AV-Comparatives has released its Security Survey 2026, and while it does not try to claim it represents every internet user on Earth, it still offers a revealing look at how security minded people are actually behaving. Drawing on responses from 1,328 participants across 87 countries, the survey reflects the habits and fears of users who actively think about digital protection rather than treating it as an afterthought.
Windows 11 continues to dominate the desktop landscape, and that part feels almost inevitable at this point. Microsoft’s steady pressure to move users away from older releases, combined with hardware refresh cycles, has made Windows 11 the default for a lot of people. For many respondents, Windows is not just familiar, it is unavoidable due to work requirements, software compatibility, or gaming. Security choices on Windows therefore matter more than ever, and the survey shows users are not relying on the operating system alone to keep them safe.
One of the more telling findings is the continued popularity of paid desktop security software. Despite years of messaging around built in protection being “good enough,” most respondents still install third party security programs. Names like Bitdefender, Kaspersky, and ESET show up repeatedly, alongside Microsoft’s own security tools. That mix is interesting. It suggests that even users who trust Microsoft enough to run Windows 11 still feel more comfortable adding another layer on top, whether for perceived depth of protection, clearer controls, or simply peace of mind.
Microsoft’s security stack clearly plays a role, especially for people who prefer an integrated approach. Defender has matured into a serious product, and for some users, especially in managed or corporate environments, it may be the default. Still, the survey implies that many users want choice. They want to decide which company watches their back, rather than accepting whatever comes bundled with the operating system.
Linux is where the survey gets more interesting. Usage among respondents has climbed to levels comparable to macOS, which is not something you would have expected a decade ago. This does not mean Linux has suddenly broken through to the mainstream desktop, but it does suggest that among security aware users, Linux has earned legitimacy. People are choosing it deliberately, not just tolerating it. For some, that choice is about transparency and control. For others, it is about reducing attack surface or avoiding what they see as excessive integration between operating systems and cloud services.
Security software on Linux looks very different than on Windows, and that contrast matters. Many Linux users rely less on traditional antivirus programs and more on system design, package management, permissions, and careful software sources. The fact that Linux adoption is rising in a security focused survey suggests that this model is resonating. It also reinforces the idea that security is not just about installing a program. It is about trust in the entire stack.
On macOS, the picture is steadier. It remains popular with professionals and advanced users, especially those invested in Apple’s ecosystem. macOS users tend to trust Apple’s built in protections more than Windows users trust Microsoft’s, but even here, some still turn to third party tools for added reassurance. The survey does not suggest dramatic shifts on the Mac side, but it does show that macOS is no longer the obvious alternative for users looking beyond Windows. Linux is now part of that conversation.
Mobile platforms show fewer surprises. Android remains dominant globally, reflecting its reach across price points and regions. iOS continues to attract users who value consistency, long term updates, and tighter control over the platform. Security perceptions on mobile often revolve around app ecosystems and privacy rather than traditional malware, but the same theme applies. Users gravitate toward platforms and tools they believe they can trust.
The survey also spends time on how users perceive threats, and this is where the mood darkens. Respondents most often named Russia and China as feared sources of cyberattacks, with the United States and North Korea close behind. At the same time, a notable share of participants expressed concern about domestic surveillance and internal threats within their own countries. That combination reveals something important. Fear is no longer just about criminals and ransomware gangs. It is about governments, institutions, and the blurry line between protection and control.
AV-Comparatives is clear that this survey should not be treated as a perfect global snapshot, and that honesty is refreshing. Still, the trends line up with what many of us already sense. Windows 11 dominates, but users do not blindly trust it on its own. Paid security software remains popular because trust is hard won and easily lost. Linux is gaining real credibility among people who care deeply about security and autonomy. And underlying it all is a growing unease about who holds power over our data and systems.
In 2026, cybersecurity is no longer just a technical problem. It is a trust problem. The choices users make about operating systems and security programs reflect not just what works, but who they believe has their best interests at heart.
