The short answer to this question is “No, Windows Defender is not enough to protect your computer against viruses.” While it is true that Windows Defender offers some protection against known and emerging threats, it is not comprehensive enough to provide reliable and comprehensive security.
The most effective way to protect your computer from viruses is through the use of a comprehensive anti-virus program, such as Norton Antivirus or McAfee Antivirus. Anti-virus programs are designed to detect, block, and remove viruses, Trojans, and other malicious software, and can also help detect and protect against phishing attacks, spyware, and other malicious activity.
There are also several free anti-virus programs available such as AVG AntiVirus Free and Avast Free Antivirus. However, these programs do not offer the same level of comprehensive protection that paid products do, and can leave your computer vulnerable to viruses and other malicious activity.
Another thing to consider when protecting your computer from viruses is the need for a firewall. A firewall is a network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. This helps protect against hackers, malicious code, and other intrusions.
While Windows Defender provides some level of protection against viruses, this may not be enough to protect against more sophisticated malware. In addition, Windows Defender only checks for threats at certain points, such as when a program tries to access a file or when new files are downloaded. Therefore, it cannot detect or protect against unknown or zero-day threats.
For this reason, it is recommended that you install a third-party anti-virus program on your computer if you want to ensure that your computer is secure. Additionally, it is important to make sure that all of your software is up to date and to take extra steps to secure your system, such as using strong passwords and avoiding suspicious websites and emails.
Finally, it is a good idea to periodically scan your computer for viruses and other malicious activity. This will help you detect any threats that Windows Defender may have missed.
In summary, while Windows Defender does offer some protection against known and emerging threats, it is not enough to provide reliable and comprehensive security. For the best protection against viruses, it is recommended that you install a third-party anti-virus program and take additional steps to secure your system.