Is Windows Defender Enough in 2024? (Pros & Cons) [Updated] (2024)

FAQs

Is Windows Defender Enough in 2024? (Pros & Cons) [Updated]? ›

For protection, the most important of these, it was rated as excellent. In the latest Malware Protection Test by AV-Comparatives (March 2024), Windows Defender didn't perform as well but still did decently. Its protection rate was high (though there were a few too many false positives).

If you're on a Windows computer, you should take advantage of what you already have. Windows Defender has good features for personal use in 2024. However, it should not be the only security software or practice you implement on your machine, especially if you're using your PC for work purposes.

Keeping Microsoft Defender Antivirus up to date is critical to assure your devices have the latest technology and features needed to protect against new malware and attack techniques. Update your antivirus protection, even if Microsoft Defender Antivirus is running in passive mode.

Having multiple antivirus or antimalware software installed on your device can cause conflicts and slow down your system's performance. In summary, Microsoft Defender is a sufficient protection solution for your devices, and you do not need to have another antivirus or antimalware software installed if you have it.

If you have Defender for Endpoint, you can benefit from running Microsoft Defender Antivirus alongside another antivirus solution. For example, Endpoint detection and response (EDR) in block mode provides added protection from malicious artifacts even if Microsoft Defender Antivirus isn't the primary antivirus product.

Cons of Windows Defender:

Limited protection against advanced threats: While Windows Defender is effective against common malware and viruses, it may not provide adequate protection against more advanced and persistent threats, such as advanced persistent threats (APTs) or ransomware.

The Bottom Line. Microsoft Defender Antivirus does a fine job of securing Windows 10 and 11 PCs that have no other protection, but it doesn't beat the best free or paid third-party tools.

Norton is the pinnacle of protection and security features.

There are so many options to use, and you get solid security protection for a reasonable price. Microsoft Defender antivirus is a good addition if you have Microsoft 365 and want more protection on your Windows machine than Windows Security can offer.

Yes, Windows defender can remove viruses and malware from your computer. When it detects a threat during a scan or real-time protection, it attempts to remove or quarantine the malicious files automatically. If you suspect an infection, you can perform a manual scan to let Windows defender clean your system.

Both top antivirus software solutions offer personal and group plans and both performed well during testing. Microsoft scored 98.8% in the AV-Comparatives protection test and gave only three false positives, detecting clean samples as malicious. McAfee scored higher, with 99.6%, and also with three false positives.

Do I need Windows Defender Firewall if I have antivirus? ›

Firewalls do not eliminate the need for antivirus because the two serve different purposes. Antivirus detects and removes malicious software on a device. Firewalls prevent unauthorized access to a system or network. It's advisable to have both for comprehensive security.

See Add an exclusion to Windows Security. If you install a compatible non-Microsoft antivirus program Microsoft Defender antivirus will automatically turn itself off. If Tamper Protection is turned on, you'll need to turn Tamper Protection off before you'll be able to turn Real-time protection off.

Yes, malware can hide itself and antivirus and other protection programs may not catch it. Check out this undetected malware map.

Next-generation protection overview

This rapid evolution underscores the need for agile and innovative security solutions. Next-generation protections, such as Microsoft Defender Antivirus blocks malware using local and cloud-based machine learning models, behavior analysis, and heuristics.

McAfee includes extra security features, such as the file shredder and parental control, which Microsoft lacks. However, it lacks advanced email security functionality, which Microsoft Defender offers. Plus, you'll enjoy all its features regardless of location or device.

Norton is the pinnacle of protection and security features.

There are so many options to use, and you get solid security protection for a reasonable price. Microsoft Defender antivirus is a good addition if you have Microsoft 365 and want more protection on your Windows machine than Windows Security can offer.

Microsoft Defender Antivirus has scored consistently high in Real-World Protection Rates over the past year, with 99.8% in the latest test.