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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, including ransomware protection and 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.
With the launch of enterprise security solutions, Microsoft rebranded Windows Defender Antivirus as Microsoft Defender Antivirus, the built-in antivirus protection offered free for Windows 10 and 11. (Earlier versions of Windows 10 have Windows Defender.) Windows users can manage their Microsoft Defender Antivirus features in the Windows Security app. But here's where it can get tricky. The company also offers premium cybersecurity protection for individuals called Microsoft Defender, which is included in the Microsoft 365 subscription only.
Top-rated antivirus that regularly earns top scores on AV-TEST across Windows, macOS, and Android
Passed every malware, drive-by download, and phishing detection test we ran, blocking threats instantly
Blocks and reverses ransomware attacks on Windows, restoring your files automatically
Yes, the free Windows Security antivirus solution, Microsoft Defender Antivirus, is good software.
It scores highly in tests and reviews. In the May-June 2026 report, the independent testing company AV-TEST gave Microsoft Defender Antivirus a perfect 6 out of 6 for protection and performance but only 5.5 out of 6 for 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. On performance, the free Windows solution didn't slow app or website launches. For usability, Microsoft Defender Antivirus flagged one false positive, so it may block legitimate software more than the industry standard.
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 |
Microsoft Defender Antivirus is good but doesn't offer comprehensive cybersecurity protection. You need a Microsoft 365 subscription to get Microsoft Defender, which includes identity theft protection. However, even the upgraded security solution lacks a password manager, webcam protection, and more.
To get the most from Microsoft Defender, use 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 Windows Security's parental control features, you should know your kids also won’t be protected when using other browsers or applications. They must use Microsoft Edge, not another browser. To extend Microsoft security features to your children’s Apple or Android phones, you'll need a paid subscription.
Phishing has become a critical problem for many computer users. We get tons of emails each day that look official. If you're in a hurry, you might click a link 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 recovery can take months.
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.
Windows Security offers DNS filtering, but you must use Microsoft Edge to access this feature. DNS filtering uses Domain Name System matches to block malicious websites.
If you prefer another browser, such as Google Chrome or Firefox, you lose the DNS feature. To use DNS services with other browsers, you'll need to upgrade to the Endpoint or Business versions. Another option is the Microsoft Defender Browser Protection extension, which helps protect you against online threats in Chrome.
Windows Security doesn't include a password manager, which is a downside for protecting your data. A password manager generates complex passwords and encrypts them to improve 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 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.
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:
Bitdefender is our favorite antivirus software for Windows. It maintains excellent third-party testing scores for protection, performance, and usability, and it consistently passes all our in-house tests. Bitdefender offers scam protection and a suite of additional features for multi-device protection. Learn more:
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Top-rated antivirus that regularly earns top scores on AV-TEST across Windows, macOS, and Android
Passed every malware, drive-by download, and phishing detection test we ran, blocking threats instantly
Blocks and reverses ransomware attacks on Windows, restoring your files automatically
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.
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One Windows Security feature 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 includes options to keep your devices free from malware and protect your children when they go online.
However, Microsoft Defender Antivirus doesn’t include webcam protection, and many people want that extra peace of mind.
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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 Windows compatibility options. Microsoft even suggests that you may benefit from added security software while running Microsoft Defender Antivirus in passive mode.
If you install another antivirus program, Microsoft Defender Antivirus will automatically switch to passive mode. If you want to run both, turn Microsoft Defender Antivirus back on. You can also enable periodic scanning in Windows Security under Virus & threat protection.
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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 scans apps, emails, the cloud, and the internet. If it finds a suspicious file, you can quarantine it and review or delete it.
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Windows Security offers advanced reputation-based protection that helps protect your device against phishing and potentially unwanted applications. In addition, Microsoft's SmartScreen feature can protect against malicious downloads and websites while browsing.
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Many hackers try to gain remote control of your device. 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.
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As an extra layer of protection, you get a firewall that helps keep sneaky hackers from accessing your device.
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With Windows Security, you can receive real-time notifications.
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Microsoft Defender Antivirus offers solid real-time protection, but gaps remain that hackers can exploit to access your private information.
Microsoft Defender Antivirus is a decent baseline, but it falls short on extras like a VPN, password manager, and identity theft protection. For a full breakdown of what's available, check out our guide to the best antivirus software.
Windows 11 comes with antivirus already built in. Microsoft Defender Antivirus is included for free and runs automatically, so your PC isn't unprotected out of the box.
Whether that's enough depends on what you do online. Defender handles the basics well, but it failed our phishing detection test, and it doesn't include a password manager, VPN, or identity theft protection. If you bank, shop, or work on your PC, a paid suite could close those gaps. If you mostly browse and stream, Defender might be all you need.
Yes. Microsoft Defender Antivirus is free and built into Windows 10 and Windows 11. There's no download, no trial period, and no subscription. It runs on its own unless you install another antivirus program, which switches Defender to passive mode.
The paid product is different. Microsoft Defender, the individual security app that includes identity theft protection, only comes with a Microsoft 365 subscription.
Yes, when Microsoft Defender Antivirus detects malware, it removes it from your device. A caveat is that Windows Security must stay updated to catch the newest malware.
Microsoft Defender Antivirus can't remove all Trojans from your device. There may be additional steps you have to take to remove them. Make sure Defender performs a virus scan. Type “Windows Security” in your search box and choose the “Virus & Threat Protection” option. Select “Full scan” and let it finish scanning the entire device.
You can also install another antivirus software program and run a scan. If you want to stay with the Microsoft ecosystem, you can download the Microsoft Safety Scanner. It is free and updated several times per day to catch the latest viral threats.
You can also run a System Restore that will revert back to a time before your device became infected. You type “Restore” in the start menu and follow the instructions from there.
Yes, though you have more runway than you might think. Microsoft ended mainstream support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, but it quietly extended its Extended Security Updates (ESU) program to October 12, 2027. Eligible devices running Windows 10 version 22H2 still get critical security patches until then.
You do have to enroll. You can sync your PC settings to your Microsoft account at no cost, redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, or pay a one-time $30 fee. In the European Economic Area, signing in with a Microsoft account is enough on its own. You can't enroll using a local account, and one license covers up to 10 devices.
ESU only patches Windows itself. It doesn't scan for malware or block phishing sites, so you still want antivirus running alongside it. For the full picture, see our report on Microsoft's quiet Windows 10 ESU extension.
Microsoft Defender Antivirus is good enough, though it may not protect your device from every potential threat. However, if you need more comprehensive web protection, consider a bundled antivirus solution for Windows, like Bitdefender, which includes a password manager, VPN, identity theft protection, and other essential security features.
Consistently receives top scores across all third-party testers
Comprehensive scam protection, including AI-powered Scam Copilot and phishing defense
Includes extra features like safe banking, VPN, and more
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