How Reliable is Windows Defender?

Question

How Reliable is Windows Defender?

Anonymous

Windows Defender is currently the only anti-virus program on my surface. The school is go to, however, offers EndPoint as a virus protection program. Is Windows Defender 100% reliable and be enough for a virus defender, or should I install this one from the school? So far I've been fine, but I'm afraid if I don't have a more traditional program, I will be sorry later. (Not implying Defender is not traditional...but my family and I have always installed programs like Norton and Sophos on our computers in the past, as we've never relied on the one Windows provides.)

I've previously installed Endpoint with Defender on my surface a few months ago, but got rid of it because it was causing issues with updates for Defender and other things, FYI.

Anyways, feedback is appreciated! What would you do?

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3 answers

Answer 1

Reza-Ameri 45,811 Volunteer Moderator

Windows Defender is full Anti-Malware protection, so you don't need any additional malware protection.

But you could install one if you want to.

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Answer 2

Dear Squizmaster,

I've been using Windows Defender as my virus/spyware protection since 2 years and till date I've not regretted using it at all. My computer has never been affected by any kind of virus or spyware from Day 1 of using Windows Defender. I used it on Windows 8.1, and now I'm using it on Windows 10. Regardless of the operating system version, this antivirus program works well.

So, I think you don't need to install any other antivirus program when you already have Windows Defender pre-installed on your Windows OS 'cause Windows Defender is the complete solution.

Answer 3

Depending on whom you ask or which article you read, you'll get all kinds of different replies.

In the end you have to decide for yourself which Anti-Virus program you want to use.

The Windows 10 built-in Windows Defender is, IMO, as good as any other anti-virus solution.

I suggest you read:

Choosing an Anti-Virus Program

Supplementing your Anti-Virus Program with Anti-Malware Tools

Best Practices for Safe Computing - Prevention of Malware Infection

Protect your PC - Windows Help

What’s the Best Antivirus for Windows 10? (Is Windows Defender Good Enough?)

How to Use the Built-in Windows Defender Antivirus on Windows 10

Configure Windows Defender in Windows 8, 8.1 and 10

and perhaps one or the other thread from this search: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/search/search?SearchTerm=antivirus+windows+10&IsSuggestedTerm=false&tab=&CurrentScope.ForumName=Protect&CurrentScope.Filter=&ContentTypeScope=#/Protect///1

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How Reliable is Windows Defender?

3 answers