Does Windows Defender actually do anything

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  1. Posts : 2,344
    Windows 10 Pro x64
       #1

    Does Windows Defender actually do anything


    Just wondering has anyone ever had windows defender actually do something?
    All mine seems to do is ask for updates every couple of days and that is about it.no popups telling you what it has caught or blocked in fact I wonder if it is actually working.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 8,476
    Windows® 8 Pro (64-bit)
       #2

    kodi said:
    Just wondering has anyone ever had windows defender actually do something?
    All mine seems to do is ask for updates every couple of days and that is about it.no popups telling you what it has caught or blocked in fact I wonder if it is actually working.
    Its completely useless. Cant detect any spyware or virus. A complete waste.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 71,977
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #3

    Hello Brian,

    Windows Defender acts as a pretty good anti-malware program that compliments a good antivirus program. I have never had it catch anything for me as well though.

    However, you might consider using the newer Microsoft Security Essentials instead. It basically replaces Windows Defender, and has antivirus and anti-malware protection included. It's one of the best free ones that you can use for great protection.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 8,476
    Windows® 8 Pro (64-bit)
       #4

    Brink said:
    Hello Brian,

    Windows Defender acts as a pretty good anti-malware program that compliments a good antivirus program. I have never had it catch anything for me as well though.

    However, you might consider using the newer Microsoft Security Essentials instead. It basically replaces Windows Defender, and has antivirus and anti-malware protection included. It's one of the best free ones that you can use for great protection.
    I agree with Shawn. I have replaced windows defender with MSE.
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  5. Posts : 2,303
    Windows 7 & Windows Vista Ultimate
       #5

    The linked change log from the MMPC illustrates the depth of new and updated detections in version 1.85.1476.0, dated July 5, 2010: Definition change log.
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  6. Posts : 2,344
    Windows 10 Pro x64
    Thread Starter
       #6

    Thanks for the quick replies .
    I am running Avast free and have been using it since it first came out and would not change it as I am quite happy with it,also running Malwarebytes (paid Version) so i think I am covered
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 565
    Windows 7 Home Premium x64
       #7

    kodi said:
    Just wondering has anyone ever had windows defender actually do something?
    All mine seems to do is ask for updates every couple of days and that is about it.no popups telling you what it has caught or blocked in fact I wonder if it is actually working.
    It's a good built-in anti-spyware program. It is better than nothing at all and can be easily replaced with any anti-spyware program of your choice.

    Brink said:
    Hello Brian,

    Windows Defender acts as a pretty good anti-malware program that compliments a good antivirus program. I have never had it catch anything for me as well though.

    However, you might consider using the newer Microsoft Security Essentials instead. It basically replaces Windows Defender, and has antivirus and anti-malware protection included. It's one of the best free ones that you can use for great protection.
    I completely agree. I have noticed more licensed AV programs tend to be discounted now ever since MSE was released. I guess Microsoft really cut into their profit margin by releasing a quality product that works, has an intuitive interface and is all-in-one.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 2,344
    Windows 10 Pro x64
    Thread Starter
       #8

    It's gone just gave it the boot
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 71,977
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #9

    Brian,

    If it helps, I run Avast Free AV with MSE at the same time for double protection. They worked together to make sure that they do not conflict with each other, and I never had a issue with them running together yet.

    Out of the two I would say that MSE is clearly the best choice if you just wanted to use one program instead. Avast has seemed to of slipped in the ranks and not quite as good as it use to be, and is now a ok free option.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 2,344
    Windows 10 Pro x64
    Thread Starter
       #10

    I did not think it was advisable to run two AV's at the same time, but if you say that they work together I will try running Avast and MSE together.
      My Computer


 
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