14 DAY TRIAL // They say Windows Defender (or Microsoft Security Essentials in older versions of Windows) can provide only basic protection for computer users, so more advanced threats can easily reach your data and infect your PC.
Recently, we've heard some people asking Microsoft for better antivirus protection in Windows 10, and many have pointed out that that would be indeed a good solution in order to make sure that users stay away from malware and don't have to disinfect their computers every once in a while.
Obviously, Microsoft hasn't offered any response, but there's no doubt that Windows Defender is here to stay and Windows 10 will also come with the very same application installed by default.
Windows Defender is always there
Windows 8, the modern operating system that Microsoft introduced in October 2012, came with Windows Defender installed by default, so every single device powered by this OS, be it a tablet or a PC, featured basic protection against malware and other type of infections.
Microsoft said from the very beginning that Defender was not supposed to offer more than that, so customers looking for better protection were pretty much recommended to get third-party apps that are specifically designed with this purpose in mind.
Redmond has also developed a simple system to make sure that its PCs are always protected by Windows Defender. Once Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 is installed, Windows Defender is turned on by default and it cannot be removed at all. You can disable it but can't remove it unless you turn to some really complicated tricks.
When you start the installation of a third-party security app, Windows Defender is turned off by default, so your new security software won't be impacted in any way by compatibility issues or any other problems caused by the existence of a similar program on the PC. Once you remove the third-party app, Windows Defender is automatically re-enabled, so you're protected at all times.
But with Windows Defender offering basic protection and malware infection rates growing at an alarming pace, we ask you:
1. Should users install third-party protection or not? 2. Is Windows Defender powerful enough to protect your system? 3. What third-party security app are you currently running on your PC? 4. Are freeware antivirus solutions as good as paid ones? 5. Should Windows 10 come with better antivirus protection?