Yes, Windows defender is free. It is a built-in antimalware solution that is included with Windows 10. Windows Defender is an anti-virus program used to protect your computer from malicious software, such as viruses, spyware, ransomware, and other types of malware. It also helps guard against online threats and protects you while you are browsing the internet.
Microsoft first introduced Windows Defender in 2006 as a free download for Windows XP, but it was later incorporated into Windows Vista, 7, 8, and 10 as a built-in component. Windows Defender provides real-time monitoring and scanning of your computer, as well as the ability to perform manual scans when desired. It can detect and remove a wide variety of malicious programs, such as viruses, worms, Trojans, spyware, adware, rootkits, and ransomware, as well as other forms of malicious software.
Windows Defender is a lightweight and efficient program, needing less memory and processor resources than other anti-malware solutions. This can be useful for users who don’t want to install or use a heavier, more resource-intensive security solution on their systems. It also updates itself automatically, ensuring that your system is constantly protected from the latest threats without requiring user input to keep it up to date.
On top of that, Windows Defender includes several other features to help keep you safe when using your computer. It has a whitelisting feature that automatically allows certain executables to run, such as Windows updates, while blocking others, potentially helping to prevent malicious software from running. It also offers a cloud-based scanning feature, which provides additional protection by scanning files in the cloud before they’re downloaded and executed on your system, preventing any malicious code from ever reaching your computer.
In addition to the various security features offered by Windows Defender, Microsoft also offers a paid service called Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection (ATP). This is a comprehensive security solution that goes above and beyond what Windows Defender provides, offering enhanced malware protection and the ability to detect and respond to targeted attacks. However, for most users, the free version of Windows Defender should be sufficient to keep their systems safe.
Overall, Windows Defender is a great, free security solution for Windows machines. It provides robust protection from most forms of malicious software and can update itself without user input to keep up with the latest threats. It is lightweight, won’t take up too much of your system’s resources, and if you want to take your protection to the next level, Windows Defender ATP is available as a paid subscription.