Windows Defender is a free antivirus program that comes pre-installed on Windows 10 and windows 11. It provides minimal protection against a variety of threats, including viruses, ransomware, spyware, and phishing. It also works with other Windows security features, including firewalls, parental controls, device security, and performance reports. But how does Windows Defender compare to other antivirus programs, both free and paid? Is it enough to keep your computer safe in 2024? 


Here are some of the advantages and drawbacks of Windows Defender.

Advantages: 

  •  Installing Windows Defender does not require any additional software because it is integrated into Windows; additionally, it updates automatically through Windows Update, guaranteeing that you always have the most recent version and definitions; 
  • Constantly active when no other antivirus software is installed: Windows Defender automatically activates when no other antivirus software is installed and deactivates when it is. This means that you are always protected, even if you forget to install or renew your antivirus subscription.
  • Additional security features: Windows Defender comes with a firewall, parental controls, app and browser controls, device security, and performance reports. These features can help you monitor and manage your PC's security and performance as well as shield your kids from inappropriate or harmful content. 
  • Excellent malware protection: Over the years, Windows Defender has significantly improved and now scores very well in independent lab tests and hands-on malware tests. It can detect and remove most common and emerging malware threats, using a combination of signature-based, heuristic, and cloud-based analysis.

Drawbacks: 

  • Inadequate phishing defense: Windows Defender's phishing defense is not as strong as that of other antivirus programs. It is limited to Microsoft browsers, so it may miss some phishing websites that attempt to obtain your financial or personal information.
  • No extra features. Windows Defender lacks many of the extra features that other antivirus products offer, like VPN, password managers, identity theft protection, system optimization tools, dark web monitoring, and more. These features can enhance your online security, privacy, and performance and are often included in premium antivirus packages or available as add-ons. 
  • Limited ransomware protection. Windows Defender's ransomware protection is very basic, and only protects a few folders from unauthorized changes. It also requires you to enable the Controlled Folder Access feature, which can be irksome and inconvenient as it can prevent legitimate apps from accessing your files.
  • Notable effect on PC speed: Windows Defender can use a lot of system resources, including CPU, RAM, and disk space, which can negatively impact your PC's performance and responsiveness, particularly if you have an older or low-end device. It can also slow down your PC, particularly during scans and updates.

Conclusion: 

If you are looking for a more comprehensive and advanced antivirus solution, you might want to consider other options like Norton, Bitdefender, or Avast. These antivirus products offer better protection, more features, and less impact on your PC, and they often come with a money-back guarantee or a free trial. While Windows Defender is pretty good for basic protection, it is not the best antivirus software, and it has some drawbacks, like poor phishing protection, limited ransomware protection, no extra features, and a noticeable impact on PC speed.

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