How Good Is Windows Defender

Every bit a free antivirus that'south built into every Windows PC, Microsoft Defender is ameliorate now than information technology has ever been. If you don't keep personal information on your PC, Microsoft Defender provides practiced enough protection — just if you shop sensitive files on your device, Microsoft Defender will exist unable to keep them safe.

After testing the service for several weeks, I found Microsoft's free antivirus isn't updated oftentimes plenty to guarantee protection against the latest threats. To get full protection, yous need to use information technology with some other antivirus. I tested a variety of gratuitous and paid options to detect which services provide height-tier malware protection without slowing down your PC.

Surprisingly, I plant some free antiviruses really perform better than Microsoft Defender. However, Norton 360 outperformed the competition with its powerful antivirus engine, web security features, and extras like a VPN and password manager — none of which are offered by Microsoft Defender. As a plus, you can fifty-fifty effort Norton 360 risk-gratuitous for lx days with its money-back guarantee!

Endeavour Norton on Windows risk-complimentary!

                        Norton 360              —              #1 alternative to Microsoft Defender              with powerful antivirus engine, Windows-specific security features, firewall, VPN, and more than. Includes sixty-twenty-four hours money-back guarantee.
              McAfee              — Advanced malware protection and online security for Windows, but some top features are restricted to U.s. customers but.
              Bitdefender              — Blocks all types of complex malware targeting Windows but premium packages are slightly pricey.
              TotalAV              — Splendid malware protection for Windows PC, laptops, and tablets, prices jump considerably afterward the first year.
        

Want more options? Leap to 5 antiviruses that likewise made the cut.

Try Norton 360 for Windows now!

Formerly known as Windows Defender, Microsoft Defender has improved significantly in contempo years. It at present comes with real-time threat detection, likewise every bit a firewall and parental controls. I especially like that information technology comes pre-installed on Windows 10, 8, and 7, so it starts working as soon as you boot the computer.

I wanted to put Microsoft Defender through a series of rigorous tests and encounter how it measures up to antivirus competitors. I was impressed to find that Microsoft Defender blocks between 99.5% to 100% of malware in real-time. Only unfortunately, that's all I could rely on it to practise.

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

Despite Microsoft Defender's improvements, information technology still has a long manner to get. Quite just, it'south non a practiced idea to rely solely on Microsoft Defender to protect your PC. If you accept sensitive or personal files saved on your Windows device, you'll be much safer if you invest in a stronger antivirus program.

1. Norton 360 — #i Antivirus Software for Windows 10, eight and vii

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

Fundamental Features:

          Blocks all strains of malware targeting Windows in real-time
Extra features include a VPN, parental controls, password director, and more
Uniform with all versions of Windows
24/7 customer support bachelor by live chat or by phone
60-twenty-four hour period money-back guarantee
        

Norton 360 is superior to Microsoft Defender in every way. Information technology successfully detects all types of PC-specific malware and comes with a diversity of actress features to amend overall Windows security. All-time of all, Norton has a range of Windows antivirus packages to suit every budget, all of which include gratuitous features like a VPN and password director.

In tests, Norton 360 successfully blocked 100% of all malware. Norton regularly updates its software so your PC is always protected from the latest cyberthreats. I also like that Norton 360 features a Safe Spider web browser extension that scans websites for malware and phishing scams. Safe Spider web detected virtually 99% of web-based threats, while Microsoft's own browser, Edge, failed to cake most 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 but 1 of the actress features Norton 360 has. Information technology has a full range of features including a firewall, a minimum of 2GB deject storage, password manager, and a VPN. Norton 360 likewise provides privacy features such as PC SafeCam, to cease websites accessing your webcam without permission, and LifeLock identity theft protection.

I was especially impressed by Norton 360's VPN and Password Manager. The VPN is able to bypass even Netflix'due south restrictions. While the speeds were slower than usual, I could stream in HD-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 The states

Norton 360's Password Manager works very well at keeping all of your passwords safe. I was impressed to see that information technology has an Autochange characteristic that chooses a stronger password for you, changes it, and stores it. Information technology's something I haven't seen from any password managers, and certainly not from Microsoft Defender.

If you're concerned about Norton 360's cost, y'all'll be pleased to know it has a range of plans bachelor for all budgets. The Standard package is its cheapest plan and includes coverage for i device, antivirus, and online threat protection, 2GB deject backup, a firewall, password managing director, virus protection promise, VPN, and PC SafeCam. This is the best selection if you don't need the Parental Command characteristic, and only need to protect i device.

The best value package is the Deluxe plan, which covers 5 devices, has 50GB of cloud storage, antivirus and online threat protection, a firewall, password manager, virus protection hope, VPN, PC SafeCam, and parental controls. If you lot have a big family, it might be worth spending a little more on the Premium Package that includes all the features of a Deluxe package for upwards to 10 devices and with 75GB of deject storage.

Each plan comes with a sixty-day money-dorsum guarantee and then you tin can try the service chance-free. If you lot discover information technology's not right for y'all, you can get a refund past contacting the 24/vii live chat. It took less than 5 minutes for me to get my request approved and I had my coin back in just 5 days!

Effort 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 web protection tools, optimization tools, countersign manager, and more than
Supports Windows 7, eight, and x
24/7 customer support by online chat or phone
60-day money-back guarantee
        

McAfee is an established antivirus visitor that easily outperforms Microsoft Defender. In tests, McAfee successfully blocked and removed all malware files and quarantined them automatically. In comparing, Microsoft Defender was unable to flag every malicious file, which left the exam PC at take chances of infection.

I'm especially pleased with McAfee's firewall as it provides 2-mode threat detection for traffic arriving at and leaving your PC. It also has customizable settings to allow apps and websites you know are safe. McAfee's firewall settings are easy to configure, even for a showtime-time user. All options are conspicuously labeled so yous won't accidentally turn off or change any important settings.

Screenshot of McAfee's firewall with customizable settings highlighted.

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

McAfee provides even more than 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. Nonetheless, McAfee does offering a unique vulnerability scanner and home network monitor — both tools constantly scan apps and external devices for weak points or hackers. I also like the WebAdvisor browser extension, which automatically blocks phishing scams, cryptojacking, and dangerous websites while yous're browsing online.

McAfee's plans are structured around how many devices the antivirus covers. At $34.99 a month, the Single Device program is its cheapest bundle but information technology comes with a robust set of features including, comprehensive malware and ransomware protection, real-time protection, domicile security network to secure your firewall and cake hackers, safe spider web browsing to filter harmful sites, anti-phishing and anti-fraud protection, device optimization configurations, and a password manager.

I would opt for the Multi-Device or Family plans for more device coverage. Each program offers the same features equally the Single-Device program just 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 y'all accept more than than x devices to protect, McAfee also offers the Unlimited Devices Plan which gives you the aforementioned protection as the other plans but for an unlimited number of devices.

McAfee's plans are considerably more robust than Microsoft Defender. You don't have to have my word for it though. You can try McAfee take a chance-complimentary with the 60-day money-back guarantee to see if it works for you.

Attempt McAfee for Windows now!

3. 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 mode, secure browser, password manager, VPN, and more than
Supports Windows 7, 8, and 10
24/7 support past alive conversation, electronic mail, or telephone
xxx-24-hour interval money-back guarantee
        

Bitdefender'south lightweight, deject-based scan technology is both authentic and low-impact. 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 improvement from Microsoft Defender, which made my PC run noticeably slower during scans.

I also foundBitdefender's interface much easier to navigate than Microsoft'southward. All of the features are clearly labeled, with curt descriptions detailing what they practise. This made information technology simple to customize dissimilar features and I didn't have to worry about accidentally clicking on the incorrect setting.

Screenshot of Bitdefender's Windows interface.

Articulate explanations brand it easy to navigate Bitdefender's app

Equally a bonus, you don't need to configure Bitdefender to become comprehensive protection from information technology.Bitdefender has a unique Autopilot feature that analyzes the way your device performs, then automatically configures itself for you. If you want hands-off antivirus security but are concerned upgrading would be a hassle, Bitdefender is a top choice.

Bitdefender has several plans exclusive to Windows PCs that you can use as a standalone antivirus or alongside Microsoft Defender. Every Windows programme includes anti-malware tools, real-time, anti-phishing, and anti-fraud protection, web filtering of harmful sites, hardware and software optimization tools, and cloud scanning for reduced system impact. You can choose whether to cover ii, 3, 5, or 10 devices (with tiered pricing based on the number of devices) on all Bitdefender'due south plans.

If you already have a firewall and do not need parental control, then yous become for Bitdefender'due south cheapest plan — Antivirus Plus. However, at $29.99, it's about the same price as Bitdefender Net Security which includes a firewall and parental control.

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

You can try out Bitdefender's dissimilar plans with its money-back guarantee for 30 days and get a refund if it's not for you. I tried this procedure myself and the 24/7 customer service was both helpful and friendly. The money was back in my account within five days.

Endeavor Bitdefender for Windows now!

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

Key Features:

          Easily defends Windows from ransomware, adware, spyware, viruses, and rootkits
Includes PC optimization tools besides as a password vault and a VPN
Compatible with Windows seven, 8, and 10
24/vii customer back up by alive conversation, email, or telephone
xxx-day coin-back guarantee
        

TotalAV's impressive optimization tools make it a not bad alternative to Microsoft Defender. I was pleased to find that TotalAV had most no impact on my PC during tests, even when running high-intensity virus scans. TotalAV also updates its software regularly, allowing it to hands observe and block newly-released malware.

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

There are several ways you tin ameliorate your PC's performance with TotalAV

These performance melody-up tools are lacking from Microsoft Defender, which only includes a general PC health written report.

As well equally 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, information technology also comes with identity theft protection and a data breach test that scans the web for leaks of your information.

TotalAV is as well 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. Different Microsoft Defender, TotalAV's app doesn't accept whatever subconscious features or unnecessary dropdown menus.

TotalAV has a number of affordable plans simply the all-time value for coin is its Internet Security program. The program covers 6 devices, a total prepare 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 price include.

If you lot don't need a VPN, you can go for TotalAV's cheapest package. For $29.00 a calendar month, the Antivirus Pro program includes every characteristic included in the Internet Security package except for the VPN. It also only covers iii devices. For maximum online protection, the Total Security programme covers 7 devices and includes every feature — and even an ad blocker and countersign vault

Information technology's possible to attempt TotalAV gamble-free for 30 days with its money-back guarantee, to run into if the service is a good fit for your needs. Getting a refund is piece of cake as well, you lot tin telephone call the support line for billing services or transport an email requesting your money dorsum. I had my refund but two days after confirmation.

Try TotalAV for Windows at present!

5. Intego — Elementary merely Effective Antivirus for Windows

Intego Windows Antivirus

Fundamental Features:

          Catches new malware, even nil-twenty-four hours exploits that existing definitions tin can't
Bonuses like a Web Shield and Prevention Engine discover boosted threats
Works on Windows 10, 8, and 7
Customer support via live chat and email
xxx-day money-back guarantee
        

Known primarily for its powerful Mac software, Intego has a dissever antivirus specifically designed for Windows. During tests, I was impressed to run into that Intego defenseless 100% of just-released malware on the PC (also known as zero-day attacks). Information technology's essential that an antivirus is capable of catching the latest cyberthreats targeting Windows.

The whitelister feature is a convenient feature that allows me to choose specific apps and programs to featherbed real-time protection. This helps Intego'south real-time virus scanner work more efficiently equally it's only detecting new threats.

Unfortunately, there aren't many extra features like parental controls, a password 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 downwardly. I suggest yous try Intego on your own Windows device and test out all the features. At that place's a 30-twenty-four hours money-dorsum guarantee on all plans, then you tin can get a total refund if y'all change your mind. You tin also use Intego for costless for 7 days with the free trial.

Effort Intego for Windows for costless

6. Avira — #1 Free Antivirus for Windows Devices

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

Key Features:

          Detects malware threats as presently as they are downloaded onto your device
Includes device optimization tools, VPN, password manager, and more
Supports Windows x, viii and seven
Contact customer back up via phone and email
30-twenty-four hours coin-back guarantee
        

Despite beingness a gratuitous antivirus program, Avira's Gratis Security Suite easily outperforms Microsoft Defender. Avira's virus scanner successfully flagged and isolated all malware in real-fourth dimension during testing. Information technology 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 take hold of is that Avira's free antivirus doesn't offer ransomware protection. As a result, I recommend downloading Avira alongside Microsoft Defender to reduce the chance of a ransomware set on.

If you lot're looking for premium protection, you can always upgrade to Avira'due south Prime number program. It includes ransomware protection, a VPN with unlimited bandwidth, web and email protection, automatic software and driver updater, optimization tools, a network traffic manager, and a process director. Notwithstanding, it's slightly more expensive than Norton 360.

Y'all can try Avira'southward Prime program with the thirty-day money-back guarantee, or download the costless version. Either way, you've got enough of time to test out Avira and decide whether it'south 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

Cardinal Features:

          Flags and removes both existing and just-released malware
Comes with a browser extension, play mode, and VPN
Works on Windows 10, viii, and 7
24/vii customer support by phone or email
60-solar day money-back guarantee
        

Malwarebytes is a strong antivirus program with a streamlined Windows app. Information technology doesn't accept as many features as other antivirus competitors, but I did detect them very useful. The Browser Baby-sit extension blocks all suspicious websites, links, and ads on Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. There'due south a VPN for anonymous browsing online. I was most impressed by Play Fashion, which pauses all notifications when selected apps are running. I tested it when streaming a movie on Kodi and it worked well — I didn't take whatever interruptions.

Another perk of the limited features is that Malwarbytes is very lightweight. The software barely took up whatsoever infinite on my laptop, and I didn't detect any operation bug while the app operated in the background.

If you're looking for a uncomplicated yet effective antivirus alternative to Microsoft Defender, Malwarebytes is a great choice. Y'all can endeavour Malwarebytes for 60 days hazard-free with its money-back guarantee.

Try Malwarebytes for Windows now!

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

Fundamental Features:

          Successfully identifies and removes the newest malware strains
Includes a VPN, PC rescue kit, procedure monitor, countersign manager, and more
Bachelor on Windows 10, 8, and 7
24/7 tech back up available by email and phone
thirty-day money-dorsum guarantee
        

Panda Dome'south has an fantabulous malware scanner for Windows. The software discovered 100% of all malware in tests, including the newest cyberthreats. Panda besides offers a lot of actress features that Microsoft Defender doesn't have. I peculiarly appreciated the PC Rescue Kit, which successfully removed malware from my infected test PC via a USB drive.

In addition, Panda comes with its own process monitor, application command, password manager, VPN, anti-theft tools, and optimization tools. Unfortunately, I found these other features difficult to utilise 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 arrange your budget. At that place's even a gratis program, although it's missing crucial ransomware protection. I recommend either combining the free programme with Micropsoft Defender or downloading the premium version. You can test Panda Dome's premium antivirus risk-free with its 30-day money-dorsum guarantee.

Try Panda Dome for Windows now!

9. Kaspersky — Great for Families With Free Parental Controls for Windows

Key Features:

          Blocks new and known malware with great accurateness
Extra features include VPN, password manager, privacy tools, and more
Supports Windows viii and x
24/seven support by live conversation, email, or phone
thirty-day coin-back guarantee
        

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

In add-on, I found the parental controls far exceed Microsoft Defender's "Family unit Options" equivalent. Yous can easily filter out unwanted web content, limit screen time, monitor online activity, and rail your kid'due south GPS location.

Unfortunately I did detect Kaspersky a little catchy to utilise (even more and then than Microsoft Defender). The interface is cluttered and some of its available tools are hidden in extra menus. I suggest you endeavor Kaspersky with the xxx-day coin-dorsum guarantee and run across if it suits y'all and your family. If y'all change your mind, it'southward simple and quick to ask for a refund.

Try Kaspersky for Windows now!

Avast and AVG

Millions of users will download Avast and AVG to supercede Microsoft Defender, as both are popular free antivirus programs. Unfortunately, what well-nigh people don't know is that Avast has been caught selling private user information to make a turn a profit (Avast is the parent company of AVG). The information sold includes browsing activity and some personally identifiable information. This is a huge breach of privacy, and then I can't recommend either Avast or AVG as a reputable antivirus for keeping your personal files safe.

PC Matic

PC Matic was originally adult exclusively for Windows, so I was surprised past the average performance of its antivirus engine. The software as well mistakenly flagged a big number of condom files every bit unsafe, which I establish time-consuming to sort through.

Is Windows Defender any good?

Microsoft Defender has improved over the years, but it's withal not great. In tests, my team and I found that Microsoft Defender struggled to place and block the latest viruses and malware. If you're like me and yous shop a lot of personal information on your PC (like family unit photos, work documents, or fiscal information), information technology'south non 100% safe to rely on Microsoft Defender as your only line of cyberdefense. The software simply has likewise many downsides, including a lack of regular updates and security features.

Tin can Windows Defender detect and remove malware?

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

My chief issue with Windows Defender is that it's not 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 want to invest in an antivirus that issues software updates daily.

Is Windows Defender free?

Aye, information technology's free and pre-installed onto all Windows 10, viii, and vii devices. Withal, I don't recommend relying on Microsoft Defender every bit your only form of protection. Based on rigorous tests, my squad and I establish that fifty-fifty a free antivirus program provides better protection for Windows.

Tin can I apply Windows Defender with another antivirus?

Aye, Microsoft Defender works with all the antivirus programs on this list. In fact, I recommend you lot ever use Microsoft Defender in combination with another antivirus. This is considering Microsoft Defender only offers a bones layer of protection — it's not enough to secure you against complex or avant-garde malware (like ransomware).

Try Norton 360 for Windows now!

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

The best antivirus for Windows in 2022 is easily Norton 360. Not but does it cake all types of Windows-specific malware, but it comes with a range of security features for PC. Best of all, yous can endeavor Norton 360 take a chance-complimentary for threescore days with its money-back guarantee! When I tested the refund policy, information technology only took me a couple of minutes over 24/vii live conversation and I got the money back in less than a week.