Is Microsoft Defender Antivirus Enough to Protect Your Data in 2025?

If your PC uses Windows 10 or Windows 11, then Microsoft Defender Antivirus (formerly Windows Defender) is included. The Windows Security app offers advanced features from ransomware to phishing protection. During our in-house testing, we found the free Windows antivirus solution to be top-notch. 

Plus, unlike other antivirus programs, Microsoft Defender Antivirus is compatible with third-party antivirus solutions, so you can double up with one of the best cybersecurity suites if you want comprehensive real-time protection. 

Read on to learn about Microsoft Defender Antivirus' standout security features and where it falls short.

Is Microsoft Defender Antivirus good enough?

Yes, the free Windows Security antivirus solution, Microsoft Defender Antivirus, is good software. 

It scores high when tested and reviewed. In the Sept/Oct 2024 report, the independent testing company AV-TEST gave Microsoft Defender Antivirus a perfect 6 out of 6 across the board for protection, performance, and usability.^[1]

During simulated testing, products are reviewed to see how well they guard devices against malicious viral attacks. Microsoft Defender Antivirus shined with solid protection. A four-week review of over 11,000 malware files showed 100% coverage protection. In regard to performance, the free Windows solution did not slow down the launching of apps or websites. As far as usability, Microsoft Defender Antivirus also didn't bring up any false positives, so it won't block legitimate software either.

We conducted an EICAR (European Institute for Computer Antivirus Research) test, which checks an antivirus program against phishing and files designed to act like malware. If the antivirus software is effective, you shouldn’t be able to download any executables or read the phishing page. Microsoft Defender Antivirus scored 2 out of 3 in our EICAR test.

Test	Microsoft Defender score
Malware detection	Pass
Drive-by malware downloads	Pass
Phishing pages detection	Fail

Where Microsoft Defender Antivirus comes up short

Microsoft Defender Antivirus is good but doesn't offer comprehensive cybersecurity protection. You need to pay for a Microsoft 365 subscription to get Microsoft Defender, which includes identity theft protection and a VPN. However, even the upgraded security solution lacks a password manager, webcam protection, and more. 

You need other Microsoft products for full web protection

Getting the most from Microsoft Defender involves using only Microsoft-based products. If you like to use browsers like Google Chrome or Firefox, you may get less protection. When working with other products, you rely solely on their antivirus protection. Many users aren’t made aware of that before they run into a malware issue.

If you like the Windows Security parental control features, you should know that your kids also won’t get protected when using other browsers or applications. They must use the Microsoft Edge browser and no others. If you want to extend the Microsoft security features to your children’s Apple or Android phones, it will require a paid subscription.

Microsoft Defender Antivirus doesn't offer complete protection against phishing sites

Phishing has become a critical problem for many computer users. We get tons of emails each day that look official. If you get in a hurry, you could click on an email before realizing it could be a dangerous scam.

A phishing site uses a domain name or information that resembles an official website. Phishing sites can cause extensive damage because hackers don’t have to be sophisticated to get private data. Since the sites look genuine, many people give over their personal information. That may include financial and health data, and it can take months to regain that personal data.

For our Microsoft Defender review, we conducted an EICAR test to see how it stacked up. While it passed for malware detection and PUA detection, it failed the phishing detection test.

DNS filtering only works on Microsoft Edge

Windows Security offers DNS filtering, but you must use the Microsoft Edge web browser to get this feature. DNS filtering uses Domain Name System matches to block malicious websites.

If you prefer to use another browsing method, such as Google Chrome or Firefox, you lose the DNS feature. You will need to upgrade to the Endpoint or Business versions to use DNS services with other browsers. The other option is to get the Microsoft Defender Browser Protection browser extension, which helps protect you against online threats when using Chrome.

Windows doesn't include a password manager

Windows Security doesn't come with a password manager, which is a downfall when it comes to protecting your data. A password manager is a tool that generates complex passwords and encrypts them for more online security. Not having a password manager may leave you more vulnerable to internet hackers.

Many of the best password managers also have encrypted storage for notes, credit card numbers, and more. They also allow you to easily share your account info with friends and family — no more visitors asking for the Wi-Fi password for the win.

You have to pay extra for cloud backup

You don’t get the advantage of cloud storage with the free Microsoft Defender Antivirus. If you want cloud storage, you'd need to purchase a Microsoft 365 subscription and activate Microsoft Defender. 

You have to pay extra for a VPN

Windows Security doesn't include virtual private network (VPN) access for website browsing protection. If you want to use a VPN, you need to subscribe to Microsoft 365 and activate Microsoft Defender. You could also sign up for a third-party VPN service or, more simply, use a cybersecurity suite that includes VPN services.   

A VPN adds a layer of data protection by using a different IP address and hiding the real one. This keeps hackers from knowing where you are searching by redirecting your data and encrypting your internet traffic. Many antivirus companies also sell VPNs or bundle them with antivirus plans. You may find more privacy features in the following cybersecurity bundles that topped the charts during our testing:

Top antivirus solutions bundled with a VPN

Windows Security features

Microsoft uses in-depth research to help protect against emerging viral threats. The latest research combines machine learning, data analysis, and cloud infrastructure to protect devices. Windows Security offers an array of cybersecurity features in addition to the free Microsoft Defender Antivirus.

Free parental controls

One of the Windows Security features parents may like is controlling what their children see. Microsoft has included free parental controls to manage the digital features your family can access. It has options that will keep your devices free from malware and protect your children when they get online.

However, you won’t get webcam protection with Microsoft Defender Antivirus, and many people like to have that protection included for extra peace of mind.

Compatible with other antivirus products

If you want to choose what antivirus software you use, you may have the best of both worlds. Some antivirus products work alongside Microsoft Defender Antivirus. The antivirus software manufacturer should show compatibility options for Windows. Microsoft even suggests that you may benefit from added security software while running Microsoft Defender Antivirus in passive mode.

If you do install another antivirus software, Microsoft Defender Antivirus will automatically go into passive mode. If you want to run both, you need to turn Microsoft Defender Antivirus on again. You can also turn on periodic scanning in the Windows Security settings under Virus & threat protection.

Defender detects malware files

As part of the Windows Security suite, you get a built-in malware scanner that searches for harmful ransomware, spyware, or other malware programs or files on your device. It performs searches across apps, emails, the cloud, and the internet. If a suspicious file gets found, you can quarantine it and review or delete it from your device.

Offers reputation-based protection

Windows Security offers advanced reputation-based protection, protecting your device against phishing and potentially unwanted applications. In addition, Microsoft's SmartScreen feature can protect against malicious downloads and websites while browsing. 

Includes real-time network protection

Many hackers work to gain control of your device remotely. Others may send codes to run combinations to guess network passwords. Microsoft offers real-time protection to keep your data safe from intruders. When you suspect a hacker is attempting an attack, you can isolate the device to lock down your data.

Includes firewall protection

As an additional layer of protection, you get a firewall that helps keep sneaky hackers from gaining access to your device.

Offers security updates

With Windows Security, you can receive real-time notifications. 

Top antivirus alternatives for Windows

FAQs

Bottom line

Microsoft Defender Antivirus offers good real-time protection, but there are still gaps that hackers can use to gain access to your private information. 

No antivirus software can guarantee 100% security protection, but many of the best Windows antivirus programs offer affordable plans with advanced cybersecurity features that help keep your device safe. Look for a Windows-compatible security bundle with features like a password manager, a VPN, and identity theft protection.