Just like any other time you spend online, it's important to make sure your computer is protected when playing games. Playing games online increases the amount of time you spend interacting with other people's computers and, consequently, the risk to your computer increases.
No. However, a computer that is connected to the Internet is exposed to higher risk than a disconnected computer, so you should take precautions to help protect your computer.
You should take the same precautions that you'd take for connecting to the Internet.
Keep your copy of Windows up to date. For more information, see Understanding Windows automatic updating.
Consider using software that automatically gets rid of spyware, along with viruses and other malicious software. For more information, see Viruses: frequently asked questions and Spyware: frequently asked questions.
Don't click unknown e‑mail attachments. For more information, see When to trust an e‑mail message.
Install only software you are sure you can trust.
When you update your copy of Windows, install the recommended updates as well as the important updates whenever you can.
If you take all these precautions, you will help keep your computer safer while gaming online.
