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Previously, it was commonly believed that third-party security products that require payment would offer better protection than the security features integrated into an operating system such as Windows. However, Microsoft has significantly improved the security features of Windows over time. In addition to basic antivirus protection, Windows 10 and 11 now come equipped with a robust selection of other tools specifically designed to safeguard your computer, files, and online activity from harmful threats.
Note: Go to our roundup of the best antivirus for PC to learn about competing products, what to look for in an AV suite, and product recommendations.
Windows Security: Features
The integrated protection mechanisms under the umbrella of Windows Security begin with the Microsoft Defender antivirus tool. This tool operates continuously in memory to provide instant defense against malware. Additionally, users can execute several manual scans, such as a swift scan, a complete scan, a customized scan of particular directories and locations, and an offline scan to detect and remove rootkits and other forms of malware that are usually challenging to eliminate.
Microsoft Defender provides four different types of scans, including one to ferret out rootkits and other challenging threats.
Automatically, any malicious objects are quarantined as the default setting. Microsoft Security monitors all potential dangers through its Protection history. From there, you can observe new, quarantined, and sanitized objects, and receive suggestions on recommended settings that you may choose to enable or customize to boost your security.
Microsoft Security offers a protection history in which you can see different threats that have been caught and act on them.
Microsoft Security offers comprehensive customization options, including real-time protection and cloud-delivered protection, which are both enabled by default. In the event that you encounter a suspicious file, you can use a link to submit a sample for analysis by Microsoft. Tamper Protection is another feature that aims to prevent malicious apps from altering or disabling Microsoft Security’s security settings. Additionally, you have the ability to exclude specific files, folders, and processes from being scanned if desired.
Ransomware protection is an essential component of Microsoft Security. It safeguards specific files, folders, and memory areas from being accessed or altered by suspicious or malicious applications. The system automatically secures certain folders, but users can also add additional folders they wish to protect. If a ransomware attack succeeds, Microsoft recommends using its OneDrive backup and syncing service to aid in data recovery, as it includes a feature for retrieving compromised files.
In addition to Microsoft Defender, Windows Security integrates with other features of the operating system. Within the Account protection section, you can access options to view your Microsoft account, set up Windows Hello for fingerprint or facial recognition authentication, and activate Dynamic Lock to automatically lock your computer when you walk away with your smartphone.
The built-in firewall is activated by default for domains, private networks, and public networks. You can easily permit a specific app for private or public networks. Moreover, you have the ability to access advanced firewall settings through a snap-in module, where you can modify existing rules and generate new firewall rules.
The built-in firewall is automatically turned on, and you can add allowed apps and customize its rules.
Microsoft’s SmartScreen feature is intended to prevent potentially harmful or questionable applications, websites, and file downloads. However, SmartScreen has a track record of false positives, leading some individuals to disable it, which defeats its purpose. To combat malware that exploits vulnerabilities to infect systems, exploit protection is also available. Additionally, Device security utilizes a PC’s built-in hardware security defenses to combat malicious code and other threats.
The Windows Security dashboard is well-designed, providing access to each of these features. To access the dashboard in Windows 10, navigate to Settings > Update & security > Windows Security. In Windows 11, go to Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security. Once there, either click the “Open Windows Security” button to view and access the various tools, or select a specific tool to view or utilize it.
The dashboard for Windows Security provides easy access to all of the built-in tools and features.
Windows Security: Performance
When testing the EICAR testing site, Microsoft Defender responded with security warnings, although the outcome varied slightly based on the browser used.
In Microsoft Edge, clicking on any of the test files resulted in a SmartScreen warning that the site was unsafe. The eicar.com, eicar.com.txt file, and eicar_com.zip file were all prevented from being downloaded as Defender labeled them unsafe. Additionally, the eicarcom2.zip file was blocked, with a virus detection notice.
In Chrome, attempts to save any of the four files were halted due to virus detection. However, in Firefox, the files could be saved. But upon attempting to run or open them, Microsoft Defender blocked the action, citing the detection of a virus or potentially unwanted software.
According to a November/December 2022 review by AV-Test, Microsoft Defender scored 6 out of 6 for protection and usability, and 5 out of 6 for performance. Meanwhile, testing from AV Comparatives in September and October of 2022 awarded generally good grades but noted too many false positives and a low offline detection rate. Lastly, a December 2022 analysis by SE Labs gave Microsoft Defender top marks for protection and accuracy.
Windows Security: Bottom line
In general, Windows Security provides multiple advantages. In addition to the antivirus protection provided by Windows Defender, there are other reliable security features available. The settings are easy to access and can be customized according to your preferences. Moreover, as the protection is integrated into Windows, you don’t need to install any additional software. However, if you require more advanced features like a VPN, encrypted cloud backup, or online privacy tools, you may still need to opt for a third-party program. Nevertheless, for basic protection and more, Microsoft Security is highly capable.
Note from the editor: As online services frequently receive new features and performance enhancements over time, this review is subject to change to ensure that it reflects the current state of the service accurately. Any modifications to the text or our final review conclusion will be highlighted at the beginning of this article.