Question regarding Capabilities of Windows Defender

Question

Hi there,

I have configure AntiVirus, Firewall, Reputation based protection, Isolated browsing, Core isolation, Ransomware settings and so on on my Windows 10 Pro (Licensed) based laptop.

I am not very expert but has a good technical understandings. My question is that, Is Windows Defender/Antivirus application Capable and Strong enough to handle all current threats?

Do I need a 3rd party Anti-Virus, Anti malware or Firewall software.

If No, then why there are so many 3rd party Apps out in market and

If Yes, then Can I un-install or Disable Windows Defender on Windows 10?

Regarding,

RD

Answer 1

There is no security solution to provides you with 100% protection. However, Microsoft Defender doing a great job in protecting you against known and unknown threats. You also have other protection features such as Windows Firewall and SmartScreen filter. Normally, built in solutions in the Windows are sufficient in protecting you against malwares. There is also a report from an independent security tester (AV-Test) which shows Microsoft Defender doing a great job in protecting Windows users. Have a look at:
https://www.av-test.org/en/antivirus/home-windows/windows-10/june-2022/microsoft-defender-4.18-221313/

Answer 2

Hello

Thank you for your question and reaching out. I can understand you are having query related to Defender.

If you have opted Defender with Antivirus capabilities then there is no need of 3rd party Antivirus.

Microsoft Defender Antivirus is the next-generation protection component of Microsoft Defender for Endpoint (Microsoft Defender for Endpoint).

Reference :
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint/why-use-microsoft-defender-antivirus?view=o365-worldwide

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Answer 3

Yes, Microsoft Defender an excellent AV software.

It's all that I use on multiple computers.

Windows has a software firewall too.

Third party software are not needed but Malwarebytes can be used in addition to Microsoft Defender.

Most third party AV can be used instead of Microsoft Defender (they turn Microsoft Defender off).

There are multiple websites that compare AV software.

All malware definitions are changing on a regular basis.

All software have:

True positives
True negatives
False positives
False negatives
Accuracy.

One software may be the best for one month and the worst the next month depending on the methods used for comparison.

Multiple third party software have been bought or merged to be able to compete with Microsoft as Microsoft Defender is free and many third party software have pay versions.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_mergers_and_acquisitions_by_NortonLifeLock
https://www.theverge.com/2021/8/11/22619667/nortonlifelock-avast-merger-deal-anti-virus-cyber-security-software
https://support.avg.com/answers?id=9060N000000TsFrQAK
https://ir.mcafee.com/news-releases/news-release-details/mcafee-be-acquired-investor-group-over-14-billion

See these links to enable and disable Microsoft Defender:

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/5918-how-turn-off-microsoft-defender-antivirus-windows-10-a.html
https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/3569-turn-off-real-time-protection-microsoft-defender-antivirus.html

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