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Help & Info about Microsoft Defender for Windows

  • Is Windows Defender Free?

    Defender is a free-to-download piece of software that was developed by Microsoft for use by any of its customers who are running a licensed version of their Windows operating system. It was based on a system first developed by the GIANT Software Company.

  • Is Windows Defender A Firewall?

    Defender is not a firewall. Microsoft has a separate programme which performs this function called Windows Firewall. Since the launch of Windows 10, however, both systems have been bundled into a single package making the distinction redundant for all but the most advanced of users.

  • Does Windows Defender Prevent Malware?

    It is fair to say that Defender prevents large amounts of malware from finding their way onto the operating system of many personal computers and other devices. However, like all anti-malware systems, it cannot be guaranteed to ensure your system does not become infected with malicious software.

  • Is Windows Defender An Antivirus Programme?

    Yes, along with other security measures, Windows Defender is an antivirus programme. What's more, it is a good one which means that the need for a third-party antivirus programme to be installed on your computer is greatly diminished. It should protect your PC from other nasty things, like spyware, too.

  • Does Windows Defender Work with McAfee?

    It is highly likely that if you choose to run an established antivirus programme, such as McAfee, on a PC that already has Defender running on it that there will be problems. Each programme may try to uninstall the other. It is better to opt for one or the other and not both since your system's resources will soon get used up otherwise.

  • Can I Use Windows Defender With Google Chrome?

    Google Chrome is a web browser. Defender is a security system. They do different jobs and don't get in each other's way, therefore. If you have Chrome installed on your computer then you should find no issues using it at the same time as running Defender.

  • Does Windows Defender Scan Emails?

    Emails that arrive on your computer via an email server, such as Hotmail, are not scanned or read in some way by Defender. However, any attachment – the thing that can cause harm to your PC – is scanned by the system if you click on it. This helps to prevent email-borne viruses from spreading.

  • Is Windows Defender Compatible With Windows 7?

    Defender does not perform all of the same tasks for Windows 7 users that Windows 10 users enjoy. However, its anti-spyware function does work and is useful. For better protection, Microsoft advises that Windows 7 users download the Microsoft Security Essentials Package to run alongside Windows Defender. This is available without charge.

  • What Happens If I Turn Windows Defender Off?

    If you turn off the system, then you are liable to download a virus without real-time protection. If you are doing something safe, then this should cause no problem for you and you might want to temporarily switch it off to perform certain tasks.

  • How Do I Turn Windows Defender Back On?

    If you have turned the programme off temporarily, then it should come on once more when you restart Windows.

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Laws concerning the use of this software vary from country to country. We do not encourage or condone the use of this program if it is in violation of these laws.
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Is Microsoft Defender safe?

100/100

Score result: Clean

This file passed a comprehensive security scan using VirusTotal technology. It is safe to download.

  • Virus free
  • Spyware free
  • Malware free

  • Verified by Security Partners

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Scan Info

Last scan
Thursday, October 23, 2025
Scan provider
VirusTotal · Full report

File Integrity

File
Microsoft_Defender_V102.2503.28002.0.msix
SHA256
b9e7e68eb58a06d233717f21514677c5642c483baf6f92a401b420091a0ba559
SHA1
d2113a76a37959e1871786ff342ef53c101b3508

Softonic security commitment

Microsoft Defender has been thoroughly scanned by our advanced security systems and verified by industry-leading partners. This file comes from the official developer and has passed all our security checks, showing no signs of viruses, malware, or spyware. For more information, visit our Security and Trust Center