Anyone who uses Windows 10 as their operating system will certainly have come across Windows Defender at some point. This program is automatically supplied with the installation of Windows. It is an anti-virus program from Microsoft.
What is Windows Defender?
Windows Defender is Microsoft's proprietary anti-malware tool that is used by default in Windows 8.1 and Windows 10. The software is intended to protect the system against malware, especially malware and viruses. Incidentally, Windows Defender is now called "Windows Security" and no longer only includes virus and threat protection, but also other security functions. These include the firewall and network protection, as well as device security..
This is what Windows Defender looks like. You can find it by searching for "Windows Security" in the Start menu. Then you have to click on "Virus & threat protection" to get into this view. Is Windows Defender enough for protection?
Microsoft never said that Windows Defender was all you need to be sufficiently secure. The company offers the application as a backup for complete security products such as Avast Free Antivirus. Avast works closely with Microsoft as a top partner in the Microsoft Virus Initiative (MVI), with both companies working to test each other's antimalware tools.
If you've installed an antivirus product, Windows Defender will go into standby mode while your primary tool does the job. Otherwise, without a recognized antivirus program, Windows Defender will step into action and assume the role of the primary security application. It's not that Windows is particularly susceptible to viruses or that it's an unsafe operating system. Microsoft is constantly trying to close potential security holes, reduce the attack surface and react quickly to serious security breaches. Windows is often the target of malware writers simply because it dominates more than 90% of the desktop PC market..
Microsoft's antivirus may be missing some key features that other products have, but it is definitely enough to keep you safe from threats while using your computer. Nevertheless, consider using another antivirus program in addition to Windows security. Further details can be found in the article "Virus protection put to the test: Is Windows Defender really enough?".
