Microsoft devices using Windows 8 and above have Windows Defender pre-installed into their OS. This version of Windows Defender is the latest one installed in Microsoft devices, but security updates are rolled out frequently and need to be updated.

Free and built-in for Microsoft devicesĪccording to the antivirus test website,, Windows Defender Version 4.18 showed a 100% detection and prevention rate of malware - a strong improvement from the 2016 version.

Improved consistency in antivirus tests.

By the end of this article, you’ll be able to know the pros and cons of Windows Defender, and if you should use it for your company. In this article, we'll discuss what each pro and con means for using Windows Defender, and the performance of Windows Defender in 2021. Slows down installation of frequently-used applications No accountability if the computer is infected by malware Lacks integrated dashboard for all devices using Windows Defender To help you with those questions, here’s a quick look at the pros and cons of using Windows Defender: Reports back in 2016 revealed that it’s not consistent in the protection it gives - but what about in 2021? Is it now the best antivirus program? Windows Firewall is one aspect of this program. Now, it has evolved into a full antivirus program, replacing Microsoft Security Essentials, as part of Windows 8 and later versions. It was first released as a downloadable free anti-spyware program for Windows XP and was later shipped with Windows Vista and Windows 7. Microsoft Defender Antivirus (commonly referred to simply as Windows Defender) is the default antivirus program of Windows.

Just because it’s the default that doesn’t mean you’re going to do less research! That’s why trusting the default antivirus program on Windows machines feels like a trap. Leaving things to run on default without triple-checking can bring anxiety to some people, especially when it comes to keeping your technology safe.

Are you wondering if you should use Windows Defender? Does settling for the default option leave a bad taste in your mouth? Before writing it off, learn about the pros & cons of Defender and decide if Windows Firewall is enough in 2021.

Windows 10 do you need antivirus