A complete guide to Microsoft Defender Antivirus: what it is, how it works, and why it protects millions of PCs worldwide.
Discover how Microsoft Defender (Windows Defender) protects your PC from viruses, malware, ransomware, and other threats—without paying a dime.
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Introduction
Windows Defender is now Microsoft Defender Antivirus, a built-in security solution for Windows PCs that keeps your system safe from malware and cyber threats.
Windows Defender Antivirus, now called Microsoft Defender Antivirus, is the free built-in antivirus included in Windows 10 and 11. It protects your computer in real-time against viruses, malware, spyware, and ransomware.
How It Works
Defender uses real-time scanning, cloud analysis, and automatic updates to keep your system protected from the latest threats.
- Real-Time Protection: Blocks malware as it appears.
- Cloud-Delivered Protection: Sends suspicious files to Microsoft's cloud for analysis.
- Automatic Updates: Keeps threat definitions up-to-date via Windows Update.
Key Features
Explore the main features of Windows Defender, including ransomware protection, firewall, and account security.
- Ransomware protection for important folders
- Firewall & Network protection
- Account Protection for secure sign-ins
- Exploit Protection to stop malware attacks
Why It Matters
For most users, Windows Defender provides essential protection without needing additional antivirus software.
For most everyday users, Windows Defender is enough to stay safe online. It's free, built-in, and constantly updated. While advanced users may use additional tools, Defender covers the essentials.