A Comprehensive Review of Windows Defender in 2025: Features, Ease of Use, and Testing Results

Get ready to test the mettle of Windows Defender, Microsoft's built-in antivirus tool, as we dive into its features, ease of use, and performance, exploring whether it still holds up as a reliable security solution in 2025.

1. Windows Defender is a built-in antivirus feature in Windows 11, part of the Windows Security app.
2. There are two versions: the free one and Microsoft Defender, which is included in Microsoft 365 and focuses on online privacy.
3. Independent testing shows that offline performance of Windows Defender was 68.8% in 2024.
4. Online testing showed better results for Windows Defender with 95.8% in 2023 and 84.3% in 2024.
5. However, top-tier antiviruses like TotalAV or Bitdefender scored way better in offline testing.
6. Cybernews conducted its own test with 150 malware files and found that Windows Defender, with real-time protection disabled, found 103 threats out of 150.
7. Providers like Bitdefender and Norton Antivirus displayed significantly better results in the same scenario.
8. While Windows Defender has upsides, its performance is not as good as it could be and third-party providers perform better.
9. Windows Defender still offers better protection than no protection at all.
10. Features of Windows Defender include app and browser control, firewall, and network protection.
11. Virus and threat protection includes options for full, quick, custom, and offline scans.
12. The user interface is easily accessible for the main features but confusing and tiresome for firewall and network settings.
13. Windows Security Suite offers basic security measures along with Defender's subpar performance.
14. Other best antivirus providers offer more than just simple malware protection, including password manager, VPN, and identity theft protection.
15. For some users who are extremely careful online, Windows Defender may be sufficient.
16. However, for those who engage in activities like torrenting or working with sensitive documents, investing in robust security is still a good idea.
17. The reviewer recommends checking out the best antivirus discounts left in the description for superior protection.
18. Windows Defender's firewall is decent when it comes to functionality but has an inconvenient user interface.
19. Account protection includes options like facial recognition.
20. The reviewer suggests liking the video and subscribing to the channel for more content like this.
21. The main takeaway is that while Windows Defender may be sufficient for some users, investing in robust security is still a good idea for others.
22. The reality is that we all need many more tools to stay private and protected online beyond just simple malware protection.
23. Other best antivirus providers offer additional features such as password managers, VPNs, and identity theft protection.
24. Windows Security Suite falls behind in offering these additional features.

Source: Cybernews via YouTube

❓ What do you think? What role do you think Windows Defender should play in a modern computing environment, considering its performance limitations compared to third-party antivirus providers? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!