Unfortunately, no - Microsoft Defender isn’t enough to protect your PC by itself. Can You Rely on Microsoft Defender Alone in 2023? # If you’re using your PC for work or storing personal items (photos, financial details, and more), you should ensure you have a standalone antivirus service providing comprehensive coverage. It will secure your PC from most malware and phishing threats, but there’s always a chance something will slip through. Given these features, Microsoft Defender is an okay choice for a free antivirus service. It has a solid set of parental control options, but these only work with Edge and require your child to have a Microsoft account - easy to get around for tech-savvy kids. I was pleased to find Microsoft Defender’s phishing protection works flawlessly on Chrome and Edge browsers. I like that the software is pre-installed on all Windows 10 and 11 devices, ensuring my PC is protected from the moment I boot my computer for the first time. In tests, it scored a 98% detection result for real-time malware - an excellent result for a completely free service. Microsoft Defender also secures your device when browsing the web, blocking phishing sites and malicious downloads.Īs a free service, Microsoft Defender does a reasonably good job of keeping your Windows devices secure. It has several key features that top-tier antivirus software use, including real-time malware protection, a firewall, parental control options, and performance reports. In its most recent updates, Microsoft Defender has shown significant improvements in device security and functionality. Try Norton on Windows risk-free About Microsoft Defender # Try Norton on Windows risk-free Quick Guide: Top Alternatives to Microsoft Defender in 2022 # Better still, you can try Norton risk-free for 60 days with its money-back guarantee. Its powerful antivirus engine and fast scans keep your PC protected from the latest threats, and it includes extra features that Microsoft Defender doesn’t offer. Ultimately, Norton outperforms every other antivirus service I tested, including Microsoft Defender.

You need additional antivirus software to secure your device. I found that Microsoft Defender isn’t good enough to protect your PC by itself. I put Microsoft Defender to the test, examining malware detection, scans, internet security, system impact, and more.

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