Is Windows Defender Good Enough to Use in 2024

Nwachukwu Glory  - Tech Expert
Last updated: February 2, 2024
Read time: 26 minutes
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Windows Defender comes pre-installed with all Windows versions, ensuring out-of-the-box antivirus protection. So, do you still need another antivirus on your device?

THE TAKEAWAYS

Windows Defender is an antivirus program that comes built-in with Microsoft Windows 10. As it provides right out-of-the-box antivirus defenses after installation, it is a convenient tool. But many people keep wondering (and rightly so) if Windows Defender is good enough. The answer is ‘yes,’ but it has some shortcomings. This post uncovers precisely all that stuff.

Whether you have experienced cyberattacks or not, protecting your Windows devices with antivirus applications is important. Antivirus programs can shield your documents and entire system from hackers. They can help protect your privacy, protect your systems against ransomware, and generally maintain integrity.

Microsoft Defender promises to deliver comprehensive real-time protection against viruses, spyware, and malware across apps, email, the web, and the cloud.

While it has improved significantly recently, you cannot use it as a standalone antivirus. The antivirus does not receive frequent updates and cannot offer advanced protection against the latest malware threats. That is why you should consider using it together with another free antivirus.

Read on to find out whether Windows Defender is good enough, its main features, reliable free antivirus you should combine it with, and much more.

Best alternatives to Microsoft Windows Defender – Quick list

  1. Kaspersky – Has a malware detection rate of 100% and can protect up to ten devices. Also, it has a cloud-based scanner, password manager, and a VPN. 
  2. TotalAV – Has a sleek user interface and great performance optimization tools. It is much easier to use than Windows Defender, plus it has a VPN.