What is the best antivirus/antimalware program to use with Windows 8.1?

[Planr]

So I got a new Asus RoG gaming laptop today but it's full of this bullcrap about me needing a microsoft account for everything. I can't sign into my Skype account because it keeps insisting I log in to Skype with a Microsoft account instead. It's extremely annoying and I can't use my Skype account because of it. Anyone have any ideas of what I could do?

Also, another thing. Why does every program I switch to automatically go fullscreen? I just want it in windowed mode but f11 isn't working. Help!

Problem solved. Now I need to know: What is the best antivirus/antimalware program to use with Windows 8.1?

Also, another issue. Skype and other programs look really blurry and low-quality when in windowed mode. Anyone know how to fix this?

[Ad Bot]

[portify]

Are you using Skype for desktop?

[otto-san]

use the desktop version of skype instead

wow port ok just post on the internet and whatnot what a guy...

[Planr]

Thanks, I'll do that. Also, a new problem. Where is my start menu? Windows 8.1 doesn't seem to have it. What the heck? Is there any way I can get it back? This is really pissing me off, having to constantly switch to a fullscreen start-menu window just to switch programs.

I swear, it's like whoever the idiot was that designed this OS mistook it for a smartphone. This is supposed to be a computer, not a freaking phone interface.

[Nal]

Download start8 or Start is back if you want a start menu
Classic shell if you don't want to pay

[Epicduke]

Download start8 or Start is back if you want a start menu

which one would you recommend?

[portify]

wow port ok just post on the internet and whatnot what a guy...

ya bb

Thanks, I'll do that. Also, a new problem. Where is my start menu? Windows 8.1 doesn't seem to have it. What the heck? Is there any way I can get it back? This is really pissing me off, having to constantly switch to a fullscreen start-menu window just to switch programs.

I swear, it's like whoever the idiot was that designed this OS mistook it for a smartphone. This is supposed to be a computer, not a freaking phone interface.

Really, treat the fullscreen menu as your completely ordinary start menu. You can start typing to start programs just like usual. It's just fullscreen. Just like with the normal start menu, it can be toggled with the start button.

[Ipquarx]

which one would you recommend?

I personally have startisback+ (which is the 8.1 version), it looks absolutely fantastic. though i havent tried the other ones so idk

[ßlöükfáce]

the microsoft account thing is with all 8.1 computers i believe
i had no problems, it let me sign in with my skype account *shrug*

and the thing with full-screen, you can click in the very top left corner to switch between programs because i assume you don't have a touchscreen. i have one and i just swipe my finger from the left edge onto the screen to switch between stuff. (this also works with laptop touchpads)
you can also hover to the very top left and when you see a skype thumbnail mouse down to about the middle, still directly on the left edge. you can drag it to a side and split the screen that way

[Planr]

>installs and runs classic shell
>deuughhhhhhhhh this is so gooooooooooooooooooooood :d

[Planr]

Alright, so now that that's taken care of, next order of business. I need to get an anti-virus software. I don't trust Windows Defender to be good enough. Anyone know a good antivirus/antimalware program for Windows 8.1?

[Nal]

Avast
Malwarebytes if you wanna go a little further

which one would you recommend?

I don't use one but start8 was my favorite but the downside is the trial

[Pecon]

Windows Defender is equivalent to Microsoft Security Essentials, but a bit better due to it now being fully built-in to the OS. I'd recommend using it as an AV, and getting Malwarebytes Pro for it's enhanced heuristics. With that setup, you only have to buy Malwarebytes (~$40) and don't have a reoccurring subscription.

[Planr]

Windows Defender is equivalent to Microsoft Security Essentials, but a bit better due to it now being fully built-in to the OS. I'd recommend using it as an AV, and getting Malwarebytes Pro for it's enhanced heuristics. With that setup, you only have to buy Malwarebytes (~$40) and don't have a reoccurring subscription.

Done. Using the free version of malwarebytes.

[NotBomberguy]

you don't need an AV or an AM, just use common sense and your fine