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Thanks to a few name changes, what\u2019s old sounds new and what\u2019s new sounds old. If you haven\u2019t kept up with the updates, it may not be clear which one you want \u2014 or if you actually prefer to run both. \n\nTo help you decide, I\u2019ve broken down what each app does. Let\u2019s dig in.\n\nWhat is Windows Security?\n\nPreviously known as Windows Defender, Windows Security is the most current name for the app that ties Microsoft's basic antivirus and network protections together. Similar to third-party antivirus software, you get a unified interface to make changes to the app and access manual scans. Separate tabs break out various settings:\n\nClick on the arrows (desktop) or swipe (mobile) to see each tab in the Windows Security app.\n\nWhat is Microsoft Defender?\n\nConfusingly, the Microsoft Defender app shares its name with the antivirus engine powering Windows Security\u2019s malware protection \u2014 but they\u2019re not directly tied. Instead, the Defender app offers additional defenses against online threats for Microsoft 365 Personal or Family subscribers. It works equally with either Windows Security (including the Microsoft Defender Antivirus engine) or third-party antivirus software.\n\nPreviously, the Defender app also offered an encrypted VPN feature called Privacy Protection, which provided up to 50GB of data per month, detected unsecure Wi-Fi connections, and supported multiple platforms. However, in February 2025, Microsoft ended support for Privacy Protection and removed it from the Windows app.\n\nClick on the arrows (desktop) or swipe (mobile) to see the different sections of the Microsoft Defender app.\n\nWindows Security vs. Microsoft Defender\n\nWindows Security and Microsoft Defender are complimentary apps rather than competing. \n\nWindows Security defends against online threats, including ransomware, and it\u2019s included for free with a Windows license. (Heads-up: If you ever see a popup notification telling you to call a phone number or pay to renew, you\u2019ve either visited a compromised website or your PC has been directly compromised \u2014 time to run an antivirus scan ASAP.)\n\nMicrosoft Defender then rounds out those protections by letting you shield your online activity from other users on the same network, keeping you informed of data leaks and credit fraud, and monitoring your devices for vulnerabilities. \n\nShould you use Microsoft Defender?\n\nIf you\u2019re already a Microsoft 365 subscriber, having both Windows Security and Microsoft Defender set up and active is comparable to a very simple third-party antivirus suite subscription \u2014 and you don\u2019t have to pay extra.\n\nHowever, if you\u2019re not yet a paid Microsoft 365 user, want additional integrated features (like a password manager), or prefer a different interface, independent antivirus software will be a better fit for your needs. You can check out our top recommendations in our best antivirus software roundup, which covers all types of plans.","wordCount":496,"image":"https:\/\/www.pcworld.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/ms_defender_update1.png","datePublished":"2024-06-12T22:02:17+00:00","dateModified":"2025-02-18T07:00:22-08:00","keywords":"Antivirus","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.pcworld.com\/article\/2365774\/windows-security-vs-microsoft-defender-vital-differences-you-should-know.html"}]</script> <style> :root { /* Base. */ --base--font-family: "canada-type-gibson", sans-serif; --gibson-font-family: "canada-type-gibson", sans-serif; --base--font-color: #111; --primary--first-color: #ac1f2b; --primary--second-color: #024050; --secondary--first-color: #929497; --secondary--second-color: #2cabe1; --secondary--third-color: #dc542e; --secondary--forth-color: #479aa6; --neutral--color: #d5d5c3; --light-rule: #dedede; --white-color: #fff; --dark-icon: #141414; --white-default: #ffffff; /* Blockquote. */ --blockquote--font-family: "canada-type-gibson", sans-serif; 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This doesn't affect our <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/about/affiliate-link-policy" target="_blank"><u>editorial independence</u></a>.</p></div></div> </header> <div id="gpt-contenthub-article-1" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article ad-contenthubartbanner" data-ad-template="gpt-contenthub-article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.US_CSMB_PCWorld.com/antivirus_section" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"gpt-contenthub"}'> </div> <main id="primary" class="site-main"> <div class="single-breadcrumb"> <a href=https://www.pcworld.com>Home / </a><a href=https://www.pcworld.com/news>Feature / </a><a href=https://www.pcworld.com/security/news>Security Feature</a> </div> <article id="post-2365774" class="post-2365774 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-antivirus languages-en publication-pcworld publication-us-default story_types-feature origin-wp"> <header class="entry-header"> <div class="entry-eyebrow entry-eyebrow--default"> Feature </div> <h1 class="entry-title">Windows Security vs. Microsoft Defender: Vital differences you should know</h1> <div class="subheadline"> Telling these two apps apart would be easier if Microsoft had clearer product names. </div> <div class="entry-meta"> <div class="author-image"><img data-hero alt="Alaina Yee" src="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/ay_idg_byline2-100779100-orig-32.png?w=150" class="author_photo" height="150" width="150" /></div> <div class="meta-text"> <div class="meta-text-top"> <span class="byline"> By <span class="author vcard"><a href="https://www.pcworld.com/author/ayee">Alaina Yee</a></span> </span> </div> <div class="meta-text-bottom"> <span class="byline"> <span class="job-title">Senior Editor, PCWorld </span> </span> <span class="posted-on">Feb 18, 2025 7:00 am PST</span> </div> </div> </div> </header>  <section class='layout--right-rail'> <div class="wp-block-columns"> <div class="wp-block-column"> <div class="post-thumbnail "> <img width="1024" height="628" src="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/ms_defender_update1.png?w=1024" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="ms defender dashboard feb 2025 update" data-hero="" decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" srcset="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/ms_defender_update1.png?quality=50&strip=all 2001w, https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/ms_defender_update1.png?resize=300%2C184&quality=50&strip=all 300w, https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/ms_defender_update1.png?resize=768%2C471&quality=50&strip=all 768w, https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/ms_defender_update1.png?resize=1024%2C628&quality=50&strip=all 1024w, https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/ms_defender_update1.png?resize=1536%2C943&quality=50&strip=all 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> <div class="post-thumbnail-text"> <span class="credit">Image: PCWorld</span> </div> </div> <div class="entry-content "> <div id="post-toc"></div> <!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"> <div id="link_wrapped_content"> <body><section class="wp-block-bigbite-multi-title"><div class="container"></div></section> <p>Your PC is capable of running not one, but <em>two</em> Windows apps designed to protect you and your system against online threats: Windows Security and Microsoft Defender.</p> <p>Telling them apart can be tricky, though. Thanks to a few name changes, what’s old sounds new and what’s new sounds old. If you haven’t kept up with the updates, it may not be clear which one you want — or if you actually prefer to run both. </p> <div class="fake_sidebar_front"></div><div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-1" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.US_CSMB_PCWorld.com/antivirus_section" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF1"}'> </div> <p>To help you decide, I’ve broken down what each app does. Let’s dig in.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="what-is-windows-security">What is Windows Security?</h2> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure data-wp-context='{"uploadedSrc":false,"figureClassNames":"wp-block-image size-large","figureStyles":null,"imgClassNames":"wp-image-2360712","imgStyles":null,"targetWidth":"none","targetHeight":"none","scaleAttr":false,"ariaLabel":"Enlarge image: Windows Security Dashboard","alt":"Windows Security Dashboard"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image" class="wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container"><img decoding="async" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/windows-security.png?w=1200" alt="Windows Security Dashboard" class="wp-image-2360712" width="1200" height="672" loading="lazy"><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-haspopup="dialog" aria-label="Enlarge image: Windows Security Dashboard" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="context.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="context.imageButtonTop"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12"> <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path> </svg> </button></figure><p class="imageCredit">PCWorld</p></div> <p>Previously known as <a href="https://go.skimresources.com?id=111346X1569483&xs=1&url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Defender_Antivirus#:~:text=feature.%5B54%5D-,Changes%20in%20branding%20and%20business%20focus,-%5Bedit%5D&xcust=2-1-2365774-1-0-0-0-0&sref=https://www.pcworld.com/article/2365774/windows-security-vs-microsoft-defender-vital-differences-you-should-know.html" rel="nofollow" data-subtag="2-1-2365774-1-0-0-0-0" data-domain-name="wikipedia" target="_blank">Windows Defender</a>, Windows Security is the most current name for the app that ties Microsoft’s basic antivirus and network protections together. Similar to third-party antivirus software, you get a unified interface to make changes to the app and access manual scans. Separate tabs break out various settings:</p> <div class="jwPlayer--floatingContainer"> <div id="jwplayer--floatingVideo" class="jwplayer" data-media-id="Ntle5CNP"> </div> </div> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><strong>Virus & threat protection:</strong> From this tab, you can run manual scans (Quick, Full, Custom, or Offline), change how your system screens for threats, and set up more stringent ransomware defenses.</li> <li><strong>Account protection:</strong> Guard the Microsoft account tied to your PC, as well as strengthen Windows’ login process.</li> <li><strong>Firewall & network protection:</strong> Refine your settings in order to tailor screening of incoming and outgoing traffic.</li> <li><strong>App & browser control:</strong> Adjust how Windows screens apps for suspicious behavior, and if Edge runs in an isolated, sandboxed environment.</li> <li><strong>Device security:</strong> Get information about your PC’s deeper security protections in Windows — core virtualization, security processor (TPM), and secure boot.</li> <li><strong>Device performance & health:</strong> See a quick overview of the general “health” of your PC with regard to software issues or storage drive issues.</li> <li><strong>Family options:</strong> Filter viewable content for users on the PC, as well as see breakdowns of device usage. You can manage your family group through the web portal.</li> </ul> <div class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow aligncenter" data-effect="slide"><div class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_container swiper-container"><ul class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_swiper-wrapper swiper-wrapper"><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img decoding="async" alt="Windows Security - Virus & threat protection screen (Feb 2025)" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-2607040" data-id="2607040" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/windows_security_update1.png?w=1200" loading="lazy"></figure></li><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img decoding="async" alt="Windows Security Account protection screen" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-2360718" data-id="2360718" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/windows-security-account-protection.png?w=1200" loading="lazy"></figure></li><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img decoding="async" alt="Windows Security Firewall & Network Protection" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-2360715" data-id="2360715" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/windows-security-firewall-and-network-protection.png?w=1200" loading="lazy"></figure></li><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img decoding="async" alt="Windows Security App & Browser Control" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-2360716" data-id="2360716" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/windows-security-app-and-browser-control.png?w=1200" loading="lazy"></figure></li><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img decoding="async" alt="Windows Security Device Security screen" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-2360714" data-id="2360714" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/windows-security-device-security.png?w=1200" loading="lazy"></figure></li><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img decoding="async" alt="Windows Security Device Performance & Health screen" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-2360717" data-id="2360717" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/windows-security-device-performance-and-health.png?w=1200" loading="lazy"></figure></li><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img decoding="async" alt="Windows Security Family options screen" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-2360713" data-id="2360713" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/windows-security-family-options.png?w=1200" loading="lazy"></figure></li><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img decoding="async" alt="Microsoft Family Safety website " class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-2360720" data-id="2360720" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/microsoft-365-web-portal-things.png?w=1200" loading="lazy"></figure></li></ul><a class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-prev swiper-button-prev swiper-button-white" role="button"></a><a class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-next swiper-button-next swiper-button-white" role="button"></a><a aria-label="Pause Slideshow" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-pause" role="button"></a><div class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_pagination swiper-pagination swiper-pagination-white"></div></div></div> <p><em><sup>Click on the arrows (desktop) or swipe (mobile) to see each tab in the Windows Security app.</sup></em></p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="what-is-microsoft-defender">What is Microsoft Defender?</h2> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure data-wp-context='{"uploadedSrc":false,"figureClassNames":"wp-block-image size-large","figureStyles":null,"imgClassNames":"wp-image-2607046","imgStyles":null,"targetWidth":"none","targetHeight":"none","scaleAttr":false,"ariaLabel":"Enlarge image: ms defender dashboard feb 2025 update","alt":"ms defender dashboard feb 2025 update"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image" class="wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container"><img decoding="async" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/ms_defender_update1.png?w=1200" alt="ms defender dashboard feb 2025 update" class="wp-image-2607046" width="1200" height="736" loading="lazy"><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-haspopup="dialog" aria-label="Enlarge image: ms defender dashboard feb 2025 update" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="context.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="context.imageButtonTop"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12"> <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path> </svg> </button></figure><p class="imageCredit">PCWorld</p></div> <p>Confusingly, the Microsoft Defender app shares its name with the antivirus engine powering Windows Security’s malware protection — but they’re not directly tied. Instead, the Defender app offers additional defenses against online threats for <a href="https://go.skimresources.com?id=111346X1569483&xs=1&url=https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/p/microsoft-365-personal/cfq7ttc0k5bf?activetab=pivot:overviewtab&xcust=2-1-2365774-1-0-0-0-0&sref=https://www.pcworld.com/article/2365774/windows-security-vs-microsoft-defender-vital-differences-you-should-know.html" rel="nofollow" data-subtag="2-1-2365774-1-0-0-0-0" data-domain-name="microsoft" target="_blank">Microsoft 365</a> Personal or Family subscribers. It <a href="https://go.skimresources.com?id=111346X1569483&xs=1&url=https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2022/06/16/making-the-world-a-safer-place-with-microsoft-defender-for-individuals/&xcust=2-1-2365774-1-0-0-0-0&sref=https://www.pcworld.com/article/2365774/windows-security-vs-microsoft-defender-vital-differences-you-should-know.html" rel="nofollow" data-subtag="2-1-2365774-1-0-0-0-0" data-domain-name="microsoft" target="_blank">works equally</a> with either Windows Security (including the Microsoft Defender Antivirus engine) or third-party antivirus software.</p> <div id="taboola-mid-article-thumbnails"></div><script type="text/javascript">window._taboola = window._taboola || []; _taboola.push({mode: 'alternating-thumbnails-stream-pcworld',container: 'taboola-mid-article-thumbnails',placement: 'Mid Article Thumbnails',target_type: 'mix'});</script> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><strong>Identity theft monitoring:</strong> Through a partnership with Experian, Microsoft Defender will alert you to data breaches and any fraudulent activity on your credit reports. The service also provides up to $1 million in restoration costs and $100,000 in lost funds if you are a victim of identity theft.</li> <li><strong>Device protection:</strong> You can watch to see if your devices (up to four) or those linked through your <a href="https://go.skimresources.com?id=111346X1569483&xs=1&url=https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/account-billing/getting-started-with-microsoft-family-safety-b6280c9d-38d7-82ff-0e4f-a6cb7e659344&xcust=2-1-2365774-1-0-0-0-0&sref=https://www.pcworld.com/article/2365774/windows-security-vs-microsoft-defender-vital-differences-you-should-know.html" rel="nofollow" data-subtag="2-1-2365774-1-0-0-0-0" data-domain-name="microsoft" target="_blank">Microsoft Family Group</a> have any suspicious activity occurring and be notified through this app. Notifications will be sent through Windows’ notification system and you can also view them through the Defender app.</li> </ul> <p>Previously, the Defender app also offered an encrypted VPN feature called Privacy Protection, which provided up to 50GB of data per month, detected unsecure Wi-Fi connections, and supported multiple platforms. However, in February 2025, <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2596308/microsoft-is-killing-its-vpn-soon-heres-what-you-should-do.html">Microsoft ended support for Privacy Protection</a> and removed it from the Windows app.</p> <div class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow aligncenter" data-effect="slide"><div class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_container swiper-container"><ul class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_swiper-wrapper swiper-wrapper"><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img decoding="async" alt="ms defender identity protection feb 2025 update" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-2607049" data-id="2607049" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/ms_defender_update2.png?w=1200" loading="lazy"></figure></li><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img decoding="async" alt="ms defender identity protection 2nd screen feb 2025 update" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-2607044" data-id="2607044" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/ms_defender_update3.png?w=1200" loading="lazy"></figure></li><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img decoding="async" alt="ms defender add device feb 2025 update" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-2607048" data-id="2607048" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/ms_defender_update4.png?w=1200" loading="lazy"></figure></li><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img decoding="async" alt="ms defender notification sidebar feb 2025 update" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-2607047" data-id="2607047" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/ms_defender_update5.png?w=1200" loading="lazy"></figure></li><li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"><figure><img decoding="async" alt="ms defender family sharing sidebar feb 2025 update" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-2607045" data-id="2607045" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/ms_defender_update6.png?w=1200" loading="lazy"></figure></li></ul><a class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-prev swiper-button-prev swiper-button-white" role="button"></a><a class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-next swiper-button-next swiper-button-white" role="button"></a><a aria-label="Pause Slideshow" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-pause" role="button"></a><div class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_pagination swiper-pagination swiper-pagination-white"></div></div></div> <p><em><sup>Click on the arrows (desktop) or swipe (mobile) to see the different sections of the Microsoft Defender app.</sup></em></p> <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-2" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.US_CSMB_PCWorld.com/antivirus_section" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF2"}'> </div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="windows-security-vs-microsoft-defender">Windows Security vs. Microsoft Defender</h2> <p>Windows Security and Microsoft Defender are complimentary apps rather than competing. </p> <p>Windows Security defends against online threats, including <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2245853/how-to-turn-on-microsoft-windows-built-in-ransomware-protections.html">ransomware</a>, and it’s included for free with a Windows license. (Heads-up: If you ever see a popup notification telling you to call a phone number or pay to renew, you’ve either visited a compromised website or your PC has been directly compromised — time to run an antivirus scan ASAP.)</p> <div id="miso-smart-answers-faq"></div> <p>Microsoft Defender then rounds out those protections by letting you shield your online activity from other users on the same network, keeping you informed of data leaks and credit fraud, and monitoring your devices for vulnerabilities. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="should-you-use-microsoft-defender">Should you use Microsoft Defender?</h2> <div class="extendedBlock-wrapper block-coreImage undefined"><figure data-wp-context='{"uploadedSrc":false,"figureClassNames":"wp-block-image size-large","figureStyles":null,"imgClassNames":"wp-image-2121254","imgStyles":null,"targetWidth":"none","targetHeight":"none","scaleAttr":false,"ariaLabel":"Enlarge image: AVG Internet Security on a laptop","alt":"AVG Internet Security on a laptop"}' data-wp-interactive="core/image" class="wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container"><img decoding="async" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on-async--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on-async-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" src="https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_3638-cr.jpg?quality=50&strip=all&w=1200" alt="AVG Internet Security on a laptop" class="wp-image-2121254" width="1200" height="800" loading="lazy"><button class="lightbox-trigger" type="button" aria-haspopup="dialog" aria-label="Enlarge image: AVG Internet Security on a laptop" data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton" data-wp-on-async--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-style--right="context.imageButtonRight" data-wp-style--top="context.imageButtonTop"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 12 12"> <path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z"></path> </svg> </button><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Windows Security and Microsoft Defender paired together can rival basic third-party antivirus suite subscriptions.</figcaption></figure><p class="imageCredit">Alaina Yee / Foundry</p></div> <p>If you’re already a Microsoft 365 subscriber, having both Windows Security and Microsoft Defender set up and active is comparable to a very simple third-party antivirus suite subscription — and you don’t have to pay extra.</p> <div id="gpt-leaderboardmainbod-3" class="ad page-ad has-ad-prefix ad-article" data-ad-template="article" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" data-aa-adunit="/8456/IDG.US_CSMB_PCWorld.com/antivirus_section" data-aa-targeting='{"pos":"BTF3"}'> </div> <p>However, if you’re not yet a paid Microsoft 365 user, want additional integrated features (like a <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/407092/best-password-managers-reviews-and-buying-advice.html">password manager</a>), or prefer a different interface, independent antivirus software will be a better fit for your needs. You can check out our top recommendations in <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/407277/best-antivirus-for-windows-pc.html">our best antivirus software roundup</a>, which covers all types of plans.</p> </body></div> <div id="newsletter-end" class="newsletter"></div><div id="nativo2" class="nativo"></div> <div class="article-author-box" data-ga="article-footer-author"> <h3 class="article_author_head"> <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/author/ayee" rel="author" > Author: Alaina Yee</a>, Senior Editor, PCWorld </h3> <div class="article_author_area"> <div class="article_author_box_bio"> <div class="img_cls"> <img class="article_authr_img" src="https://www.pcworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/ay_idg_byline2-100779100-orig-32.png?w=150&h=150&crop=1" height="125" width="125"> </div> <p>A 14-year veteran of technology and video games journalism, Alaina Yee covers a variety of topics for PCWorld. Since joining the team in 2016, she’s written about CPUs, Windows, PC building, Chrome, Raspberry Pi, and much more—while also serving as PCWorld’s resident bargain hunter (#slickdeals). Currently her focus is on security, helping people understand how best to protect themselves online. Her work has previously appeared in PC Gamer, IGN, Maximum PC, and Official Xbox Magazine.</p> </div> <div class="article_author_recent_stories"> <h3 class="recent_stories_head"> Recent stories by Alaina Yee:</h3> <ul> <li> <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2354286/norton-antivirus-plus-review-a-slim-suite-for-digital-minimalists.html"> Norton Antivirus Plus review: A slim suite for digital minimalists </a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/2178063/mcafee-ultimate-review.html"> McAfee+ Ultimate review: Comprehensive security that needs more polish </a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.pcworld.com/article/399255/avira-prime-antivirus-review.html"> Avira Prime review: Comprehensive, user-friendly antivirus </a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="wp-block-column"> <div id="gpt-rightrail-1" class="ad page-ad ad-right-rail is-sticky has-ad-prefix" data-ad-template="right_rail" data-ofp="false" data-aaad="true" 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