Windows 10: Windows Defender - is it THAT good?

Until fairly recently, I have always used a third party AV program (have used both free and paid for programs)
In addition I have used malwarebytes free, and the occasional use of ADWCleaner.

Since going entirely to Windows defender, I have never had a report of malware or PUP's etc from the two additional items.
Has the exclusive use of defender really contributed to this degree, OR has Defender somehow negated the other two programs? Malwarebytes free does not of course operate in real time.
Another noted change is the ease in which I can use online banking, whereas with a third party program, I ran into frequent difficulties.
Would be interested in others experiences of this 'possible' success of Defender.

:)

 

Defender, is it that good?

Yes, Defender has been tested by several antivirus testing sites, and though not always the top performer is well near the top that you can save money by just using Defender.

Also, it's more about practicing safe interneting than the software that you use.

 

Defender, is it that good?

Hi, My AVG antivirus is up for renewal next month, costing nearly £70. I have been told it will be the top grade program at no extra. Is Defender as good as this please? It seems that the 1709 update, ( when it works) includes an enhanced antivirus and other
things which are covered by AVG. Also is Windows 7 covered by Defender in the same way? I cannot get domestic management to update to W10.

Thanks

 

Windows Defender + Malwarebyte Antimalware = Protected

It all depends on your surfing habit. Why are you using internet for? What kinds of websites you visit ? What types of files you download?

In my case Windows Dedender is doing a wonderful job of detecting as well as taking or notifying the recommended action. No need to run realtime protection of Malwarebyte Antimalware , just use as a free version. Below are the images of Windows Defender Full History , or simplt install the recently launched kaspersky free antivirus and forget everything.

 

This recent thread is relevant.
German Lab AV-TEST Ratings

I use just Defender, with PUA (aka PUP) detection enabled...
Enable or Disable Windows Defender PUA Protection in Windows 10
..and Enable Windows Defender Block at First Sight in Windows 10

Defender's PUA detection works (even on Home), as I reported here (and added more details in subsequent posts).

 

Thank for the response guys.
I was very interested to see xpktv's history log - so looked for mine...Nothing Showing!
I then checked three other W10 machines that I use, again Nothing. " 2 are on Windows 10 32 bit - the other 2 on 64 bit. Any ideas guys why this info is missing?

 

Because you don't swim in shark-infested waters like xpktv *Biggrin

Mine was empty too, until I deliberately tested it just now...





You can generate the EICAR test file by following the instruction here, if you like.
Intended use ° EICAR - European Expert Group for IT-Security

 

Thanks Bree - had totally forgotten the eicar aspect.
I ran, and sure enough Defender immediately stepped in*Smile and the log recorded the event.

On the basis that pre Defender 3rd party AV's allowed many little pup's etc to show, and . I haven't changed my internet habits at all - I can only assume that Defender IS 'doing the business very efficiently'.
Thanks guys for your time and responses

 

Only Thing that i'm not sure on with Defender myself, If I do enable it and stop using 3rd party av, what if a program needs Real Time Protection turned off once Block at First sight enabled, I got one game that requires it off on clean installs, then turned back on after the game files excluded after exiting it after first run to build inventory cache, and when the program updates requires the same.


Machine also felt a little slow last time I ran Defender on this 8 Core AMD FX system, unless it was issues with Avast left overs, and maybe i'll just wait to try it again til after clean install of Fall Creators update

 

I have the AU, Kaspersky anti-virus and Defender limited periodic scanning enabled. I'm wondering why I don't see that Defender full history report, not even an empty report.

 

Test Microsoft Windows Defender 4.10 for Windows 10 (171447) | AV-TEST

 

My Windows Defender has not detected a single threat for over a year, probably because I have not done the following: