and software, hackers will be able to use this same technology to carry out devastating cyberattacks.
Although cybersecurity companies are using artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to help combat malware, these technologies can also be exploited to hack devices and networks on a massive scale.
Cyberattacks can often cost cybercriminals a lot in terms of time and resources. So, with the expansion of AI and machine learning technologies, we can only expect hackers to develop highly-advanced and destructive AI-based malware in 2021 and beyond.
Issues can arise at numerous points along the network. Before you start trying to troubleshoot any issue, you want to have a clear understanding of what the problem is, how it came up, who it’s affecting, and how long it’s been going on. By gathering the right information and clarifying the problem, you’ll have a much better chance of resolving the issue quickly, without wasting time trying unnecessary fixes.
I always start troubleshooting our Client’s Networks using these simple network troubleshooting steps to help diagnose and refine the issue.
Check the hardware. When you’re beginning the troubleshooting process, check all your hardware to make sure it’s connected properly, turned on, and working. If a cord has come loose or somebody has switched off an important router, this could be the problem behind your networking issues. There’s no point in going through the process of troubleshooting network issues if all you need to do is plug a cord in. Make sure all switches are in the correct positions and haven’t been bumped accidentally.
Next, turn the hardware off and back on again. This is the mainstay of IT troubleshooting, and while it might sound simplistic, often it really does solve the problem. Power cycling your modem, router, and PC can solve simple issues—just be sure to leave each device off for at least 60 seconds before you turn it back on.
Use ipconfig. Open the command prompt and type “ipconfig” (without the quotes) into the terminal. The Default Gateway (listed last) is your router’s IP. Your computer’s IP address is the number next to “IP Address.” If your computer’s IP address starts with 169, the computer is not receiving a valid IP address. If it starts with anything other than 169, your computer is being allocated a valid IP address from your router.
Try typing in “ipconfig /release” followed by “ipconfig /renew” to get rid of your current IP address and request a new one. This will in some cases solve the problem. If you still can’t get a valid IP from your router, try plugging your computer straight into the modem using an ethernet cable. If it works, the problem lies with the router.
Use ping and tracert. If your router is working fine, and you have an IP address starting with something other than 169, the problem’s most likely located between your router and the internet. At this point, it’s time to use the ping tool. Try sending a ping to a well-known, large server, such as Google, to see if it can connect with your router. You can ping Google DNS servers by opening the command prompt and typing “ping 8.8.8.8”; you can also add “-t” to the end (ping 8.8.8.8 -t) to get it to keep pinging the servers while you troubleshoot. If the pings fail to send, the command prompt will return basic information about the issue.
You can use the tracert command to do the same thing, by typing “tracert 8.8.8.8”; this will show you each step, or “hop,” between your router and the Google DNS servers. You can see where along the pathway the error is arising. If the error comes up early along the pathway, the issue is more likely somewhere in your local network.
Perform a DNS check. Use the command “nslookup” to determine whether there’s a problem with the server you’re trying to connect to. If you perform a DNS check on, for example, google.com and receive results such as “Timed Out,” “Server Failure,” “Refused,” “No Response from Server,” or “Network Is Unreachable,” it may indicate the problem originates in the DNS server for your destination. (You can also use nslookup to check your own DNS server.)
Contact the ISP. If all of the above turn up no problems, try contacting your internet service provider to see if they’re having issues. You can also look up outage maps and related information on a smartphone to see if others in your area are having the same problem.
Check on virus and malware protection. Next, make sure your virus and malware tools are running correctly, and they haven’t flagged anything that could be affecting part of your network and stopping it from functioning.
Review database logs. Review all your database logs to make sure the databases are functioning as expected. If your network is working but your database is full or malfunctioning, it could be causing problems that flow on and affect your network performance.
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