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Antivirus for Personal Devices
The steps on this page provide guidance for personal devices. For more information about University-owned devices, answers to frequently asked questions, guidance for IT support staff in departments, and general information about the antivirus transition, please visit our antivirus transition home page.
Installing an Antivirus Solution
Although Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is not available for students, faculty, and staff members' personally-owned devices, the following alternative antivirus solutions provide excellent protection and can be installed at no cost. Select and install one option from the list below:
- Microsoft Defender on Windows 10, Windows 8.1, and Windows 8 (included with the operating system)
- Malwarebytes Premium for Mac
- AVG AntiVirus Free
- AVG AntiVirus Free (for Mac)
- Bitdefender Antivirus Free (for PC)
Other antivirus tools also provide good protection and can be installed at your discretion. View a list of antivirus tools compatible with the PittNet VPN (virtual private network) service.
Activating Defender for Personal Use
If you choose Microsoft Defender as your antivirus solution, it may activate automatically on your personal Windows device. However, sometimes when you uninstall a different antivirus app, it may not activate. Take the steps below to ensure Microsoft Defender is activated:
Windows 10
1. Select Start and click Settings.
2. Scroll down and click Update & Security.
3. Click Windows Security.
4. Click Virus & threat protection.
5. Click Manage settings (or Virus & threat protection settings in previous versions of Windows 10).
6. Ensure Real-time protection is On.
Windows 8.1 and 8
- Use the search function to search for Defender. Then, click on Microsoft Defender.
- Select the Settings tab.
- Check the option, "Turn on real-time protection (recommended)."
- Click Save to save changes and complete the process.
Adding Anti-malware Protection
For maximum protection, Pitt IT recommends using Defender for traditional antivirus, combined with Malwarebytes’ anti-exploit system to guard against ransomware and zero-day attacks. Malwarebytes is available at no cost to students, faculty, and staff through Pitt IT’s Software Download Service via My Pitt. Note that a reboot may be required after installation of these products.
Product List
Malwarebytes
Students (for Personal Use)
| Product | Operating Systems | Cost | Expiration Date |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Anti-Malware (Malwarebytes Premium) |
Mac |
No Cost |
One year based on installation date |
|
Anti-Malware (Malwarebytes) |
Windows |
No Cost |
August 31 |
Faculty / Staff / Depts.
| Product | Operating Systems | Personal Purchase by Faculty & Staff | Departmental Purchase | Annual Maintenance Renewal Date | Available through Software Download Service | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Includes Home Use Rights | |||||
|
Anti-Malware (Malwarebytes) |
Mac |
No Cost |
No Cost |
Yes |
Yes - one year based on installation date |
Yes |
|
Anti-Malware (Malwarebytes) |
Windows |
No Cost |
No Cost |
Yes |
Yes - based on installation date |
Yes |
For additional information, visit Malwarebytes.
Malwarebytes For Windows Resources
Helpful resources
Malwarebytes For Mac Resources
Helpful resources
For assistance, please contact The 24/7 IT Help Desk at 412-624-HELP (4357). Questions can also be submitted online.