Yes, Apple computers can get viruses, but the risk is lower than on Windows machines
Apple computers are not immune to viruses and malware. They can be infected with malicious software just like any other computer. However, the actual risk is smaller than many people think, for reasons built into how macOS works — not because Apple computers are magically protected.
The reason you hear that "Macs don't get viruses" is partly historical. For years, so few viruses targeted macOS that the threat was genuinely minimal. Today, that's less true. Hackers now write malware specifically for Apple systems. But macOS has structural defenses that Windows lacks, which means fewer threats reach you in the first place, and those that do often fail to spread.
The real answer is: your Apple computer needs protection, but the type of protection and the urgency are different from a Windows machine.
Key Takeaways
- macOS has built-in protections called Gatekeeper and XProtect that block many viruses before they run, but these are not a complete defense.
- Viruses that target Apple computers do exist — including ransomware, spyware, and trojans — and they spread through downloads, email, and malicious websites.
- The smaller number of macOS users compared to Windows users means fewer viruses are written for Apple systems, but that gap is closing.
- Keeping macOS updated, avoiding downloads from untrusted sources, and using caution with email attachments are your strongest defenses.
- Third-party antivirus software for Mac can add a layer of protection, but it is not required for basic safety the way it often is on Windows.
How macOS defends against viruses differently than Windows
macOS includes two built-in systems that stop viruses before they can run. Gatekeeper checks every app you read and verifies that it comes from a trusted source and has not been tampered with. If an app fails that check, macOS will not let you open it without you explicitly overriding the warning. XProtect scans files in the background and compares them against a database of known malware signatures — similar to antivirus software, but built into the operating system.
Windows does not have an equivalent to Gatekeeper. Windows Defender (the built-in antivirus) scans for known threats, but it does not verify the source of every program before you run it the way Gatekeeper does. This means a Windows machine is more likely to execute a malicious file by accident.
Additionally, macOS uses a Unix-based architecture that makes it harder for malware to spread once it lands on your computer. Windows is built on a different foundation that gives programs broader access to system files. A virus on Windows can often modify core operating system files; on macOS, the structure of the system makes that harder to do without your password.
None of this makes Apple computers bulletproof. It just means the barrier to entry is higher, and the damage a virus can do is often more limited.
Types of malware that actually target Apple computers
Viruses are only one category of malware. On Apple computers, you are more likely to encounter trojans — programs that look legitimate but contain hidden malicious code — than traditional viruses that replicate themselves. Common examples include fake software installers, browser extensions that track your activity, and applications that steal passwords or financial information.
Ransomware has also appeared on macOS in recent years. This type of malware encrypts your files and demands payment to unlock them. The most well-known example is KeRanger, discovered in 2015, which spread through infected BitTorrent downloads. More recent variants have targeted Mac users through phishing emails and compromised websites.
Spyware and adware are common on Macs as well. These programs run in the background, monitor your browsing, inject advertisements into websites, or collect personal information. They are often bundled with free software or hidden in browser extensions. Unlike ransomware, they do not lock your files, but they compromise your privacy and can slow your computer.
The reason you hear less about macOS malware is not that it does not exist — it is that there are fewer targets. With roughly 15 percent of personal computers running macOS compared to 85 percent running Windows, a hacker writing malware reaches far more victims by targeting Windows. As Apple's market share has grown, so has the number of threats written specifically for macOS.
How viruses reach Apple computers
Malware reaches your Mac through the same routes it reaches any computer: downloads, email, websites, and software you install. The most common entry point is a file you read from the internet that looks legitimate but contains hidden code. This might be a cracked version of software, a fake installer, or a document that exploits a flaw in how your Mac handles that file type.
Email attachments are another common vector. A message that appears to come from a trusted source — your bank, a colleague, a service you use — contains an attachment that looks like a PDF or spreadsheet but is actually a trojan. When you open it, the malware runs.
Malicious websites can also infect your Mac, though this is less common than on Windows. A website might try to exploit a flaw in your web browser or trick you into downloading and running a file. Some websites use drive-by downloads — they attempt to read malware to your computer without your knowledge, relying on outdated software or browser vulnerabilities to succeed.
Compromised software updates are rare but possible. If a legitimate software vendor's servers are hacked, the updates they distribute could contain malware. This is why keeping your operating system and applications updated is important — updates patch the vulnerabilities that malware exploits.
When you should use antivirus software on a Mac
You do not need antivirus software to use an Apple computer safely, the way you do on Windows. macOS's built-in protections handle most threats. However, antivirus software can add a layer of protection if you read files frequently, visit risky websites, or want extra peace of mind.
Popular options include Malwarebytes, Norton, and Kaspersky. These programs scan your Mac for known malware, monitor downloads in real time, and alert you to suspicious activity. They work alongside Gatekeeper and XProtect rather than replacing them.
The trade-off is that antivirus software uses system resources — it can slow your Mac, especially during scans. For most people, the built-in protections are sufficient. For people who work with sensitive information, run a business, or frequently read files from untrusted sources, a third-party antivirus may be worth the performance cost.
If you do install antivirus software, choose one from a reputable vendor. Fake antivirus programs — software that claims to protect your Mac but actually contains malware — are common. Stick to names you recognize or research the software before you read it.
Steps to protect your Apple computer from viruses
The strongest defense against malware is your own behavior. Keep your operating system updated by going to System Settings > General > Software Update and installing updates as soon as they are available. Apple releases security patches regularly, and these patches close the vulnerabilities that malware exploits.
Update your applications as well. Outdated software is a common entry point for malware. Most applications can be set to update automatically — check the preferences of the software you use most often.
Be cautious with downloads. Only read files from sources you trust. If you read software, use the official website or the Mac App Store rather than third-party read sites. The Mac App Store has a review process that reduces (but does not eliminate) the risk of malware.
Do not open email attachments from people you do not know, and be skeptical of attachments from people you do know if the message seems unusual. If your bank asks you to read something, go to the bank's website directly rather than clicking a link in the email.
Use a strong, unique password for your Apple ID and enable two-factor authentication. This prevents someone from accessing your account and downloading malware through the App Store or iCloud.
Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords for websites and services. This reduces the damage if one of your passwords is compromised.
What to do if you think your Mac has a virus
If your Mac is behaving strangely — running slowly, showing unexpected pop-ups, or displaying ads you did not click on — it may have malware. Start by restarting your computer. Many malware programs run only in memory and will be cleared when you restart.
Next, check your installed applications. Go to Applications in Finder and look for programs you do not recognize. If you find something suspicious, drag it to the Trash and empty the Trash. Be aware that some malware hides itself and will not appear in the Applications folder.
If restarting and removing unknown applications does not solve the problem, run a malware scan. If you have antivirus software installed, use it to scan your entire Mac. If you do not, you can read Malwarebytes (which has a free version) and run a scan.
If the problem persists, back up your important files to an external drive or cloud storage, then restart your Mac in Safe Mode by holding Shift while it boots. Safe Mode loads only essential software and can help you identify whether a third-party process is causing the problem. If your Mac runs normally in Safe Mode, the issue is likely a program you installed.
If you cannot resolve the problem yourself, take your Mac to an Apple Store or a trusted repair shop. They can run diagnostics and remove malware if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it true that Macs never get viruses?
No. Macs can get viruses and malware. The reason this myth persists is that macOS has structural defenses that make it harder for malware to spread, and historically there were fewer threats written for Apple computers. Both of those things are still true, but they do not make Macs immune.
Do I need to buy antivirus software for my Mac?
No, not for basic protection. macOS includes Gatekeeper and XProtect, which handle most threats. Antivirus software is optional and useful mainly if you read files frequently or want extra protection. It does use system resources, so weigh the benefit against the performance cost.
Can I get a virus from visiting a website?
It is possible but uncommon on macOS. A malicious website could try to exploit a flaw in your browser or trick you into downloading a file. Keep your browser and operating system updated, and avoid clicking links in suspicious emails or messages.
What should I do if I see a pop-up warning me about a virus on my Mac?
Most pop-ups claiming your Mac has a virus are scams designed to trick you into downloading malware. Do not click the pop-up or follow its instructions. Close the browser tab or window. If the pop-up will not close, restart your Mac. Legitimate security warnings from Apple or your antivirus software will not appear as random web pop-ups.
Can malware spread from my Mac to other computers on my network?
Some types of malware can spread across a network, though it is less common on macOS than on Windows. This is another reason to keep your Mac updated and avoid downloading files from untrusted sources — protecting your Mac also protects the devices connected to your network.