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How Good is Windows Defender to Protect My Computer
Great protection with minimal system demand
3 min. read
Updated onFebruary 25, 2024
updated onFebruary 25, 2024
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If you want to install a reliable antivirus on your Windows 10 PC but don’t know the best free antivirus, we are here to help you.
Even though many users swear by third-party security software solutions,Windows Defendershould not be cast aside, as the software comes pre-installed on all Windows 10 devices for free.
Thisantivirus softwarehas received several improvements in the last few years,but read more about it below.
Does Windows Defender protect your Windows PC?
Microsoft has done an excellent job adding new features and upgrading a lot of the functions thatWindows Defendercomes with.
Now, having included ransomware protection, browser control, and device performance, the built-in antivirus can hold its own against most other antivirus utilities.
In the battle for the best free Windows antivirus between Windows Defender and Avast, Maximum PC choose Avast, but here’s what they said aboutWindows Defender:
Avast wins this bout by taking three of the five categories and tying in another, though it’s not quite as lopsided as it appears. Windows Defender, while not as fully featured as Avast, is capable of blocking common threats, and it doesn’t put a drain on system resources. Avast’s army of defenses is just bigger and better trained to spot danger from more places, like IM clients. It also has a bigger arsenal of weapons.
If you want extra protection or more features like email scanning or machine learning to block malware automatically, then you might be better served by a third-party antivirus solution.
Third-party antivirus software that can replaceWindows Defender
As a third-party antivirus solution to replaceWindows Defender, we recommend a tried and tested alternative.
Similarly toWindows Defender, our suggestion has little to no impact on your system, and it will quietly work in the background to provide the best level of security one can hope for.
In addition to the features offered byWindows Defender, using our suggestion, you can benefit from more specialized tools that incorporate functionality obtained by using several programs.
You have top-notchanti-malwareprotection, also awebcamprotection, and all this with low system requirements.
Also, keep in mind that you can try out this antivirus for 30 days, completely free and with full functionality.
ESET NOD32
If you are looking for an alternative to protect your PC, check out our list ofthe best lifetime license antivirus tools, and find the right one for your needs.
While Windows Defender is pretty reliable, if you encounter any issues, you can always useMicrosoft Safety Scanner to remove virusesfrom your PC.
To ensure that no security issues occur, read our guide on the bestMicrosoft Defender advanced threat protection settings.
For more suggestions, please access the comments section below. Also, let us know what you prefer:Windows Defenderor third-party security software.
More about the topics:Free antivirus,Windows Defender issues
Radu Tyrsina
Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time).
For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web.
Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they’re looking for.
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