Similarly, the Protected Folder feature requires access to Windows’ permissions system. For example, the above SecureBoot feature runs before Windows even loads, which would be impossible with other anti-viruses. Unlike other anti-virus, Defender is embedded directly within the Windows 10 ecosystem and therefore has the benefit of being intrinsically linked with the platform it is designed to protect.

Controlled Folder Access – Restrict unauthorized applications from making changes to files in specially designated folders (Designed to prevent data loss from Ransomware).

SecureBoot – Prevent malicious code from running when device is started.

Screenfilter – Block malicious code from running when browsing the web (Edge Only).

Firewall– Manage how incoming data may interact with your device.

Remove – Service destroys malware traces from the quarantine.

Quarantine– Malware is isolated from the core of the operating system to prevent further changes to the system.

Can be automated to occur in the background at specific intervals of time.

Scan – Full search through file directory for malicious code and processes that may be affecting performance.

This is where it may be helpful to consider the full feature set included to get a sense of what is actually provided by Defender: Yet as a service built into the Windows platform, its natural to wonder if it is doing enough to protect you without the actual act of installing an application, many users may feel “naked” to threat, in a way. If your primary concern is getting an Anti-Virus that will be able to detect and remove threat, however, then Windows Defender is likely to be more than enough to meet your needs.

While many third-party services typically have additional features, like Performance Boost or Junk File scan, they often don’t provide any more functionality from a security standpoint. Located within Windows Security Center, this app was designed with a clear focus on device security compared to other options. Starting with the release of Windows 10, Microsoft began packaging the platform with a new built in anti-virus: Defender.

For users grappling with this question, their best option is likely already installed to their device. Choosing the right application can prove to be an overwhelming task, however, simply due to the sheer number of options available. When it comes to defending against malware, installing an anti-virus is the first step many users will take.

Is microsoft defender good enough