Does Windows Defender provide protection against malware?

Yes, Windows Defender provides protection against malware. Windows Defender is a built-in antivirus software that comes with Microsoft Windows operating systems. It was first released with Windows Vista in 2006 and has been included with every version since then.

Windows Defender offers real-time protection against viruses, spyware, Trojan horses, rootkits, and other malicious programs. It works by scanning files, emails, web pages, and other areas of your computer to detect any malicious software. If it finds any, it will quarantine or delete the file to prevent it from being used on your system.

One of the main benefits of using Windows Defender is its automatic updates. Windows Defender frequently updates itself with new virus definitions and other security features as they become available. This helps keep your computer safe from the latest threats.

Windows Defender also offers additional features like an Internet Explorer add-on called SmartScreen Filter. This feature will block website downloading suspicious files, helping prevent malware from being downloaded automatically.

Overall, Windows Defender provides a good level of protection against malware. However, it is important to note that Windows Defender is not a replacement for a full-blown antivirus program. While it can provide some level of protection, it isn’t as effective as a dedicated third-party security solution. It is also important to keep your operating system and other software up to date in order to stay protected from the latest threats.

If you are looking for more comprehensive protection, it is recommended to use a combination of Windows Defender and a third-party security solution. This will help provide maximum protection and peace of mind knowing that your computer is safe from potential threats.