Is Windows Defender within Windows 11 good enough security?

I have Windows 11 and have been using Bitdefender Total Security for a few years. I am very satisfied with it but my subscription is ending fairly soon and in order to save money I am wondering if Windows Defender has evolved to the point that it is good enough to offer equal security to a paid Anti-Virus, like Bitdefender.

In order to provide extra security I am using the Brave Browser with the following four browser extensions: uBlock Origin, Malwarebytes Browser Guard, Privacy Badger and DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials.  Naturally, due to using Bitdefender, Bitdefender Anti-tacker is also part of my browser extensions.

I realize that if I elect to not re-subscribe to Bitdefender Total Security, I will need to find other virus protection for my mobile phone.

So, to summarize, is it wise to use some reputable paid Anti-Virus software or is Windows Defender good enough in 2024?

Is Microsoft Defender Antivirus (Windows Defender) Good Enough? The results are mixed but more positive than negative.

• What's the Best Antivirus for Windows 10 and 11? (Is Microsoft Defender Good Enough?) - 2023
• Is Windows Defender good enough for my new laptop? - 2023
• Windows Security review: Basic but effective protection built into Windows - 2023
• Is Windows Defender good enough to use in 2023 (yes and no)
• Is Windows Defender Good Enough in 2021?
• Is Microsoft Defender good enough for your PC – or do you need a better free antivirus - 2021
• Is Windows Defender Good Enough to Protect Your PC by Itself? - 2020

Since 2019 Microsoft Defender Antivirus has received very good test results for protection on a yearly basis from AV-TEST, an independent IT-Security Institute. Those results were surprising to securty experts who perform reviews and conduct their own testing.

• Still Think Microsoft Defender Is Bad? Think Again, Says AV-TEST
• Windows Defender Gets Perfect Scores in Antivirus Test
• Windows Defender Achieves 'Best Antivirus' Status
• Windows Defender ranked one of the best antivirus solutions according to AV-Test

For more specific information about Microsoft Defender Antivirus (Windows Defender), see my comments in this topic and in Choosing an Anti-Virus Program (Post #2).

The best defense against web-based infections is the user himself. Many (most?) folks who get these infections visit questionable websites, eg: porn sites and illegal download (warez) sites are one of the most common sources of infections. The type of people who create these sites are not the most honest or upstanding citizens. And...illegal type sites are the worst offenders. Clicking on "suggested" websites is another great way to trash your OS. And so on.

Hi, you can bring out hidden controls of Defender with : https://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/configuredefender.html

and can bring out the firewall hidden controls (note is a review site with link, note developer now works for MBAM) :

https://www.makeuseof.com/windows-firewall-control-guide/

As was mentioned the 1st place in is your browser most often so harden your browser using Ublock Origin in Advanced Mode and train it.

As well Privacy Possum is a complement as well.

Note there are extensions for your unknown browser such as MBAM : https://www.malwarebytes.com/browserguard (do not use the ad blocker)

Bitdefender as well has a extension (note if problems with browser check the extension and settings 1st.

Thank you for your tips Pkshadow - I will check into those hidden controls.

harden your browser using Ublock Origin in Advanced Mode and train it.

 

Note there are extensions for your unknown browser such as MBAM

 

Bitdefender as well has a extension

As mentioned in my post, I am using all three of what you mentioned.

Note there are extensions for your unknown browser

You said Brave is an "unknown" browser.  I must disagree, it is one of the most secure browsers on the market!

Edited by razz3333, 02 February 2024 - 08:15 PM.

The best defense against web-based infections is the user himself. Many (most?) folks who get these infections visit questionable websites, eg: porn sites and illegal download (warez) sites are one of the most common sources of infections. The type of people who create these sites are not the most honest or upstanding citizens. And...illegal type sites are the worst offenders. Clicking on "suggested" websites is another great way to trash your OS. And so on.

Thank you ranchhand_ for responding to my post.  I certainly agree with all you said!

Is Microsoft Defender Antivirus (Windows Defender) Good Enough? The results are mixed but more positive than negative.

Hi quietman7, thank you, as always, for your detailed reply. I will certainly read the posts you listed.

You're welcome.