A: Windows Defender Antivirus (known simply as Windows Defender in the past) is a fully capable means of antivirus protection for Windows PCs. Is it a replacement for other free versions of threat ...

One of Defender’s bigger advantages is that it’s built directly into Windows. There’s nothing to install and nothing extra to ...

Microsoft Defender isn't bad, but it's not enough to fully protect your PC. You don't have to pay extra, though—just use one of the top free antivirus apps we've tested. Our team tests, rates, and ...

Both AVG and Windows Defender work to protect your PC from malware and other security threats. They both have major differences in the following aspects. AVG and Windows Defender mainly differ in ...

Here are the basics: Microsoft Defender is the virus protection integrated into Windows by default. If no other antivirus program is installed and activated, Defender protects you against viruses. You ...

Windows' built-in security software just doesn't keep you as safe as the best antivirus. We examine the need for third-party protection in this week’s edition of SecurityWatch. I review privacy tools ...

In 2025, most devices feature built-in antivirus software that scans files you attempt to download, blocking anything it deems suspicious. Antivirus tools also perform automated scans to remove ...

Windows Defender, now known as Microsoft Defender Antivirus, has significantly improved over the years, making it a robust built-in security solution for Windows users. However, the question remains ...

Fortunately, as online threats become ever more sophisticated, so do Internet users' means of defense. As a PR Newswire press release put it in February 2026, "according to industry consultancy firm ...

Windows Defender is a capable antivirus solution built into Windows itself. Unless you’ve installed a different antivirus program on your Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC, your PC is using it right now.