Windows Defender (64-bit)

Windows Defender is a comprehensive security utility built and maintained directly by Microsoft Corporation, the creator of the Windows operating system. Its primary purpose is to observe the activated applications for malicious behavior and monitor all the files present on your local storage, portable storage accessories, and the files that are being downloaded from the internet.

By monitoring all your interactions with local and remote files, and especially with executable applications, Windows Defenders serves each user of Windows OS as the first line of defense against the malicious software that can invade your privacy, steal your private, work and sensitive data, corrupt your OS or even lead to a total lockdown of OS capabilities.

To stay ahead of the ingenious attempts of the hacker community, Microsoft Defender Offline 64-bit is built to always run in the background of your PC and update itself with the latest “definition” upgrades that can tell it how to recognize all forms of malicious software.

Stay protected with Windows Security

Windows 10 and Windows 11 come with built-in protection called Windows Security, ensuring that your device is safeguarded from the moment you start Windows. This comprehensive security solution offers continuous scanning for malware, viruses, and various security threats. With real-time protection and automatic updates, Windows Security keeps your device secure and protected against emerging threats.

The best Windows security

To provide the best security possible, this app is automatically configured to perform its duty as best as possible, not demanding from users any permissions, activations, configurations, or any other input. It simply always runs in the background, taking a minimal amount of hardware resources. It automatically scans all active processes giving you reliable real-time protection, protects your PC from all forms of ransomware software, constantly remains in touch with cloud servers that distribute new anti-virus definitions and threat behavior detection algorithms, and much more.

All of the features of this widely popular security utility are accessible inside Microsoft Defender Security Center which is accessible directly from your OS Control Panel. There you can see the current security status of your PC, see if all protection modules are activated and running, set the specific behavior regarding internet Firewall service, security-related app, and browser behaviors, find your lost or stolen device, and even set up and monitor Family options for household devices that are used by children (including screen-time habits, enhanced online protection, and much more).

Originally released in 2005 as a 100% FREE standalone security solution for Windows XP and Windows 2000, this application has managed to grow at an incredible pace, becoming an official built-in anti-spyware component in Windows 7 and Windows Vista. On Windows 10/Windows 11 it is also known as Windows Defender Antivirus.

How to Use

• Download Windows Defender Offline and install it on a CD, DVD, or USB flash drive.
• Restart your PC using the Windows Defender Offline media. This means having the CD, DVD, or flash drive you created in Step 1 inserted into the PC when you restart it. Follow the prompts to boot from the drive containing this media.
• Scan your PC for viruses and other malware.
• Remove any malware that's found on your Win PC.

FAQ

Q: What is Windows Defender?
A: Windows Defender is a built-in anti-malware solution for Windows PC that provides real-time protection against viruses, malware, spyware, and other malicious threats.

Q: Is Windows Defender pre-installed on Windows PCs?
A: Yes, the program is pre-installed and comes bundled with Windows 11/10 and later versions as the default security solution.

Q: Can I use Windows Defender alongside other antivirus software?
A: The app is designed to work seamlessly with Windows and can run alongside third-party antivirus software. However, it is recommended to have only one active real-time protection solution enabled at a time to avoid conflicts.

Q: How often does Windows Defender update its virus definitions?
A: It updates its virus definitions regularly, usually multiple times per day, to ensure the latest protection against new threats.

Q: Does Windows Defender scan external devices like USB drives?
A: Yes, it can scan external devices, including USB drives, to check for any potential malware or threats.

Q: Can I schedule scans with Windows Defender?
A: Yes, it allows you to schedule scans at specific times or on a regular basis. You can set up custom scan schedules based on your preferences.

Q: Does Windows Defender provide real-time protection?
A: Yes, it offers real-time protection by actively monitoring your system for any suspicious activity and blocking threats in real time.

Q: Can I manually scan specific files or folders with Windows Defender?
A: Absolutely. It provides the option to initiate manual scans of specific files, folders, or drives to perform targeted malware detection.

Q: Does Windows Defender offer additional security features besides antivirus protection?
A: Yes, It includes features such as firewall protection, network security, and browser protection to enhance overall system security.

Q: Is Windows Defender sufficient as a standalone security solution?
A: It provides solid protection for most users and is suitable as a standalone security solution. However, some users may prefer additional security features or opt for third-party antivirus software for specialized needs.

To access the scan results in Microsoft Defender

• Click on the Start button, then go to Settings.
• Select "Update & Security" and then choose "Windows Security" from the options.
• In the Windows Security window, click on "Virus & threat protection."
• Under the "Current threats" section, click on "Scan options."
• From the drop-down menu, select "Protection history" (or "Threat history" in previous Windows versions).

Malware protection is ensured

Windows Defender offers a wide range of features to enhance your security. It includes automatic scanning, blocking, anti-phishing, and offline maintenance capabilities. The built-in firewall effectively stops ads, provides exploit protection, blocks malicious sites and downloads, and safeguards against dangerous URLs. The offline scan feature is specifically designed to detect and remove malware that may be hidden during routine scans, ensuring comprehensive protection.

Defender provides users with various scanning options, including quick, full, and custom scans. With a simple right-click, you can easily scan individual files for threats. Additionally, Tamper Protection prevents hackers from disabling cloud-based, real-time, and virus-threat protection, enhancing the security of your system.

While the anti-phishing feature works seamlessly on Microsoft's native browser like Edge, it is not directly compatible with alternative browsers like Firefox and Google Chrome. However, you can install Defender's plug-in as a browser extension for these browsers. Once installed, the plug-in enables the anti-phishing feature, offering protection against unwanted threats across different browsers.

Alternatives

Malwarebytes: While primarily known for its anti-malware capabilities, Malwarebytes is a strong alternative to Windows Defender. It specializes in detecting and removing malware, including advanced threats that may go unnoticed by traditional antivirus programs.

Bitdefender: Known for its excellent malware detection rates and low system impact, it offers a wide range of features, including real-time protection, ransomware protection, firewall, and online privacy tools.

Kaspersky Anti-Virus: Kaspersky is renowned for its powerful malware detection capabilities and efficient system performance. It includes features like real-time protection, web filtering, vulnerability scanning, and parental controls.

Avast Free Antivirus: A popular free antivirus solution that offers reliable protection against malware. It features real-time protection, email scanning, browser protection, and a wide range of additional security tools.

System Requirements

• Operating System: Windows 11/10/8/7 (32-bit or 64-bit)
• Processor: 1 GHz or faster processor
• RAM: 1 GB for 32-bit or 2 GB for 64-bit
• Hard Disk Space: 16 GB for 32-bit or 20 GB for 64-bit
• Graphics Card: DirectX 9 or later with WDDM 1.0 driver
• Display: 800x600 resolution or higher

PROS

• Comprehensive protection against all types of malware.
• Includes a built-in firewall for added security.
• Offers phishing protection specifically for Microsoft browsers.
• Automatically goes into a dormant state when users install third-party security software, avoiding conflicts and ensuring smooth operation alongside other security solutions.

CONS

• Lacks a built-in password manager, requiring users to rely on external solutions for password management.
• A plug-in is needed to enable full functionality on alternative web browsers such as Chrome, which may require additional installation steps.

Conclusion

In summary, Windows Defender is a reliable and capable antivirus solution for Windows PC users. It offers comprehensive protection against various types of malware, including viruses, spyware, and ransomware. With features like real-time scanning, automatic updates, and offline scanning, it provides robust security without compromising system performance.

Windows Defender's integration with the Windows operating system ensures seamless operation and compatibility. The FileHorse review team highly recommends this outstanding antivirus desktop app.

While additional features like a built-in password manager and support for alternative browsers may be lacking, Windows Defender serves as a solid baseline security solution for many users. It is a convenient choice for those who prefer a built-in antivirus solution that is easy to use and regularly updated by Microsoft.