8.7 / 10
Microsoft Defender
The built-in free baseline for Windows
Microsoft Defender comes pre-installed on every Windows PC and provides solid baseline protection against malware, phishing, and ransomware. In independent tests, Defender now performs well and is often sufficient for users with cautious browsing habits. However, anyone who needs VPN, password manager, extended web protection, or parental controls should consider a paid suite. As a free reference point, Defender is the most important comparison benchmark.
Windows
Lightnet Multimedia GmbH
Protection & performance
Protection
8.7
Performance
9.0
Best for
9.3
First-year price
10.0
Key features
7.2
Support
7.8
Best for
Key features
Pros
- Included for free
- Easy to access
- Important benchmark
Cons
- Fewer extras
- Not enough for every user
Which profiles does Microsoft Defender fit?
Frequently asked questions about Microsoft Defender
Is Microsoft Defender enough as my only antivirus?
Microsoft Defender is among the top-tested antivirus suites and is enough as the sole real-time protection for the vast majority of users. For especially sensitive use cases (banking, sensitive research) many users add an on-demand scanner like Malwarebytes.
Does Microsoft Defender slow down my computer?
In independent tests (AV-TEST, AV-Comparatives), Microsoft Defender sits in the upper midrange for system impact. On modern hardware the slowdown is unnoticeable in daily use; older machines may experience brief lag during a full scan.
Does Microsoft Defender work on Mac, Android and iOS?
Most Microsoft Defender plans include licenses for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS – see platform list above. Note: on iOS the feature set is significantly smaller due to system restrictions.
Does Microsoft Defender's price rise after the first year?
Like nearly every vendor, Microsoft Defender's renewal price is higher than the introductory price – usually by 50–100%. The exact figure is in the price box above. Tip: turn off auto-renewal early and re-subscribe before expiry.
Can I try Microsoft Defender before buying?
Yes. Microsoft Defender offers a 30-day money-back guarantee with no strings, so you can try the suite risk-free. A separate free trial is also typically available directly on the vendor's website.