No, Windows Defender and Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) are not the same. Windows Defender is a free built-in security program that comes with all versions of the Windows operating system. It was introduced with the release of Windows Vista and is included in Windows 7, 8, and 10. Microsoft Security Essentials is a free downloadable antivirus program provided by Microsoft for home PC users who do not plan on purchasing or installing any third-party security programs. Security Essentials was released in 2009 and is not included in any version of Windows.
Windows Defender provides basic malware protection for your system, and it also includes a good firewall for additional security. In addition to this, Windows Defender includes features such as Rootkits, HIPS, Sandbox detection, Client Management tools, and Web Protection. These features are mostly used by advanced users, but they can provide excellent protection for users who may not be aware of the potential risks of using their computers. Unfortunately, Windows Defender cannot detect the latest threats, and does not provide the same level of protection as a premium protection program like Microsoft Security Essentials.
Microsoft Security Essentials is a powerful and feature-rich anti-virus program designed to provide superior protection to Windows PCs. MSE has some powerful components, including anti-malware, anti-phishing, anti-spam, behavior blocking, network inspection system, two-way firewall, and an application whitelisting system. MSE also includes automatic scans and updates to keep your PC protected against the latest online threats. MSE has a friendly user interface and performs full system scans quickly, making it easy to use and configure. Microsoft Security Essentials provides the best protection against different types of malware, including viruses, worms, spyware, adware, keyloggers, rootkits, and ransomware.
Both Windows Defender and Microsoft Security Essentials have their place in the digital security world. Windows Defender is an excellent choice for basic protection, but it does not provide the same level of protection as MSE and should not be used as the only line of defense. Microsoft Security Essentials, however, offers complete protection against a wide range of threats and should be considered for users who need more comprehensive protection for their Windows computer. Although it is possible to use both programs together, it is important to note that doing so could have an adverse effect on system performance due to the overlap of features.