Windows Defender
Version 2026 (Built-in)
3.8/5
For years, Windows Defender was the laughing stock of the security world. Today, it is a competent, reliable antivirus engine. However, when compared to premium suites, it still misses key features like a VPN, password manager, and advanced identity theft protection.
The Good: What Defender Does Well
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Great Malware Detection: In our tests, it caught 98% of malware samples. This is excellent for a free product.
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Zero Cost: It comes pre-installed on Windows 10 and 11. No subscription needed.
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Deep Integration: It runs silently in the background and updates automatically with Windows Update.
The Bad: Where It Falls Short
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No Identity Protection: It won't alert you if your passwords are leaked on the dark web.
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Basic Phishing Protection: Its SmartScreen filter (Edge only) trails behind Chrome/Firefox extensions from Norton.
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Complex "Ransomware Protection": The Controlled Folder Access feature is powerful but tedious to configure, often blocking legitimate games.
Windows Defender vs. Premium Antivirus
| Feature | Windows Defender | Norton 360 | Bitdefender |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | $39.99/yr | $29.99/yr |
| Virus Scan | Good | Flawless | Flawless |
| VPN (Privacy) | No | Unlimited | 200MB/day |
| Password Manager | Limited (Edge) | Yes | Yes |
The Verdict
If you are extremely careful, only download from Steam/Epic Games, and never visit shady streaming sites, Windows Defender is likely sufficient.
However, for most users who want peace of mind, identity theft protection, and a VPN for privacy, upgrading to a suite like Bitdefender or Norton is a small price to pay for total security.
See Best Windows Antivirus