The Virus, Malware, and Spyware are the biggest enemies of your important data on PC. When you are using your PC to store sensitive data, then you need strong security software program installed. The Antivirus Software programs are really important to make your PC safe from external threats. If you are using a Windows PC, then you can use Windows Defender as a security software. The Windows Defender is an inbuilt antimalware and antispyware software. It is a free security software program provided by Microsoft. But, is it good enough to keep your sensitive data safe or you need any paid antivirus? To solve this question, we are doing a detailed breakdown of the features of Windows Defender vs Paid Antivirus software programs.
Read: Is Windows Defender Sufficient for Your Computer?
Windows Defender VS Paid Antivirus – Which one is a Good Choice?
Windows Defender
The Windows Defender is a free security solution from Microsoft. If you have Windows 7, 8 or 10 Installed, you will be able to use it. The Windows Defender is really good antimalware and antispyware software solution which is able to protect your PC from External threats. Here are the features of Windows Defender, which made it good software program to protect your PC.
Works in Background
The Windows Defender scans all documents, images, videos, downloaded files and external storage devices in the background. As it is working in the background, it runs easily without eating too much system resources. The silent background scanning of this security software will not disturb you while working.
Frequent Updates
The surprising thing about Windows Defender is it gets frequent updates from Microsoft. These Frequent updates are really important because they provide protection from newly known external threats, which can affect your PC.
Paid Antivirus Software Programs
Top notch protection
Paid Antivirus software programs are really worth to buy. They offer you a top notch security of your important data. If you are a business owner and need to keep your data safe, then any of the available Paid antivirus software solutions will be good for you.
All-in-one protection
Almost every paid antivirus software program offers you a complete protection from threats. Be it Virus, Malware, Spyware, Keylogger, Phishers and any other threat, paid antivirus software programs will cover every threat.
Verdict
Having Antivirus software installed in your PC is very important. Without any antivirus software, your precious data stored in PC becomes vulnerable to external threats. The Windows Defender is a really good software program to protect your PC from external threats, but it is not sufficient to protect your PC. The Windows Defender is a good program if you don’t use your PC much.
The free Windows Defender provides limited security from Malware and Spyware. So, it is not sufficient to protect your PC from other threats. So, it is good to install any paid antivirus software program to get A to Z protection against virus, malware, spyware and other known threats. If you use Windows Defender along with any other paid antivirus software program, then your PC will be more secure than ever.
The fact Windows Defender has The Cloud surely that means they are building their own Library of signatures so WD must get stronger. (not sure if I am right on this I am 69 yrs old and no IT training) I could get Kaspersky free but I want to be part of this great innovation of Windows 10. Please Microsoft keep building up the layers of protection till WD becomes a bullet proof vest God Bless America Bilweddiz
Hello,
Thanks for your thoughts. I have been using Kaspersky since 2008 and trying Windows Defender since in had introduced from Microsoft. I am seriously thinking that Microsoft needs to go a long way. That Windows Defender is really not preventing all viruses especially those are getting spread from USB flash drives.
It was mentioned in the article “If you use Windows Defender along with any other paid antivirus software program, then your PC will be more secure than ever.” This is actually untrue since the Windows Defender will go into a dormant or disabled state if a “paid for program” is installed. I also believe that Windows Defender which is built into Windows 10 is just as effective as any paid for program. It protects you not only from Malware and Spyware but also from Ransomware. It also integrates itself with the Windows firewall without crushing PC performance like most Internet Security suites do. In my opinion it is sufficient for most home users but certainly not for business users.
I have the Windows Defender and I really like it for the most part. However, recently, there have been some nasties that are plaguing me and the usual scan does not find them and now the advanced scan is not doing so well either. I usually have to run the scan 2-3 times to get rid of anything. It is annoying as it lasts a long time and is hard on the processor. I do like it for the most part as you can use your computer while it is working and so you are not interrupted. That is really nice!
One thing about Windows Defender tho is that if you have another antivirus, the computer automatically disconnects the Windows Defender so you are only covered by the one you choose, not both. You can go back and forth in the settings tho.