Is Windows Defender Any Good

As a free antivirus that'southward congenital into every Windows PC, Microsoft Defender is better at present than it has ever been. If y'all don't keep personal data on your PC, Microsoft Defender provides expert enough protection — only if yous store sensitive files on your device, Microsoft Defender will be unable to continue them safety.

Later testing the service for several weeks, I institute Microsoft's gratuitous antivirus isn't updated frequently enough to guarantee protection confronting the latest threats. To get full protection, you demand to utilize it with another antivirus. I tested a diversity of free and paid options to detect which services provide top-tier malware protection without slowing down your PC.

Surprisingly, I constitute some gratis antiviruses actually perform amend than Microsoft Defender. Nonetheless, Norton 360 outperformed the competition with its powerful antivirus engine, spider web security features, and extras like a VPN and countersign manager — none of which are offered by Microsoft Defender. Every bit a plus, you tin can even effort Norton 360 risk-free for 60 days with its coin-dorsum guarantee!

Try Norton on Windows risk-complimentary!

                        Norton 360              —              #1 alternative to Microsoft Defender              with powerful antivirus engine, Windows-specific security features, firewall, VPN, and more. Includes lx-twenty-four hours coin-back guarantee.
              McAfee              — Advanced malware protection and online security for Windows, just some top features are restricted to Usa customers only.
              Bitdefender              — Blocks all types of complex malware targeting Windows but premium packages are slightly pricey.
              TotalAV              — Excellent malware protection for Windows PC, laptops, and tablets, prices jump considerably after the get-go year.
        

Want more than options? Spring to 5 antiviruses that as well made the cutting.

Effort Norton 360 for Windows now!

Formerly known as Windows Defender, Microsoft Defender has improved significantly in recent years. It at present comes with real-fourth dimension threat detection, as well as a firewall and parental controls. I particularly similar that it comes pre-installed on Windows 10, 8, and 7, so information technology starts working every bit soon as y'all boot the calculator.

I wanted to put Microsoft Defender through a series of rigorous tests and run across how it measures up to antivirus competitors. I was impressed to find that Microsoft Defender blocks between 99.v% to 100% of malware in existent-fourth dimension. But unfortunately, that's all I could rely on it to do.

I found the firewall and parental controls lacklustre. The firewall was overly complex to configure and the parental controls only work if your kids have their own Microsoft business relationship. However, my biggest business organisation is that Microsoft doesn't regularly update its software — which tin can render the real-time protection near useless. Without regular updates, Microsoft Defender can't protect you from the latest cyberattacks. I've also found that when Microsoft does upshot an update, in that location tin be bug on my Windows PC. In the by, this has resulted in my PC crashing in the middle of a scan.

Despite Microsoft Defender's improvements, it nonetheless has a long way to get. Quite merely, it's non a adept idea to rely solely on Microsoft Defender to protect your PC. If you have sensitive or personal files saved on your Windows device, you'll exist much safer if you invest in a stronger antivirus programme.

one. Norton 360 — #1 Antivirus Software for Windows 10, 8 and seven

Screenshot of Norton vendor user interface on smartphone, tablet, and desktop

Key Features:

          Blocks all strains of malware targeting Windows in real-time
Extra features include a VPN, parental controls, countersign manager, and more
Uniform with all versions of Windows
24/vii customer support available by alive conversation or by telephone
60-day money-back guarantee
        

Norton 360 is superior to Microsoft Defender in every way. It successfully detects all types of PC-specific malware and comes with a diversity of extra features to improve overall Windows security. Best of all, Norton has a range of Windows antivirus packages to suit every budget, all of which include costless features like a VPN and password manager.

In tests, Norton 360 successfully blocked 100% of all malware. Norton regularly updates its software and then your PC is e'er protected from the latest cyberthreats. I too like that Norton 360 features a Safe Web browser extension that scans websites for malware and phishing scams. Safe Web detected almost 99% of web-based threats, while Microsoft's own browser, Border, failed to block nearly of the exam sites I tried to access.

Screenshot of Norton 360's Safe Web feature blocking access to a suspicious website.

Norton 360 added an extra layer of protection to my browsing

Safe Web is only i of the extra features Norton 360 has. It has a total range of features including a firewall, a minimum of 2GB cloud storage, countersign managing director, and a VPN. Norton 360 also provides privacy features such as PC SafeCam, to cease websites accessing your webcam without permission, and LifeLock identity theft protection.

I was particularly impressed by Norton 360'south VPN and Password Manager. The VPN is able to bypass fifty-fifty Netflix'due south restrictions. While the speeds were slower than usual, I could stream in Hard disk-video quality with minimal lag or buffering. Microsoft Defender doesn't include any kind of VPN or proxy service with its antivirus.

Screenshot of Norton Secure VPN connected to a US server and streaming on Netflix US.

I was pleased that Norton's VPN could provide reliable access to Netflix US

Norton 360's Countersign Manager works very well at keeping all of your passwords condom. I was impressed to run into that it has an Autochange feature that chooses a stronger countersign for you lot, changes it, and stores it. It's something I haven't seen from any password managers, and certainly not from Microsoft Defender.

If you lot're concerned about Norton 360's price, you'll be pleased to know it has a range of plans available for all budgets. The Standard package is its cheapest plan and includes coverage for ane device, antivirus, and online threat protection, 2GB cloud backup, a firewall, countersign managing director, virus protection promise, VPN, and PC SafeCam. This is the best option if you don't need the Parental Command feature, and only need to protect 1 device.

The best value packet is the Deluxe plan, which covers 5 devices, has 50GB of deject storage, antivirus and online threat protection, a firewall, password managing director, virus protection promise, VPN, PC SafeCam, and parental controls. If you have a big family, information technology might be worth spending a piddling more on the Premium Package that includes all the features of a Deluxe package for upward to ten devices and with 75GB of cloud storage.

Each program comes with a 60-mean solar day coin-dorsum guarantee so you tin effort the service adventure-free. If you find it's not right for you, you can become a refund past contacting the 24/seven live chat. Information technology took less than 5 minutes for me to go my request canonical and I had my money dorsum in but 5 days!

Try Norton 360 for Windows now!

2. McAfee — Customizable Firewall Blocks All Threats Targeting Windows

Key Features:

          Advanced AI predicts strains of new malware before its even released
Includes spider web protection tools, optimization tools, password manager, and more than
Supports Windows seven, 8, and 10
24/7 customer support by online chat or phone
lx-day money-dorsum guarantee
        

McAfee is an established antivirus company that hands outperforms Microsoft Defender. In tests, McAfee successfully blocked and removed all malware files and quarantined them automatically. In comparison, Microsoft Defender was unable to flag every malicious file, which left the test PC at chance of infection.

I'm peculiarly pleased with McAfee'southward firewall equally it provides 2-way threat detection for traffic arriving at and leaving your PC. It likewise has customizable settings to allow apps and websites you lot know are rubber. McAfee's firewall settings are like shooting fish in a barrel to configure, even for a first-time user. All options are clearly labeled so you lot won't accidentally turn off or change any important settings.

Screenshot of McAfee's firewall with customizable settings highlighted.

You can configure McAfee's firewall or leave the default settings as they are

McAfee provides fifty-fifty more features that further improve your Windows security. This includes a VPN, password manager, parental controls, and a file shredder, which often come standard with premium antivirus brands. All the same, McAfee does offer a unique vulnerability scanner and home network monitor — both tools constantly browse apps and external devices for weak points or hackers. I also similar the WebAdvisor browser extension, which automatically blocks phishing scams, cryptojacking, and dangerous websites while you're browsing online.

McAfee's plans are structured around how many devices the antivirus covers. At $34.99 a month, the Single Device plan is its cheapest package but information technology comes with a robust ready of features including, comprehensive malware and ransomware protection, real-fourth dimension protection, home security network to secure your firewall and cake hackers, condom web browsing to filter harmful sites, anti-phishing and anti-fraud protection, device optimization configurations, and a countersign director.

I would opt for the Multi-Device or Family plans for more device coverage. Each plan offers the same features as the Single-Device plan but the Multi-Device protects 5 devices while the Family Plan protects 10 devices. The Family Plan is only slightly more expensive and comes with a parental control feature. If you have more than 10 devices to protect, McAfee also offers the Unlimited Devices Plan which gives you the aforementioned protection as the other plans just for an unlimited number of devices.

McAfee'south plans are considerably more than robust than Microsoft Defender. Y'all don't have to have my word for it though. You tin can attempt McAfee risk-free with the 60-twenty-four hour period money-back guarantee to run into if it works for you lot.

Try McAfee for Windows at present!

three. Bitdefender — All-time for Beginners With Easy-to-Configure PC Settings

Key Features:

          Scans thoroughly for malware and has a perfect detection rate
Includes game manner, secure browser, password manager, VPN, and more
Supports Windows vii, eight, and ten
24/7 back up by alive conversation, email, or phone
30-24-hour interval coin-back guarantee
        

Bitdefender'south lightweight, cloud-based scan technology is both accurate and low-touch. During tests, Bitdefender detected 100% of both new and known malware and I didn't notice any slowdown despite high-intensity scans. This is a marked comeback from Microsoft Defender, which made my PC run noticeably slower during scans.

I too foundBitdefender'south interface much easier to navigate than Microsoft's. All of the features are clearly labeled, with brusque descriptions detailing what they practise. This fabricated it simple to customize different features and I didn't have to worry nearly accidentally clicking on the wrong setting.

Screenshot of Bitdefender's Windows interface.

Clear explanations brand it easy to navigate Bitdefender's app

Every bit a bonus, y'all don't demand to configure Bitdefender to get comprehensive protection from it.Bitdefender has a unique Autopilot characteristic that analyzes the way your device performs, then automatically configures itself for you. If you want hands-off antivirus security simply are concerned upgrading would be a hassle, Bitdefender is a top choice.

Bitdefender has several plans exclusive to Windows PCs that you tin can use as a standalone antivirus or alongside Microsoft Defender. Every Windows plan includes anti-malware tools, existent-time, anti-phishing, and anti-fraud protection, web filtering of harmful sites, hardware and software optimization tools, and cloud scanning for reduced organisation impact. You lot can cull whether to cover 2, 3, five, or x devices (with tiered pricing based on the number of devices) on all Bitdefender'south plans.

If you already take a firewall and do non demand parental control, then you get for Bitdefender'due south cheapest programme — Antivirus Plus. Nevertheless, at $29.99, information technology'south about the same price equally Bitdefender Internet Security which includes a firewall and parental control.

The all-time value for money and the 1 I opted for is the Bitdefender'due south Total Security program. This plan includes all of the features included in the Internet Security plan but is compatible with macOS, iOS, and Android devices. This plan is peachy if you want to use information technology alongside your Windows Defender only also have a phone you would like to protect. It likewise includes an anti-theft tool for recovering a stolen device or protecting your data by remotely wiping it out if you lot tin can't recover it. The nearly expensive program is the Premium Security plan which includes a VPN.

You tin try out Bitdefender's different plans with its coin-back guarantee for 30 days and get a refund if information technology's non for you. I tried this procedure myself and the 24/7 customer service was both helpful and friendly. The money was dorsum in my business relationship inside 5 days.

Try Bitdefender for Windows now!

4. TotalAV — Bonus Tune-Up Tools for Enhanced PC Performance

Cardinal Features:

          Easily defends Windows from ransomware, adware, spyware, viruses, and rootkits
Includes PC optimization tools also equally a password vault and a VPN
Compatible with Windows vii, 8, and 10
24/seven customer back up by alive chat, electronic mail, or phone
30-day coin-back guarantee
        

TotalAV's impressive optimization tools go far a not bad alternative to Microsoft Defender. I was pleased to find that TotalAV had almost no bear on on my PC during tests, even when running high-intensity virus scans. TotalAV likewise updates its software regularly, assuasive it to easily find and block newly-released malware.

During the Smart Scan,TotalAV suggested multiple ways to optimize the way my PC works. It checks for junk and duplicate files, uncleared browser cookies, unnecessary start-upwards programs, and even has an App Uninstaller that completely removes apps (rather than leaving behind personal profiles). I could resolve any bug from the Smart Scan screen in minutes and foundit made a noticeable difference to my overall system performance.

There are several ways you lot tin can improve your PC's performance with TotalAV

These performance tune-upwardly tools are lacking from Microsoft Defender, which only includes a full general PC health report.

Besides as optimization tools, TotalAV also includes a password vault, a VPN, an ad blocker, and Web Shield, a browser extension that blocks malicious websites. Like Norton 360, it also comes with identity theft protection and a information breach test that scans the web for leaks of your data.

TotalAV is also much easier to utilise than Microsoft Defender. The interface is simple to navigate, with well-labeled features suitable for both new and experienced antivirus users. Unlike Microsoft Defender, TotalAV's app doesn't have any hidden features or unnecessary dropdown menus.

TotalAV has a number of affordable plans but the best value for money is its Net Security program. The plan covers half-dozen devices, a total set of security features, system optimization tools, a browser cleaner and manager, and cloud scanning. Plus the Internet Security plan offers a VPN which very few Antivirus software at this mid-range toll include.

If you don't demand a VPN, y'all can go for TotalAV'southward cheapest package. For $29.00 a month, the Antivirus Pro programme includes every feature included in the Net Security bundle except for the VPN. It also only covers 3 devices. For maximum online protection, the Total Security plan covers 7 devices and includes every characteristic — and fifty-fifty an ad blocker and countersign vault

It'due south possible to try TotalAV risk-complimentary for 30 days with its money-back guarantee, to see if the service is a good fit for your needs. Getting a refund is easy too, you can call the support line for billing services or send an email requesting your money back. I had my refund only ii days after confirmation.

Endeavor TotalAV for Windows now!

5. Intego — Simple but Constructive Antivirus for Windows

Intego Windows Antivirus

Key Features:

          Catches new malware, even naught-day exploits that existing definitions can't
Bonuses similar a Spider web Shield and Prevention Engine detect additional threats
Works on Windows x, viii, and 7
Customer back up via live chat and email
xxx-solar day money-dorsum guarantee
        

Known primarily for its powerful Mac software, Intego has a separate antivirus specifically designed for Windows. During tests, I was impressed to meet that Intego caught 100% of merely-released malware on the PC (too known as goose egg-day attacks). It's essential that an antivirus is capable of catching the latest cyberthreats targeting Windows.

The whitelister feature is a convenient characteristic that allows me to choose specific apps and programs to bypass real-fourth dimension protection. This helps Intego'southward real-time virus scanner piece of work more than efficiently as it's only detecting new threats.

Unfortunately, in that location aren't many extra features similar parental controls, a countersign manager, or VPN. This is disappointing because Intego's Mac app comes packed with Mac-specific features and cybersecurity tools.

That said, the price is very reasonable if y'all're looking for a straightforward antivirus with no extra features weighing it down. I advise you effort Intego on your ain Windows device and test out all the features. There'southward a 30-24-hour interval money-back guarantee on all plans, and then you tin go a full refund if yous modify your mind. You can also use Intego for free for vii days with the costless trial.

Endeavor Intego for Windows for free

6. Avira — #one Free Antivirus for Windows Devices

Screenshot of Avira vendor user interface on smartphone, tablet, and desktop

Key Features:

          Detects malware threats as soon as they are downloaded onto your device
Includes device optimization tools, VPN, countersign manager, and more than
Supports Windows 10, 8 and 7
Contact customer support via phone and e-mail
30-twenty-four hours money-back guarantee
        

Despite being a free antivirus program, Avira'southward Free Security Suite easily outperforms Microsoft Defender. Avira's virus scanner successfully flagged and isolated all malware in real-fourth dimension during testing. It even comes with free optimization tools, browser extension, VPN, password manager, and a file shredder.

This is an impressive corporeality of features for a free service. The only catch is that Avira's free antivirus doesn't offer ransomware protection. Equally a event, I recommend downloading Avira alongside Microsoft Defender to reduce the risk of a ransomware attack.

If you're looking for premium protection, y'all can always upgrade to Avira'south Prime programme. Information technology includes ransomware protection, a VPN with unlimited bandwidth, web and e-mail protection, automatic software and driver updater, optimization tools, a network traffic manager, and a process manager. Even so, it's slightly more than expensive than Norton 360.

You can try Avira's Prime programme with the thirty-twenty-four hours money-back guarantee, or download the free version. Either fashion, yous've got enough of time to exam out Avira and decide whether it's the right antivirus to protect your Windows device.

Attempt Avira for Windows at present!

7. Malwarebytes — Stream or Game Undisturbed on Windows With Play Mode

Screenshot of Malwarebytes vendor user interface on smartphone, tablet, and desktop

Key Features:

          Flags and removes both existing and just-released malware
Comes with a browser extension, play mode, and VPN
Works on Windows x, eight, and vii
24/7 customer support past phone or e-mail
60-day coin-back guarantee
        

Malwarebytes is a strong antivirus programme with a streamlined Windows app. Information technology doesn't have as many features as other antivirus competitors, but I did find them very useful. The Browser Guard extension blocks all suspicious websites, links, and ads on Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. There's a VPN for anonymous browsing online. I was most impressed by Play Mode, which pauses all notifications when selected apps are running. I tested information technology when streaming a flick on Kodi and it worked well — I didn't accept any interruptions.

Some other perk of the limited features is that Malwarbytes is very lightweight. The software barely took upwards whatever space on my laptop, and I didn't detect any functioning issues while the app operated in the groundwork.

If you lot're looking for a uncomplicated yet constructive antivirus alternative to Microsoft Defender, Malwarebytes is a nifty choice. Yous can try Malwarebytes for 60 days risk-free with its money-back guarantee.

Try Malwarebytes for Windows at present!

8. Panda Dome — Many Security Features on All Windows Antivirus Plans

Key Features:

          Successfully identifies and removes the newest malware strains
Includes a VPN, PC rescue kit, process monitor, password manager, and more
Bachelor on Windows 10, viii, and 7
24/7 tech back up available by email and phone
xxx-24-hour interval money-back guarantee
        

Panda Dome'southward has an excellent malware scanner for Windows. The software discovered 100% of all malware in tests, including the newest cyberthreats. Panda as well offers a lot of extra features that Microsoft Defender doesn't have. I especially appreciated the PC Rescue Kit, which successfully removed malware from my infected examination PC via a USB drive.

In addition, Panda comes with its own procedure monitor, awarding command, password manager, VPN, anti-theft tools, and optimization tools. Unfortunately, I found these other features difficult to use or ineffective. Personally, I'd rather have less features that work well than tons of additions I won't use.

Panda Dome has plans and flexible payment options to conform your budget. In that location's even a free plan, although information technology'south missing crucial ransomware protection. I recommend either combining the gratuitous program with Micropsoft Defender or downloading the premium version. You can test Panda Dome'southward premium antivirus risk-free with its 30-mean solar day money-back guarantee.

Effort Panda Dome for Windows now!

9. Kaspersky — Bang-up for Families With Free Parental Controls for Windows

Central Features:

          Blocks new and known malware with great accuracy
Extra features include VPN, password manager, privacy tools, and more
Supports Windows 8 and 10
24/7 support by live chat, electronic mail, or phone
thirty-day money-back guarantee
        

Kaspersky's antivirus for Windows is extremely constructive. In recent tests, Kaspersky detected and blocked all types of malware. The visitor regularly bug software updates to defend against newly-released viruses and malware. On the other hand, Microsoft Defender is rarely updated, which could leave your PC at chance of a cyberattack.

In improver, I constitute the parental controls far exceed Microsoft Defender'south "Family Options" equivalent. Yous tin can easily filter out unwanted web content, limit screen time, monitor online activity, and track your child'due south GPS location.

Unfortunately I did find Kaspersky a piffling catchy to use (fifty-fifty more than then than Microsoft Defender). The interface is cluttered and some of its available tools are hidden in extra menus. I advise you try Kaspersky with the 30-day money-back guarantee and come across if it suits you and your family. If you alter your mind, it'south uncomplicated and quick to ask for a refund.

Effort Kaspersky for Windows at present!

Avast and AVG

Millions of users will download Avast and AVG to replace Microsoft Defender, as both are popular free antivirus programs. Unfortunately, what nearly people don't know is that Avast has been defenseless selling individual user information to brand a turn a profit (Avast is the parent company of AVG). The information sold includes browsing activity and some personally identifiable data. This is a huge breach of privacy, so I can't recommend either Avast or AVG every bit a reputable antivirus for keeping your personal files safe.

PC Matic

PC Matic was originally developed exclusively for Windows, and then I was surprised by the average performance of its antivirus engine. The software as well mistakenly flagged a large number of safe files as unsafe, which I institute fourth dimension-consuming to sort through.

Is Windows Defender whatever good?

Microsoft Defender has improved over the years, but it's still non swell. In tests, my team and I establish that Microsoft Defender struggled to identify and cake the latest viruses and malware. If you're like me and you store a lot of personal information on your PC (similar family photos, work documents, or financial data), information technology's not 100% safe to rely on Microsoft Defender equally your simply line of cyberdefense. The software simply has also many downsides, including a lack of regular updates and security features.

Can Windows Defender detect and remove malware?

Most of the time. Microsoft's Windows Defender detected 99% of malware or more in real-time tests. While this is a pretty skillful result, information technology'south still perfect — especially when a competitor similar Norton 360 achieves 100% in the aforementioned tests.

My primary issue with Windows Defender is that it's non regularly updated. This leaves your PC vulnerable to newly-released viruses, trojans, rookits, and other strains of malware. To remain secure at all times, you lot want to invest in an antivirus that issues software updates daily.

Is Windows Defender free?

Yes, it's gratis and pre-installed onto all Windows 10, eight, and 7 devices. However, I don't recommend relying on Microsoft Defender every bit your only course of protection. Based on rigorous tests, my team and I constitute that even a free antivirus programme provides better protection for Windows.

Tin can I use Windows Defender with another antivirus?

Yes, Microsoft Defender works with all the antivirus programs on this list. In fact, I recommend you ever use Microsoft Defender in combination with another antivirus. This is because Microsoft Defender only offers a basic layer of protection — it's not enough to secure you against complex or advanced malware (similar ransomware).

Try Norton 360 for Windows at present!

For a costless antivirus service, Microsoft Defender has improved considerably since its terminal update. Unfortunately, it's still not good enough to protect your Windows device in real-time. As someone who takes my PC'southward security seriously, I strongly recommend using stronger antivirus in conjunction with Microsoft Defender.

The best antivirus for Windows in 2022 is hands Norton 360. Non merely does information technology block all types of Windows-specific malware, but it comes with a range of security features for PC. Best of all, you can try Norton 360 take chances-gratis for sixty days with its money-back guarantee! When I tested the refund policy, information technology only took me a couple of minutes over 24/7 alive chat and I got the money back in less than a week.