Microsoft Defender
FeaturedFreeFree built-in antivirus for Windows that's now genuinely good
🆓Free AntivirusAbout Microsoft Defender
Microsoft Defender (Windows Security) comes pre-installed on every Windows PC and has evolved from a weak afterthought into a genuinely capable antivirus. It now scores well in independent tests and provides real-time protection, cloud-delivered analysis, ransomware protection, and firewall management. For most home users, Defender eliminates the need for third-party antivirus software. The paid Microsoft 365 subscription adds identity theft monitoring and VPN.
What's Great
- ✓Completely free and pre-installed on all Windows PCs
- ✓Genuinely strong malware detection — competitive with paid options
- ✓Zero impact on system resources — deeply integrated with Windows
- ✓SmartScreen web protection in Edge browser
- ✓Ransomware protection with controlled folder access
Watch Out For
- !Protection limited to Windows — no Mac, Android, or iOS
- !No VPN, password manager, or identity protection in free version
- !Web protection works best in Edge, not other browsers
- !Parental controls require separate Microsoft Family Safety setup
Common Use Cases
Windows users wanting solid protection without paying for antivirus
Budget-conscious users who primarily use one Windows device
Users who prefer the simplicity of a built-in, set-and-forget solution
Pricing Model
Free
100% free to use — no credit card required.
Category
Free Antivirus
Free antivirus options with basic malware protection.
Tags