Softonic

Alternatives to Microsoft Defender

Also available in other platforms

Program available in other languages

App specs

Related topics about Microsoft Defender

New apps

More Programs

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.

Explore more

Related Articles

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.
Softonic

In Softonic we scan all the files hosted on our platform to assess and avoid any potential harm for your device. Our team performs checks each time a new file is uploaded and periodically reviews files to confirm or update their status. This comprehensive process allows us to set a status for any downloadable file as follows:

Clean

It’s extremely likely that this software program is clean.

What does this mean?

We have scanned the file and URLs associated with this software program in more than 50 of the world's leading antivirus services; no possible threat has been detected.

Warning

This software program is potentially malicious or may contain unwanted bundled software.

Why is the software program still available?

Based on our scan system, we have determined that these flags are possibly false positives.

What is a false positive?

It means a benign program is wrongfully flagged as malicious due to an overly broad detection signature or algorithm used in an antivirus program.

We’d like to highlight that from time to time, we may miss a potentially malicious software program. To continue promising you a malware-free catalog of programs and apps, our team has integrated a Report Software feature in every catalog page that loops your feedback back to us.

Flag any particular issues you may encounter and Softonic will address those concerns as soon as possible.