A free antivirus that offers fair protection
Windows Defender is an anti-malware software that is built into every Windows 10 and 11 device. It’s performed well in tests by three independent organizations and includes a handful of essential features that help it stand out, including cloud backup and parental controls. It’s not the only option to guard against all threats. There are other top antivirus packages that include extras such as a password manager and VPN along with a wide range of device and malware protection.
The Windows Security dashboard shows how everything’s running on your system and displays green ticks to indicate all is good and red ticks indicating things that need attention. The Windows Security dashboard is simple to use, however, navigating through the various settings screens may be a bit challenging.
Microsoft Defender offers various standard security features, such as real-time scanning and blocking of suspicious connections. It also blocks malicious applications from changing system settings and prevent malware from running in memory. It can also advise you regarding password changes and account issues. There are under-the-bonnet OS security measures too, such as virtualisation-based hardware and code isolation protections.
The Windows Security app also includes an information base with solutions for common problems and the ability to search in case you are unable to find what you’re looking for. There are also community videos that demonstrate how to make use of the various features. You receive two days of technical support for free You can also purchase additional services if needed.