Free antivirus software that provides fair protection
Windows Defender is an anti-malware suite that’s included in every Windows 10 and 11 device. It’s performed well in tests by three independent organisations and has a few 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 software packages that include extras such as password management and VPN alongside a full array of device and malware protection.
The Windows Security dashboard shows how everything is running on your system, with green ticks indicating that everything is in order and red ticks indicating things that require attention. It’s easy to determine what you must do, although navigating the different settings screens can be difficult.
Microsoft Defender includes a variety of protection features that are standard, including real-time scans, as well as blocking suspicious connections. It also blocks malicious apps from changing the system settings and preventing malware from running in memory. It also provides suggestions on changes to passwords and account issues. There are other OS security features that protect you, like virtualisation, code isolation, and hardware protections.
The Windows Security app also includes an extensive knowledge base that includes solutions for common problems as well as a search bar if you can’t find what you require. Community videos are available to demonstrate how to use each feature. You will receive two hours of technical support for free, and you can purchase additional assistance if you need to.