How to Check What Antivirus I Have on Windows 11: A Guide

By / August 28, 2025

Ever wondered what antivirus is running on your PC? Maybe you installed one a while ago but forgot which one, or maybe you’re not sure if Windows is protecting you at all. Don’t worry—it’s easy to find out.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through different ways to check what antivirus you have on Windows 11 so you’ll always know what’s keeping your computer safe.

Why Do You Need to Check Your Antivirus?

Knowing which antivirus you’re using is important because:

  • Avoid duplicates – Running two antiviruses at once can slow down your PC.
  • Stay secure – Make sure your antivirus is active and updated.
  • Troubleshooting – Some apps or games may require antivirus settings adjustments.
  • Peace of mind – It’s good to know you’re not relying on outdated or expired protection.

Think of it like making sure your house lock actually works—you don’t want to assume, you want to be sure.

Method 1: Check Antivirus via Windows Security Settings

Windows 11 comes with Windows Security (Defender) built in. This app also tells you if you’re using a third-party antivirus.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Privacy & security → Windows Security.
  3. Click Open Windows Security.
  4. Select Virus & threat protection.

Here, you’ll see which antivirus is active. If you installed another antivirus, it should appear here instead of Windows Defender.

Method 2: Check Antivirus in Control Panel

The classic Control Panel still works in Windows 11.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + R, type control, and hit Enter.
  2. Go to System and Security → Security and Maintenance.
  3. Expand the Security section.

Here, you’ll see if Windows Defender or another antivirus is turned on.

Method 3: Check Antivirus from Taskbar or System Tray

Most third-party antiviruses run in the background and show an icon near the clock.

Steps:

  1. Look at the system tray in the bottom-right corner.
  2. Find any antivirus logo (Norton, McAfee, Avast, Kaspersky, Bitdefender, etc.).
  3. Right-click it to see details or open the antivirus dashboard.

If you don’t see any antivirus logo, chances are Windows Defender is protecting you.

Method 4: Check Antivirus in Task Manager

If you’re not sure what’s running, Task Manager can help.

Steps:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Click the Startup tab.
  3. Look for antivirus names like Avast, Norton, McAfee, Kaspersky, Bitdefender, etc.

If you don’t see any, Windows Defender is most likely the active antivirus.

Method 5: Check Antivirus via Settings Apps List

You can also check your installed apps list.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Apps → Installed apps.
  3. Scroll down and look for antivirus software.

This shows whether you installed a third-party antivirus program.

Method 6: Use Command Prompt to Check Antivirus

If you like using commands, you can check with WMI (Windows Management Instrumentation).

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + S, type cmd, and open Command Prompt.
  2. Type the following command: wmic /namespace:\\root\SecurityCenter2 path AntiVirusProduct get displayName
  3. Press Enter.

The result will show the name of the antivirus installed on your PC.

How to Know If Your Antivirus Is Working

It’s not enough to just know which antivirus you have—you should also confirm it’s working.

  • Open your antivirus dashboard and check for green checkmarks or “Protected” status.
  • Make sure real-time protection is enabled.
  • Verify your virus definitions are up to date.
  • Run a quick scan to test functionality.

What If You Don’t Have Any Antivirus Installed?

Good news—you’re not unprotected. Windows 11 automatically enables Microsoft Defender Antivirus if no third-party antivirus is installed. It runs in the background, updates automatically, and offers solid protection for most users.

If you want more advanced features (like VPN, password manager, or identity theft protection), you can install a trusted third-party antivirus.

Tips for Managing Antivirus on Windows 11

  • Don’t install multiple antiviruses—they can conflict.
  • Keep your antivirus updated to fight the latest threats.
  • Schedule regular scans for extra safety.
  • Only download antivirus software from official websites.

Conclusion

Checking what antivirus you have on Windows 11 is simple and only takes a few clicks. Whether you use the Windows Security app, Control Panel, or even a command in Command Prompt, you can quickly see which protection is running on your PC.

Remember, you don’t need multiple antivirus programs—just one solid, up-to-date antivirus is enough to keep your computer safe.

FAQs

1. Do I need third-party antivirus if I have Windows Defender?
Not necessarily—Windows Defender is strong enough for most users, but some prefer extra features from third-party antivirus.

2. Can I run two antiviruses at the same time?
No—it may slow down your system and cause conflicts. Stick to one.

3. How do I know if my antivirus is expired?
Open the antivirus dashboard—it will usually warn you if your subscription has ended.

4. Is free antivirus enough?
Free antivirus like Defender or Avast works fine for basic protection, but premium versions offer more features.

5. How often should I check my antivirus status?
At least once a month—or sooner if your PC starts acting strangely.

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