In context: Microsoft Defender made its debut as a downloadable free anti-spyware program in the Windows XP days. Eventually, Microsoft turned into a proper antivirus solution (it's gone through a few ...

For most people using a supported and fully updated Windows 11 computer, yes: Microsoft Defender Antivirus and the other protections inside Windows Security are sufficient as the primary antivirus.

Nothing beats free antivirus protection on Windows, like Microsoft Defender, but some of that software might not be as strong as you think based on a new study from an anti-malware assessment company.