If you’re looking for low-cost, no-fuss security, you can’t do much better than the security suite that is built into Windows 10 and 11. Also called Microsoft Defender or Windows Security, it combines antivirus protection with the ability to block devices, firewalls and device performance monitor, kids’ online protection (you decide what your children can do on computers and other devices), and other features.
It also comes with a password manager along with an anti-phishing tool as well as other features. Its firewall monitors outbound and inbound connections including Wi-Fi networks. It also has an advanced menu that lets you see the details of suspicious connections, which is an excellent feature.
In our tests, the software did a good enough job blocking the majority of fake websites and dangerous downloads. Its reputation-based system of security utilizes a massive database to assign website and app reputation scores. Software with low scores are immediately removed. In addition to this, it also offers security against exploits to guard against attacks that attempt to alter your computer’s settings.
But while it’s a good product overall, it’s not quite as effective as the malware detection rates of standalone competitors such as Norton or Bitdefender. And while it does include a password manager, it doesn’t include other valuable extras like the PC optimizer or VPN. The support options for customers are vast. There’s a vast community of users with comprehensive FAQs, forums, and multiple ways to reach a tech expert via email or live chat.
