

It's one part of the wider Windows Security app (opens in new tab), which includes ransomware protection, reputation-based assessment, firewall management and even parental controls, to prevent kids from inadvertently accessing dangerous or inappropriate content. Windows Defender is a pretty good antivirus. There is also a built in offline scanner you can use to scan Windows outside of the installation. It includes a decent Antivirus scanner thats more robust and uses heuristics and the cloud to detect and remove malicious code. For example, the organization tested these. Windows Defender has come a long way from the days of Microsoft Security Essentials. In the most recent tests by, Defender successfully blocked 99.96% of malware (opens in new tab) samples reported that, during January and February 2022, the software scored a perfect 100% against both known threats and brand-new zero-day attacks.ĭefender doesn't operate in a vacuum, however. According to the report, AV-TEST tested Windows Defender, Avira, McAfee, Avast, AVG, and several other antivirus apps against various security aspects. Every Windows computer with an internet connection automatically downloads the latest signatures and recognition algorithms on a daily basis, meaning newly identified threats can be very quickly shut down.Īnd we can't argue with the results.

Your essential guide to internet security What's the difference between antimalware and antivirus? Best antivirus for Windows 10ĭefender (opens in new tab) isn't just widespread - it's effective.
