Your Windows computer comes with Windows Security, a built-in but barebone security solution. You can get more premium features by installing Microsoft Defender, a standalone security app for Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android devices. If that sounds confusing, blame Microsoft’s atrocious naming game. But these two are separate security solutions and offer different, albeit complementing features. Let’s explore the differences between them.
What is Windows Security?
Formerly known as Windows Defender (which would have made the nomenclature even more confusing), Windows Security is a built-in antivirus and firewall solution within the Windows operating system. It offers essential protection against offline and online threats, including manual scans and threat management capabilities.
If you have a Windows computer, chances are you’ve used it before, and it is probably theonly antivirus your computer will ever need. Here’s what you get with Windows Security:
What’s Microsoft Defender?
While it may sound similar, Microsoft Defender is a standalone security app for Windows, Android, iOS, and macOS. Microsoft clarifies that it’s not an antivirus replacement on Windows and iOS devices but offers malware protection on Android.
Put simply, Microsoft Defender acts like an add-on that works alongside Windows Security or any third-party antivirus software installed on your computer or smartphone. However, it offers some of its own unique security features:
Windows Security vs Microsoft Defender: Which is Better?
Despite their confusing names, Windows Security and Microsoft Defender are not competing but complementary services. Windows Security is built into your Windows operating system for basic protection and runs locally on your computer. Microsoft Defender is an additional security layer that works with your existing antivirus solution. On a Windows computer, it acts like a security dashboard for Windows Security or your third-party antivirus.
So, even if you have Microsoft Defender on your computer or smartphone, it’s important not to turn off your built-in or third-party protection, as it’s not meant to replace it.
What sets Microsoft Defender apart is its centralized dashboard. Compared to third-party rivals, it works quietly in the background with minimal effect on system performance and no intrusive prompts. It allows you to view and manage security risks across all your devices from one place. It also includes additional features to protect your online presence across various devices, regardless of whether you use Windows or not.
Here’s a quick comparison between Windows Security and Microsoft Defender:
Windows Security
Microsoft Defender
Centralized Dashboard
Antivirus/Anti-Malware
Device Security
App & Browser Control
Family Options
Identify Theft
Cross-Device
Yes (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS)
Parental Controls
Yes (up to 50GB)
Password Manager
Subscription
Microsoft 365 Personal/Family
Microsoft Defender Caveats…
Identity theft monitoring and identity theft insurance are also exclusively available to US users. And while you benefit from antivirus protection and malicious app scanning on Android, iOS users only have access to web protection and jailbreak detection.
Should You Use Microsoft Defender?
Microsoft Defender for Individuals is a premium service bundled with your Microsoft 365 subscription. In the absence of a dedicated antivirus solution, depending on your region, you can use Microsoft Defender to make up for the security features missing in Windows Security, like identity theft management, VPN, and centralized management of multiple devices. When combined, Microsoft’s security offering should keep you safe both offline and online.
