It ’s clear that everyone need antivirus auspices , and Microsoft Defender is the first line of defense team that descend with every Windows PC . I ’ve reviewedthe best third - party antivirus softwareavailable and that superfluous security normally is n’t meretricious .
If you ’re hurt from subscription fatigue , you might inquire how upright Microsoft Defender is and whether it ’s safe to trust your cybersecurity to a free app bundled with Windows . I researched and reexamine Microsoft Defender , curb its aegis scores , and tested client support to find out if it ’s a good antivirus solution .
Tiers and pricing
Since Microsoft Defender is part of Windows 7 and later , it ’s already installed on your PC . That ’s a big reward since it mean you ’re always protect , even when you get a new computer or do a blank install of Windows 11 .
You get malware detection and scheduled virus scans and remotion , along with ransomware and phishing protection . Microsoft also scans for identity leaks and admit $ 1 million in identity thieving insurance .
There arebetter deals on antivirus subscription plans . However , Microsoft 365 has Microsoft Defender antivirus and several premium features across five electronic computer , earphone , and lozenge . It also include all the best Office desktop , web , and roving apps . You also get 1 TB of cloud storage per individual .
It ’s a cracking steal if you call for cross - platform auspices and access to Word , Excel , OneDrive , and more .
Design
While most antivirus software subscription start with installation and frame-up , most of that work is already done if you apply Microsoft Defender for Windows . It ’s an antivirus solution that ’s already instal and active .
I can launch Microsoft Defender from the Privacy & Security tab in Windows options . The Windows Security section provides crosscut to particular features . I can also open Defender from the start card or pick out the dreary shell icon in the system tray ’s overflow menu .
The purpose is clean and childlike . The main view shows at - a - glance self-confidence that my computing machine is unafraid , with green checkmarks for account safe , antivirus , connection protection , and more .
Those sections also come out as tab in the left sidebar . I can go immediate scans for malware , full scan , and even offline scans for more troublesome computer virus . I can add more folders to protect from ransomware and ensure my computer is run well .
In Microsoft ’s Edge web web browser , I can check security background to insure malicious websites and downloads are blocked .
Features
After having a poor report in the past , Microsoft Defender has proven to be very effective antivirus software in the last several years .
Since December 2017 , Defender has earned an average paygrade of 5.9 out of 6 . On just 10 occasions , Microsoft ’s antivirus lost half a point onAV - Test’ssix - gunpoint shelter ordered series .
In each case , the missed threat took the form of a zero - Clarence Shepard Day Jr. vulnerability , which is the hard to block since it come with no advance monition . Despite a few minor Miss , the destitute antivirus software include with Windows has an telling record over the last several years . Norton and Bitdefender have even good scores over long periods of metre .
I spot - ascertain Microsoft Defender ’s internet browser protection by visitingWicar’smalware test page . Defender blocked the virus download and interrupt browser app exploits with a deep red warning page .
Microsoft Defender also includes a VPN concentrate on privacy and security department . It is n’t useful to go around geoblocking , however . Somecompeting antivirus resolution like Bitdefender include VPNsthat countenance you access capacity from other area like you wre a local .
Support
The reply was immediate and the agent stayed responsive throughout the conversation . With most cybersecurity live chats , a holdup of several mo or more is usual .
While Microsoft support was systematically speedy , some of the details seemed wrong . For example , I was told I could alter server locations in Defender ’s VPN , which is n’t truthful .
Microsoft 365 support answers questions about Office apps , account issues , email problem , and cybersecurity concerns . Perhaps Microsoft needs to do a sound job of funneling customers to the right person for special topics . Fast reinforcement is good , but truth is more important .
Norton antivirus accompaniment is entirely rivet on cybersecurity . While I had to wait 15 minute for a Norton agent , the response was much more helpful .
Privacy and security
Microsoft takes concealment in earnest and has good foil on what data it collects and how it ’s used .
Microsoft ’s internal protection is generally very estimable , but as the developer of the world ’s most popular operating system , it ’s a massive target for hackers . For illustration , a 2022 Microsoft data breach could have exposed over 2 TB of user data point .
Microsoft claimed “ no customer account or systems were compromised . ” Still , it show the ongoing indigence for vigilance at the corporate and consumer horizontal surface . It ’s important to use two - cistron authentication ( 2FA ) , passcodes , encryption , VPNs , and antivirus to keep your data processor and your data safe .
Is Microsoft Defender enough protection for you?
Microsoft Defender is a good , free cybersecurity app that protect your Windows personal computer with minimum effort . It is n’t the only one , and you could combine it with a well - rated VPN result , a full - boast password handler , and otherpowerful and free antivirus softwareto maximize your protection .
