Is Windows Defender Enough? Understanding the Pros and Cons of Microsoft's Built-in Antivirus Solution - HailBytes (2024)

FAQs

Is Windows Defender Enough? Understanding the Pros and Cons of Microsoft's Built-in Antivirus Solution - HailBytes? ›

Conclusion. In conclusion, Windows Defender is a good choice for those who are looking for a basic level of protection against common malware and viruses. However, for those who are looking for more advanced protection against persistent and sophisticated threats, a third-party antivirus solution may be a better choice ...

However, for Macs, Windows and Androids, antivirus software is a necessity, as new viruses are created every day. Do you really need antivirus for Windows 10? You do need an antivirus for Windows 10, even though it comes with Microsoft Defender Antivirus.

Is Microsoft Defender antivirus safe? Microsoft Defender antivirus is pretty safe. It has almost 100% real-time protection rates, according to independent tests. It also has additional features for device protection against malware, such as scanning, app and browser control, and account protection options.

Drawbacks of Windows Defender

While it can stop many known malicious websites and downloads, it cannot block all suspicious connections, reliably monitor all inbound and outbound traffic, or block advanced exploit attacks.

Windows Defender is the desktop security client default for Microsoft Windows OS and other OSes. Microsoft Defender is a broader suite of security tools that includes Windows Defender for Endpoint (a variant of Windows Defender) that is used for enterprise security particularly for Microsoft 365 licensees.

Yes, Windows defender can remove viruses and malware from your computer. When it detects a threat during a scan or real-time protection, it attempts to remove or quarantine the malicious files automatically. If you suspect an infection, you can perform a manual scan to let Windows defender clean your system.

The real-world protection test is based on 743 test cases (such as malicious URLs), tested from the beginning of July 2021 till the end of October 2021. Norton blocked 743 threats and achieved a protection rating of 100%, while Microsoft Defender blocked 741 threats to achieve a 99.7% protection rate.

It's important to have Microsoft Defender Firewall on, even if you already have another firewall on. It helps protect you from unauthorized access. Select a network profile: Domain network, Private network, or Public network. Under Microsoft Defender Firewall, switch the setting to On.

McAfee includes extra security features, such as the file shredder and parental control, which Microsoft lacks. However, it lacks advanced email security functionality, which Microsoft Defender offers. Plus, you'll enjoy all its features regardless of location or device.

If you're not currently a Microsoft 365 subscriber, you'll be required to purchase a plan to access Microsoft Defender upon sign in. Microsoft 365 plans include: Family ($9.99/month) or Personal ($6.99/month).

Is there anything better than Windows Defender? ›

I have used Malwarebytes for years along with pretty much every computer geek I know and it does a really good job. You can use the free version but I use Pro for which I pay $50 a year to equip 3 computers. The truth is that I've never had Windows Defender detect anything before Malwarebytes did.

Microsoft Defender cost

The Microsoft Defender antivirus itself comes free with any Windows installation, but you can also purchase a Microsoft 365 plan to get access to the software on any of your devices.

A third-party antivirus or anti-malware software will likely find threats that Windows Defender may miss. Windows Defender is free and scores high when tested and reviewed. In a product review by AV-TEST, Windows Defender scored 6/6 for protection and usability and earned 5.5/6 for performance.

Running multiple Antivirus products on the same device can lead to major performance issues. As such, Windows Defender is automatically disabled when you install any third party antivirus solution. We do not recommend you attempt running multiple antivirus solutions on the same device.

It is generally not recommended to disable Windows Defender if you have another antivirus program like McAfee installed. Multiple antivirus programs running simultaneously can cause conflicts and performance issues on your computer.

Yes, the Microsoft Defender antivirus is a good security tool for people who already have good online security knowledge. But if you want to get closer to 100% protection, you'll want to look elsewhere. It did not score well on some third-party tests, and failed our phishing test.

Caution: Your device will be vulnerable to malware if you disable Microsoft Defender Antivirus and don't have another security product.