For most computer users, having an antivirus is now more of a necessity than a luxury.
You just can’t risk your computer to the millions of viruses and malware lurking all over the internet.
However, one question that has puzzled many users is whether you can use multiple antivirus programs on your computer. And the answer is Yes!
You can use multiple antivirus programs, just not at the same time.
What’s the problem with running multiple antivirus programs?
The biggest problem with running two or more antiviruses simultaneously is their tendency to fight each other. Since the programs are designed to do the same things, they will keep undoing what the other antivirus has done, resulting in a back-and-forth blocking that might expose you to more threats.
Running multiple antivirus programs also utilizes a lot of your computer’s brainpower, memory, and battery life, slowing down its operations.
Additionally, as multiple antivirus programs install interceptors into the system kernel, conflict is bound to arise. This might cause a total system crash.
When should I use multiple antivirus programs?
As earlier mentioned, you can only use multiple antiviruses safely if you are using one of them as a second-opinion – Just like you would in a hospital.
This is because, regardless of how good an antivirus is, no antivirus program is perfect. Some antivirus (e.g., McAfee and Norton) will miss some malware and malicious content, which another will easily spot.
As such, you’ll have to Learn about Norton features and also find out how McAfee works to ensure that they can be used together for best security.
Nonetheless, you have to ensure that all other antiviruses are inactive when one is running. If you’re not sure of what you’re doing, contact someone with the right skills to do it.
Otherwise, you’ll mess up your entire system.
How to scan files with multiple antivirus programs
Now when you suspect one file to be malicious even though the manufacturer says it’s safe, you might need multiple confirmations.
There are two main ways to scan your files with multiple antivirus programs. This includes:
1. Using online scanning products
Scanning your computer with multiple antiviruses, one at a time takes a long time and energy. Online scanning products are the perfect solution for this.
The scanners use more than 40 antivirus software in one package, ensuring that your files are scanned by the best programs in the market. All you have to do is upload your files on a free online malware scanner. It’ll scan the files and give you the results.
Some online virus scanners can also remove malware detected in your files – which is great! However, keep in mind that these programs usually have a file size limit.
2. Using the antiviruses in your computer
If you have the time and knowledge, you can also use the antiviruses in your system. First, you’ll have to determine your primary antivirus (one that’ll run in the background). The other antiviruses will then remain to be extras for the second opinion. You should only run them once in a while.
Once you find a potentially malicious file in your computer, run it through your primary antivirus to check its scanning results. If you’re not satisfied, then you can load up one antivirus after the other, as you check for malware results.
Keep in mind; these ‘extra’ antiviruses should never run in real-time as they may conflict with your primary antivirus.
Should you stick to one antivirus?
It depends. People use multiple antiviruses for different reasons, but mostly when downloading things from potentially harmful sites. However, it’s not really necessary. With a good antivirus, you can enjoy good malware protection for a long time.
But since no VPN is full-proof, it might miss a few malicious contents on your computer.
Using multiple antiviruses is a bit more risky, but it gives you that extra safety edge when scanning for malware. Statistically, it’s highly improbable that multiple antiviruses will miss one virus on your computer.
So, your decision to stick with one or multiple antiviruses depends on how much risk you’re willing to take.
Final thoughts
Using multiple antiviruses to scan your computer is one of the best ways to increase your computer’s security. However, you have to know how to do it right to avoid crashing your system.
Above are a few ways to do it; the faster you can implement them, the safer your computer will be.
