Does Windows Defender have a built-in antivirus program?

Yes, Windows Defender is a built-in antivirus program included with Windows operating systems since Windows 8 and Windows 10. Windows Defender is designed to guard your system from malicious software, such as viruses, worms, spyware, and rootkits.

It also includes real-time protection, which means it automatically scans programs and files for viruses before they are opened or executed. It also has a feature called heuristics, which uses detailed analysis of suspicious files to detect and block various types of malicious software.

Windows Defender works together with other security tools included with Windows, such as Windows Firewall, Windows Update, and SmartScreen Filter to provide the most comprehensive security against malware threats.

Windows Defender can be used to scan your computer for viruses, worms, and other malicious software, as well as to delete detected threats. It also offers several levels of protection, so users can adjust their settings as needed. This includes the ability to scan emails, block potentially unwanted programs, and schedule regular virus scans.

Additionally, Windows Defender includes a cloud-based protection system that monitors and analyzes threats in real time. This allows the program to identify unknown or new threats as soon as they emerge, and react to them quickly.

Overall, Windows Defender is a powerful and effective security tool that provides essential protection against malicious software. It is an important part of maintaining a secure system, and should be used alongside other security measures, such as regularly updating your operating system and using strong passwords.