Free antivirus software that provides an adequate level of protection
Windows Defender is an anti-malware suite that’s built into every Windows 10 and 11 device. It is rated highly in tests conducted by three independent companies and has a few important features that make it stand out, like cloud backup and parental controls. It’s not the only way to protect against all threats. There are other top antivirus packages that include extras such as a password manager and VPN alongside a full array of malware and device protection.
Windows Security Dashboard shows you the state of your system. Green ticks signify that everything is working fine and red ticks are a sign of things that require attention. It’s easy to determine what you have to do however, navigating the various settings screens can be difficult.
Microsoft Defender includes a variety of protection options that are standard like real-time scans and blocking suspicious connections. It also blocks malicious applications from changing settings on your system and block malware from launching in running memory. It also gives guidance on changing passwords and account problems. There are also OS security features like code isolation, virtualisation and hardware protections.
Windows Security also has a knowledgebase that offers solutions to common issues, and the ability to search for information if it isn’t able to locate what you are looking for. There are also videos from the community that show you how to use the various features. Two sessions of technical support are included for free and you can pay for more if needed.
