How Does Windows Defender Compared To Other Antivirus Software

Equally a free antivirus that'due south built into every Windows PC, Microsoft Defender is better now than information technology has e'er been. If yous don't keep personal information on your PC, Microsoft Defender provides good plenty protection — but if you store sensitive files on your device, Microsoft Defender will exist unable to keep them safe.

After testing the service for several weeks, I plant Microsoft's free antivirus isn't updated frequently enough to guarantee protection against the latest threats. To get total protection, yous need to use it with some other antivirus. I tested a variety of free and paid options to notice which services provide summit-tier malware protection without slowing down your PC.

Surprisingly, I found some free antiviruses actually perform better than Microsoft Defender. However, Norton 360 outperformed the contest 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 even endeavour Norton 360 risk-free for threescore days with its money-back guarantee!

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                        Norton 360              —              #1 culling to Microsoft Defender              with powerful antivirus engine, Windows-specific security features, firewall, VPN, and more. Includes 60-day money-dorsum guarantee.
              McAfee              — Advanced malware protection and online security for Windows, but some meridian features are restricted to U.s.a. customers just.
              Bitdefender              — Blocks all types of complex malware targeting Windows just premium packages are slightly pricey.
              TotalAV              — Excellent malware protection for Windows PC, laptops, and tablets, prices jump considerably after the start twelvemonth.
        

Want more options? Jump to 5 antiviruses that also made the cut.

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Formerly known every bit Windows Defender, Microsoft Defender has improved significantly in recent years. It now comes with existent-time threat detection, as well as a firewall and parental controls. I particularly like that it comes pre-installed on Windows 10, viii, and 7, so it starts working as before long every bit y'all boot the computer.

I wanted to put Microsoft Defender through a series of rigorous tests and see how it measures upward to antivirus competitors. I was impressed to notice that Microsoft Defender blocks betwixt 99.5% to 100% of malware in real-time. Simply unfortunately, that's all I could rely on it to do.

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

Despite Microsoft Defender's improvements, it even so has a long way to go. Quite simply, it'southward non a good idea to rely solely on Microsoft Defender to protect your PC. If you have sensitive or personal files saved on your Windows device, you'll be much safer if y'all invest in a stronger antivirus program.

1. Norton 360 — #ane Antivirus Software for Windows 10, viii and 7

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

Primal Features:

          Blocks all strains of malware targeting Windows in real-time
Extra features include a VPN, parental controls, password managing director, and more
Compatible with all versions of Windows
24/7 customer support available by live chat or by telephone
threescore-day money-back guarantee
        

Norton 360 is superior to Microsoft Defender in every fashion. It successfully detects all types of PC-specific malware and comes with a diverseness of extra features to improve overall Windows security. Best of all, Norton has a range of Windows antivirus packages to suit every budget, all of which include free features like a VPN and password manager.

In tests, Norton 360 successfully blocked 100% of all malware. Norton regularly updates its software and so your PC is e'er protected from the latest cyberthreats. I too similar that Norton 360 features a Prophylactic Web browser extension that scans websites for malware and phishing scams. Safe Web detected almost 99% of spider web-based threats, while Microsoft'south own browser, Edge, failed to block near 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 just ane of the extra features Norton 360 has. It has a full range of features including a firewall, a minimum of 2GB deject storage, password manager, and a VPN. Norton 360 also provides privacy features such as PC SafeCam, to stop websites accessing your webcam without permission, and LifeLock identity theft protection.

I was especially impressed by Norton 360'due south VPN and Password Director. The VPN is able to featherbed even Netflix's 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'south VPN could provide reliable access to Netflix U.s.

Norton 360's Password Manager works very well at keeping all of your passwords safe. I was impressed to meet that it has an Autochange feature that chooses a stronger countersign for you, changes it, and stores it. It's something I haven't seen from whatsoever password managers, and certainly non from Microsoft Defender.

If you lot're concerned about Norton 360's price, you'll be pleased to know it has a range of plans available for all budgets. The Standard parcel is its cheapest plan and includes coverage for 1 device, antivirus, and online threat protection, 2GB cloud backup, a firewall, countersign director, virus protection promise, VPN, and PC SafeCam. This is the all-time option if you lot don't demand the Parental Control feature, and but demand to protect 1 device.

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

Each plan comes with a lx-solar day money-dorsum guarantee so you can endeavour the service take chances-free. If yous find information technology's not right for you lot, yous tin can get a refund by contacting the 24/7 live chat. Information technology took less than 5 minutes for me to go my asking approved and I had my money back in just 5 days!

Try Norton 360 for Windows now!

2. McAfee — Customizable Firewall Blocks All Threats Targeting Windows

Key Features:

          Avant-garde AI predicts strains of new malware before its even released
Includes web protection tools, optimization tools, password manager, and more than
Supports Windows 7, 8, and x
24/seven customer support past online chat or telephone
60-24-hour interval money-back guarantee
        

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

I'yard especially pleased with McAfee'south firewall as it provides ii-manner threat detection for traffic arriving at and leaving your PC. It too has customizable settings to allow apps and websites y'all know are safety. McAfee's firewall settings are piece of cake to configure, even for a first-time user. All options are clearly labeled so you won't accidentally turn off or change any important settings.

Screenshot of McAfee's firewall with customizable settings highlighted.

Y'all can configure McAfee's firewall or leave the default settings every bit they are

McAfee provides even more features that further meliorate your Windows security. This includes a VPN, countersign manager, parental controls, and a file shredder, which often come standard with premium antivirus brands. All the same, 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 too like the WebAdvisor browser extension, which automatically blocks phishing scams, cryptojacking, and dangerous websites while you're browsing online.

McAfee'due south plans are structured around how many devices the antivirus covers. At $34.99 a calendar month, the Single Device programme is its cheapest package but it comes with a robust fix of features including, comprehensive malware and ransomware protection, existent-time protection, home security network to secure your firewall and block hackers, safe 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 plan offers the aforementioned features as the Single-Device programme merely the Multi-Device protects five devices while the Family Plan protects 10 devices. The Family Programme is merely slightly more expensive and comes with a parental control feature. If yous have more than than 10 devices to protect, McAfee also offers the Unlimited Devices Program which gives you the same protection as the other plans only for an unlimited number of devices.

McAfee'south plans are considerably more robust than Microsoft Defender. Y'all don't have to have my word for it though. You tin try McAfee gamble-gratis with the 60-day money-back guarantee to come across if it works for you.

Try McAfee for Windows now!

three. Bitdefender — Best for Beginners With Easy-to-Configure PC Settings

Central Features:

          Scans thoroughly for malware and has a perfect detection rate
Includes game way, secure browser, password manager, VPN, and more than
Supports Windows 7, 8, and 10
24/seven support by alive chat, email, or phone
30-day money-back guarantee
        

Bitdefender'due south lightweight, deject-based scan technology is both accurate and low-bear on. 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 as well foundBitdefender'due south interface much easier to navigate than Microsoft's. All of the features are conspicuously labeled, with brusque descriptions detailing what they do. This made it 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.

Clear explanations make information technology piece of cake to navigate Bitdefender's app

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

Bitdefender has several plans exclusive to Windows PCs that you can utilize as a standalone antivirus or alongside Microsoft Defender. Every Windows plan includes anti-malware tools, real-time, anti-phishing, and anti-fraud protection, spider web filtering of harmful sites, hardware and software optimization tools, and cloud scanning for reduced system impact. You can cull whether to encompass 2, 3, five, or ten devices (with tiered pricing based on the number of devices) on all Bitdefender'due south plans.

If you already have a firewall and exercise not need parental control, then you become for Bitdefender'southward cheapest plan — Antivirus Plus. However, at $29.99, it's about the aforementioned price equally Bitdefender Internet Security which includes a firewall and parental control.

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

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

Effort Bitdefender for Windows now!

4. TotalAV — Bonus Melody-Upwardly Tools for Enhanced PC Performance

Primal Features:

          Easily defends Windows from ransomware, adware, spyware, viruses, and rootkits
Includes PC optimization tools besides every bit a password vault and a VPN
Compatible with Windows 7, 8, and 10
24/seven customer support by alive chat, electronic mail, or phone
30-day money-back guarantee
        

TotalAV's impressive optimization tools make it a neat alternative to Microsoft Defender. I was pleased to find that TotalAV had almost no impact on my PC during tests, even when running high-intensity virus scans. TotalAV likewise updates its software regularly, allowing it to easily detect and block newly-released malware.

During the Smart Scan,TotalAV suggested multiple ways to optimize the way my PC works. It checks for junk and duplicate files, uncleared browser cookies, unnecessary start-upwards programs, and even has an App Uninstaller that completely removes apps (rather than leaving behind personal profiles). I could resolve whatever issues from the Smart Browse screen in minutes and foundit fabricated a noticeable difference to my overall system performance.

In that location are several ways you lot can meliorate your PC'south operation with TotalAV

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

Besides as optimization tools, TotalAV also includes a password vault, a VPN, an advertizement blocker, and Web Shield, a browser extension that blocks malicious websites. Similar Norton 360, it besides comes with identity theft protection and a data alienation test that scans the web for leaks of your information.

TotalAV is also much easier to use than Microsoft Defender. The interface is simple to navigate, with well-labeled features suitable for both new and experienced antivirus users. Dissimilar Microsoft Defender, TotalAV'southward app doesn't accept any hidden features or unnecessary dropdown menus.

TotalAV has a number of affordable plans just the best value for money is its Cyberspace Security plan. The plan covers 6 devices, a full gear up of security features, system optimization tools, a browser cleaner and manager, and cloud scanning. Plus the Internet Security program offers a VPN which very few Antivirus software at this mid-range price include.

If yous don't need a VPN, you can become for TotalAV's cheapest packet. For $29.00 a month, the Antivirus Pro plan includes every characteristic included in the Internet Security parcel except for the VPN. It also simply covers 3 devices. For maximum online protection, the Total Security program covers 7 devices and includes every characteristic — and even an advertizement blocker and password vault

Information technology's possible to try TotalAV risk-gratuitous for 30 days with its money-back guarantee, to see if the service is a good fit for your needs. Getting a refund is like shooting fish in a barrel too, you tin can call the back up line for billing services or transport an email requesting your money back. I had my refund only 2 days after confirmation.

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5. Intego — Simple but Effective Antivirus for Windows

Intego Windows Antivirus

Key Features:

          Catches new malware, fifty-fifty zero-day exploits that existing definitions can't
Bonuses like a Web Shield and Prevention Engine detect additional threats
Works on Windows 10, 8, and 7
Customer back up via live chat and email
thirty-day money-back guarantee
        

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

The whitelister feature is a convenient characteristic that allows me to cull specific apps and programs to featherbed existent-time protection. This helps Intego'south existent-time virus scanner work more than efficiently as it'southward 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 yous're looking for a straightforward antivirus with no actress features weighing it down. I propose you try Intego on your own Windows device and examination out all the features. There's a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans, so y'all can get a full refund if you change your listen. Yous can as well use Intego for complimentary for 7 days with the complimentary trial.

Try Intego for Windows for gratis

6. Avira — #1 Free Antivirus for Windows Devices

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

Central Features:

          Detects malware threats every bit soon as they are downloaded onto your device
Includes device optimization tools, VPN, password manager, and more
Supports Windows 10, 8 and 7
Contact client back up via phone and e-mail
xxx-twenty-four hour period money-back guarantee
        

Despite being a free antivirus programme, Avira'southward Gratuitous Security Suite easily outperforms Microsoft Defender. Avira's virus scanner successfully flagged and isolated all malware in existent-fourth dimension during testing. It even comes with free optimization tools, browser extension, VPN, password manager, and a file shredder.

This is an impressive amount of features for a free service. The just catch is that Avira'southward free antivirus doesn't offer ransomware protection. Equally a result, I recommend downloading Avira alongside Microsoft Defender to reduce the risk of a ransomware attack.

If you're looking for premium protection, yous can e'er upgrade to Avira's Prime 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 procedure director. However, information technology's slightly more expensive than Norton 360.

You can try Avira's Prime program with the 30-day money-back guarantee, or download the gratis version. Either way, you've got plenty of time to exam out Avira and decide whether it's the right antivirus to protect your Windows device.

Try 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

Key Features:

          Flags and removes both existing and just-released malware
Comes with a browser extension, play manner, and VPN
Works on Windows 10, 8, and vii
24/7 customer support by telephone or e-mail
threescore-24-hour interval money-back guarantee
        

Malwarebytes is a stiff antivirus plan with a streamlined Windows app. It doesn't have as many features as other antivirus competitors, merely I did find them very useful. The Browser Guard 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 nigh impressed by Play Mode, which pauses all notifications when selected apps are running. I tested information technology when streaming a movie on Kodi and it worked well — I didn't have any interruptions.

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

If you're looking for a uncomplicated yet effective antivirus culling to Microsoft Defender, Malwarebytes is a smashing choice. You tin can try Malwarebytes for 60 days risk-gratuitous with its money-back guarantee.

Try Malwarebytes for Windows at present!

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

Key Features:

          Successfully identifies and removes the newest malware strains
Includes a VPN, PC rescue kit, process monitor, password managing director, and more
Available on Windows 10, 8, and vii
24/7 tech back up available past email and telephone
30-day money-dorsum guarantee
        

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

In addition, Panda comes with its ain process monitor, application control, password manager, VPN, anti-theft tools, and optimization tools. Unfortunately, I found these other features hard to use 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 suit your budget. There's fifty-fifty a free plan, although it's missing crucial ransomware protection. I recommend either combining the complimentary programme with Micropsoft Defender or downloading the premium version. You can test Panda Dome'due south premium antivirus risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Try Panda Dome for Windows now!

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

Key Features:

          Blocks new and known malware with neat accurateness
Extra features include VPN, password manager, privacy tools, and more than
Supports Windows viii and 10
24/vii back up by live chat, email, or phone
30-day coin-dorsum guarantee
        

Kaspersky'due south antivirus for Windows is extremely effective. In contempo tests, Kaspersky detected and blocked all types of malware. The visitor regularly issues software updates to defend against newly-released viruses and malware. On the other paw, Microsoft Defender is rarely updated, which could go out your PC at gamble of a cyberattack.

In addition, I found the parental controls far exceed Microsoft Defender's "Family Options" equivalent. You can easily filter out unwanted web content, limit screen time, monitor online activeness, and rail your child'due south GPS location.

Unfortunately I did find Kaspersky a little tricky to utilise (fifty-fifty more so than Microsoft Defender). The interface is chaotic and some of its bachelor tools are hidden in extra menus. I suggest you lot try Kaspersky with the xxx-day money-dorsum guarantee and see if it suits you and your family. If y'all change your mind, information technology's uncomplicated and quick to inquire for a refund.

Try Kaspersky for Windows now!

Avast and AVG

Millions of users volition download Avast and AVG to replace Microsoft Defender, as both are pop free antivirus programs. Unfortunately, what most people don't know is that Avast has been caught selling private user information to make a profit (Avast is the parent visitor of AVG). The information sold includes browsing activity and some personally identifiable information. This is a huge breach of privacy, so I tin't recommend either Avast or AVG every bit a reputable antivirus for keeping your personal files safe.

PC Matic

PC Matic was originally adult exclusively for Windows, so I was surprised by the boilerplate performance of its antivirus engine. The software also mistakenly flagged a large number of safe files equally dangerous, which I establish time-consuming to sort through.

Is Windows Defender any good?

Microsoft Defender has improved over the years, only it's still non great. In tests, my team and I found that Microsoft Defender struggled to identify and block the latest viruses and malware. If you lot're like me and you lot shop a lot of personal information on your PC (like family unit photos, work documents, or financial information), it's non 100% prophylactic to rely on Microsoft Defender as your merely line of cyberdefense. The software merely has too many downsides, including a lack of regular updates and security features.

Can Windows Defender discover and remove malware?

Most of the time. Microsoft's Windows Defender detected 99% of malware or more in real-time tests. While this is a pretty good result, it's still perfect — specially when a competitor similar Norton 360 achieves 100% in the aforementioned tests.

My main upshot 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 costless?

Yes, information technology's free and pre-installed onto all Windows 10, eight, and vii devices. However, I don't recommend relying on Microsoft Defender every bit your but form of protection. Based on rigorous tests, my team and I found that fifty-fifty a costless antivirus plan provides better protection for Windows.

Tin I use Windows Defender with another antivirus?

Yes, Microsoft Defender works with all the antivirus programs on this list. In fact, I recommend you lot always use Microsoft Defender in combination with some other antivirus. This is considering Microsoft Defender only offers a bones layer of protection — information technology's not enough to secure y'all against circuitous or advanced malware (like ransomware).

Try Norton 360 for Windows now!

For a free antivirus service, Microsoft Defender has improved considerably since its last update. Unfortunately, it'due south still non practiced enough to protect your Windows device in real-time. Equally 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 hands Norton 360. Not only does it cake all types of Windows-specific malware, but information technology comes with a range of security features for PC. Best of all, you tin can try Norton 360 risk-costless for 60 days with its money-back guarantee! When I tested the refund policy, information technology only took me a couple of minutes over 24/7 live chat and I got the coin back in less than a calendar week.