Microsoft (Windows) Defender antivirus review 2024: is it good enough?

Is Microsoft Defender the best antivirus program to protect your computer from cyber-attacks? Probably not. But it’s still a great antivirus packed with essential features, such as a firewall, network protection, and ransomware defense to guard you from simple threats.

In this article, I will look into several crucial aspects of this antivirus solution, including its features, protection capabilities, and ease of use. I’ll also include some alternatives for more advanced users needing stronger antivirus solutions. Keep reading our Microsoft Defender review to learn more about this antivirus and whether it meets your needs.

Microsoft (Windows) Defender overview

Microsoft Defender Pros and Cons

Is Microsoft (Windows) Defender safe to install and use?

Microsoft Defender is a safe built-in antivirus that helps individuals and families stay safer online. No installation is required since it comes for free with Windows 10 and 11 or Microsoft 365. A simplified security dashboard provides a comprehensive overview of your device’s security status. It also includes essential security features such as antivirus and antiphishing protection, identity theft and credit monitoring, and even a VPN for enhanced privacy.

Independent tests (AV-TEST, SE Labs tests) have shown that Microsoft Defender boasts almost 100% real-time protection rates, effectively identifying and mitigating threats as they arise. This high detection rate ensures that your device is continuously protected against various cyber threats, including viruses, malware, and phishing attacks.

One key advantage of Microsoft Defender is that it runs efficiently in the background without significantly impacting system performance. You can also benefit from automatic updates, ensuring that your antivirus protection is always up-to-date with the latest security definitions.

It is important to note that while Microsoft Defender provides robust basic protection, it may fall short in some areas compared to premium antivirus solutions. Advanced users and those with higher security needs might find it lacking in certain features, such as detailed malware analysis, advanced threat detection, and comprehensive customer support. For such cases, I recommend checking out TotalAV.

In conclusion, Microsoft Defender is a reliable and safe antivirus solution for basic use. But for full protection, I recommend premium antivirus software to get better protection from cyber threats.

Microsoft Defender antivirus security features

Microsoft Defender (former Windows Defender) is an integral part of Windows Security, offering robust protection against a variety of threats. This built-in antivirus program includes several critical features designed to safeguard your device and data. Below, I delve into some of the key aspects of Microsoft Defender’s security capabilities.

Virus & threat protection

The antivirus component of Windows Security continuously scans your system in real-time, detecting and neutralizing threats as they arise. This proactive approach ensures that your device is protected against a wide range of malware, including viruses, spyware, ransomware, and rootkits.

In independent tests, Microsoft Defender has shown strong performance in detecting prevalent malware and providing almost 100% real-time protection rates.

However, there are some limitations. During my tests, the quick scan failed to identify some malicious files, while the full scan showed better, though not perfect, results. While Microsoft Defender is robust, it might not be as effective as some premium antivirus solutions when dealing with zero-day or advanced persistent threats.

Additionally, Microsoft Defender includes options for ransomware protection. This feature allows you to manage access control, protecting files, folders, and memory areas from unauthorized changes. Integrating OneDrive for file recovery adds an extra layer of security against ransomware attacks, ensuring that your critical data can be restored if compromised.

Account protection

Microsoft Defender offers robust account data protection features designed to secure user credentials and personal information against unauthorized access and cyber threats. Integrated seamlessly with the Windows operating system, these features benefit individuals and families looking to safeguard their online identities.

Windows Hello is a key component of Microsoft Defender’s account protection suite. It provides a more secure and personal way to access your devices through biometric authentication methods such as facial recognition and fingerprint scanning. This eliminates the need for traditional passwords, which can be easily compromised, and ensures that only authorized users can access the device.

Credential Guard is another vital feature that helps protect sensitive login information. It uses virtualization-based security to isolate and protect credential data, making it significantly harder for attackers to steal credentials via sophisticated techniques such as pass-the-hash or pass-the-ticket attacks.

For added convenience and security, Microsoft Defender offers Dynamic Lock. This feature pairs your device with your phone or another Bluetooth device to automatically lock your computer when you move away from it. This ensures that your device remains secure even when you step away for a moment, preventing unauthorized access.

Lasty, Microsoft Defender provides options to manage sign-in options and settings through the Windows Security app. You can set up PIN codes, physical security keys, or picture passwords, adding multiple layers of security to your accounts.

Firewall & network protection

The built-in firewall and network protection features of Microsoft Defender are designed to monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic, safeguarding your system from unauthorized access and potential cyber threats.

The Microsoft Defender Firewall allows you to manage your settings for different types of networks, including domain networks (workplace or school), private networks (home), and public networks (cafes, airports). This ensures that your device is protected in various environments, adapting to the specific security requirements of each network type.

In addition, customizable firewall rules help regulate inbound and outbound traffic, providing granular control over network activities. This feature is particularly useful for you if you need to tailor your network security configurations to meet specific needs.

Beyond the firewall, Microsoft Defender’s network protection capabilities include features like network threat detection and the ability to block malicious content from the web. These help prevent users from accessing harmful websites and downloading malicious files.

The App & Browser Control feature, integrated with network protection, leverages SmartScreen technology to guard against phishing attacks and malicious websites. It provides reputation-based protection by checking the trustworthiness of websites and applications.

You can also manage notifications from Microsoft Defender to avoid unnecessary alerts while staying informed about critical security issues. This ensures that important notifications are not missed while minimizing disruptions.

Device protection: Microsoft Defender scan choices

Microsoft Defender offers a variety of scanning options to ensure comprehensive protection for your device. These scan choices allow you to detect and remove malware, viruses, and other potential threats, providing a customizable security experience tailored to different needs and scenarios.

• Quick scan. This scan is designed to check the most common areas where malware and threats are typically found. It provides a fast and efficient way to ensure your device is free from immediate dangers. Quick scans are ideal for regular, daily use to maintain system health without significant interruption.
• Full scan. A full scan goes through every file and program on your device, offering an in-depth examination to uncover hidden threats. While more time-consuming than a quick scan, it provides a thorough check of your entire system, making it suitable for routine comprehensive security checks or when a potential threat is suspected.
• Custom scan. This option allows you to select specific files, folders, or drives to be scanned. Custom scans are particularly useful when you need to focus on particular areas of your device that may be more vulnerable or have been flagged as suspicious. This flexibility helps in targeting specific concerns without performing a full system scan.
• Offline scan. Designed to detect and remove persistent malware that may be difficult to eliminate while Windows is running, the offline scan restarts your device and conducts the scan before the operating system fully loads. This scan can take up to 15 minutes and is effective against rootkits and other deeply embedded threats that evade standard scans.
• Ransomware protection. Beyond traditional scans, Microsoft Defender includes ransomware protection features. You can enable controlled folder access, which protects designated folders from unauthorized changes, and utilize OneDrive integration for file recovery in the event of a ransomware attack.

These diverse scanning options ensure that you can maintain a high level of security tailored to your specific needs and make Microsoft Defender a versatile tool in safeguarding your device against various cyber threats.

Additional Security Features of Microsoft Defender

Microsoft Defender not only provides robust virus and malware protection but also incorporates a range of additional security features that enhance its overall effectiveness in safeguarding your device and data.

• App & browser control. This feature leverages SmartScreen technology to protect against phishing attacks and malicious websites. It provides reputation-based protection by checking the trustworthiness of websites and applications, thus ensuring a safer browsing experience. SmartScreen helps prevent users from inadvertently downloading or accessing harmful content, adding an extra layer of security during online activities.
• Reputation-based protection. Microsoft Defender’s reputation-based protection is part of its App & Browser Control. This feature evaluates the credibility of files and applications, blocking potentially unwanted and malicious software before they can cause harm. It’s particularly useful for preventing the installation of rogue applications that can compromise your system.
• Exploit protection. This advanced feature protects your device from exploits and vulnerabilities that cyber attackers often use to gain unauthorized access. Exploit Protection includes a set of pre-configured settings that can be customized to fit specific security needs. It enhances the system’s security by mitigating risks from zero-day vulnerabilities and other attack vectors.
• Device health & performance. Microsoft Defender also monitors the overall health and performance of your device. This feature provides reports on system updates, software issues, and storage capacity, helping you maintain optimal performance and quickly address potential problems.
• Family options. Microsoft Defender offers family options for households with multiple users to help manage and monitor online activities. Parents can set up content restrictions, control screen time, and receive weekly reports on their children’s online behavior. These features ensure a safer online environment for younger users.
• Integration with Microsoft 365. One key advantage of Microsoft Defender is its seamless integration with Microsoft 365. Users benefit from additional security features such as OneDrive integration for secure cloud storage and file recovery, ensuring that important data is protected and easily retrievable in case of a ransomware attack.

Ease of use: no installation required

One of the most appealing aspects of Microsoft Defender to me was its ease of use. Since it is built into the Windows operating system, there is no need for a separate installation process. This integration means that as soon as you set up a Windows 10 or Windows 11 device, Microsoft Defender is already running in the background, providing real-time protection from the moment you start using your computer.

The seamless integration of Microsoft Defender with the Windows operating system ensures that users do not have to worry about downloading, installing, or configuring the software. It is automatically enabled and works silently in the background without requiring significant user intervention. This makes it particularly convenient for users who are not tech-savvy or prefer a hassle-free security solution.

The user interface of Microsoft Defender is straightforward and easy to navigate. The main dashboard, known as “Security at a Glance,” provides a clear overview of your device’s security status. It displays all the essential features and management areas, such as virus and threat protection, firewall and network protection, app and browser control, and device security. You can easily access these features and configure settings with just a few clicks.

Furthermore, Microsoft Defender receives regular updates through Windows Update. These updates include the latest virus definitions and security enhancements, ensuring that your device is always protected against the newest threats. The automatic update process eliminates the need for users to manually check for and install updates, further enhancing ease of use.

Designed to run efficiently without significantly impacting system performance, Microsoft Defender uses minimal system resources, allowing users to continue their regular activities without experiencing slowdowns or interruptions. This is particularly important for users who require their devices to remain responsive while running security software.

The default security settings of Microsoft Defender are configured to provide optimal protection for most users. While advanced users can customize these settings, the out-of-the-box configuration ensures that even those who do not adjust any settings are still well-protected.

In summary, Microsoft Defender’s ease of use is one of its strongest pros. The lack of installation requirements, user-friendly interface, automatic updates, minimal system impact, and pre-configured security settings make it an ideal choice for users looking for a straightforward and effective security solution.

Is Windows Defender free: payment options

Microsoft Defender is free and pre-installed on Windows 10 and 11 devices, providing essential antivirus protection at no additional cost. Users do not need to purchase any subscriptions or licenses to access the basic features of Microsoft Defender, making it a cost-effective antivirus software for individuals and families.

For those seeking enhanced security features, Microsoft offers additional services through its Microsoft 365 subscription plans. The Microsoft 365 Personal plan costs $6.99 monthly and covers one person on up to five devices. The Microsoft 365 Family plan is $9.99 monthly and covers up to six people, each on up to five devices. These plans include Microsoft Defender and other benefits like premium Office apps, 1 TB of OneDrive cloud storage per user, and advanced security features such as identity theft monitoring and ransomware recovery.

Windows Defender customer service

For general support, users can access Microsoft’s extensive online resources, which include FAQs, troubleshooting guides, and community forums. These resources are comprehensive and can help resolve most common issues without needing direct contact with support personnel.

For more personalized assistance, I accessed support through the Microsoft Support website, which offers chat and call-back options. However, it’s important to note that live support is primarily available for users with business accounts or those who have purchased additional services like Microsoft 365.

Overall, I found the lack of dedicated live support for individual home users to be a drawback, particularly if they encounter complex issues. But other than that, Microsoft Defender offers a good range of self-help options.

Conclusion: Is Windows Defender good enough?

Windows Defender is a good basic virus protection software, but if you are extremely security-focused, you may not find everything you want. A third-party antivirus or anti-malware software will likely find threats that Windows Defender may miss. While it offers solid real-time protection, firewall capabilities, and seamless integration with Windows, it lacks some advanced features that dedicated antivirus solutions provide.

For those with basic security needs, Microsoft Defender provides adequate protection without any additional cost. However, users who prioritize comprehensive security should consider supplementing it with a more robust antivirus solution. Premium antivirus programs offer enhanced features like advanced threat detection, detailed malware analysis, and superior customer support, ensuring a higher level of security for your devices and personal information.

While Microsoft Defender is a reliable option for basic protection, I advise complementing it with a third-party antivirus solution, such as TotalAV, to ensure thorough and well-rounded security coverage.

Get TotalAV for a well-rounded protection

Alternative antivirus programs to Microsoft (Windows) Defender

While Microsoft Defender serves as the default antivirus protection for your PC, it may not be the only solution worth considering. If you find that Microsoft Defender does not provide the level of protection and security you need, several other antivirus programs offer robust features and superior protection. Here are three alternatives I highly recommend:

1. TotalAV – Known for its comprehensive protection, TotalAV boasts a 100% malware detection rate and offers excellent real-time security features. It’s a top choice for overall antivirus protection.
2. Bitdefender – Renowned for its exceptional virus scanning capabilities, Bitdefender provides robust protection specifically tailored for Windows. It excels in identifying and neutralizing threats efficiently.
3. Norton 360 – Offering a wide range of security features, Norton 360 delivers extensive protection for your PC. Its feature suite includes identity theft protection, a secure VPN, and parental controls, making it a well-rounded choice for comprehensive security.

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Is Microsoft antivirus Defender any good?

Yes, Microsoft Defender is good for basic protection. It offers reliable real-time protection, firewall capabilities, and seamless integration with Windows. However, for advanced security needs, a third-party antivirus might be more effective in detecting and handling sophisticated threats.

Can you trust Microsoft Defender?

Yes, you can trust Microsoft Defender for basic protection. It offers reliable real-time protection and regular updates to keep your system safe. However, for more comprehensive security, especially against advanced threats, I advise getting an additional antivirus solution such as TotalAV.

Do I need antivirus if I have Windows Defender?

Yes, adding a third-party antivirus can enhance security. Additional software provides advanced features and better detection rates, especially against sophisticated threats, ensuring comprehensive protection for your device. Combining both can give you more robust security coverage.

What are the disadvantages of Windows Defender?

Windows Defender's disadvantages include limited advanced features, less effective detection of zero-day threats, and no live customer support for home users. It may miss sophisticated malware that third-party antivirus solutions can detect. For those needing comprehensive security, additional antivirus software may be necessary.

Is Microsoft Defender still free?

Yes, Microsoft Defender is still free and comes pre-installed on Windows 10 and Windows 11 devices, offering essential antivirus protection without additional cost. It provides basic security features, including real-time protection, making it a cost-effective solution for general use.

Does Windows Defender actually remove viruses?

Yes, Windows Defender can detect and remove viruses. It provides real-time protection, scans for threats, and removes detected malware. However, I recommend additional antivirus software like TotalAV for more comprehensive protection against advanced threats.

Is there anything better than Windows Defender?

Yes, many third-party antivirus programs offer more advanced features and better detection rates than Windows Defender. Options like TotalAV, Bitdefender and Norton 360 provide superior protection, including advanced threat detection, comprehensive security tools, and enhanced customer support.