Microsoft Defender vs. Windows Security: What’s the Difference?

To keep Windows PCs safe, many of us use the built-in Windows Security, previously known as Windows Defender. The old name is still used for certain features of Windows Security and as a separate Microsoft 365 subscription. This guide examines Microsoft Defender vs. Windows Security and discusses whether you should use them together or with third-party security software.

Content

• Microsoft Defender vs. Windows Security: Features at a Glance
• What Is Windows Security?
• What Is Microsoft Defender?
• Should I Use Both Windows Security and Microsoft Defender?
• Should I Use a Third-Party Anti-Malware Solution With Windows Security?

Microsoft Defender vs. Windows Security: Features at a Glance

Microsoft Defender and Windows Security work together to keep your computer safe from cyberattacks and offline threats. I used to think they were the same because the word “Defender” is confusing. Originally, Windows Security was called that, and some of its current features have retained the old name.

After I explored a free trial of Microsoft 365, it became very clear that Windows Security and Microsoft Defender are very different security solutions, with almost nothing in common. Both products have their own features, pricing, system requirements, supported devices, download links, and updates.

What Is Windows Security?

Windows Security is the default freeware security solution that protects your Windows PC from online and offline threats. It’s a core part of your Windows operating system, but you can disable it if needed. It offers a vast collection of useful features that work in sync for real-time protection. Windows Security is a frontline protection layer for Windows PCs and laptops.

Its basic security starts with Windows Defender Firewall. It provides a robust first layer of protection against intrusions and attacks on your Wi-Fi network. Core isolation, secure boot, and a Trusted Platform Module help keep your device safe from firmware and kernel-level malware threats.

Scan-based malware protection is another key feature. This is enabled through Virus & Threat Protection. I regularly use its full scan and Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) options, which work quite well against most zero-hour threats. My biggest complaint is that it doesn’t have a scheduled scanning component, but you can run one through Task Scheduler.

Another feature I really like is the Controlled Folder Access setting. I keep it on to protect my important folders from ransomware attacks, which have become very common recently. Together with OneDrive backup, smart folder controls assist you in file recovery during an unexpected attack.

Windows Security has a very powerful reputation-based protection cover using Windows Defender SmartScreen. The solution stops deadly exploits and harmful apps in their tracks before they can infect you. Many times I have seen SmartScreen block the Trojans and browser-based exploits targeting my browsers for financial information. Apart from Edge, SmartScreen is also available with Chrome, Brave and Opera.

When combined, Windows Security forms a very powerful security suite. The integrated app updates automatically with every new Windows OS build. But is it sufficient to protect your Windows device? We do not think so. The current threat landscape calls for a separate antivirus solution with endpoint protection, and Windows Security cannot provide it.

Tip: use the Windows Command Prompt to operate various Windows Security (or Defender) features.

What Is Microsoft Defender?

Microsoft Defender is a third-party subscription service that is a direct offshoot of Microsoft Security Essentials, a discontinued Microsoft product. Its primary aim is to provide endpoint protection for your subscription email, phone number, and other personal data. It works not only for a Windows PC, but also for other devices, including Android, iOS, and Mac. Microsoft Defender offers additional features that exist on top of your Windows Security protection.

• Identity theft monitoring: the biggest highlight of Microsoft Defender is that it works as a dark web scanner, protecting your identity from security breaches anywhere on the Web, including the dark web. I can use it to run a search for my name, email, and other personal details to learn whether they have been compromised. It comes with standard dark web scanning features, such as $1 million insurance coverage.
• Protecting your endpoint devices: whether you’re on a PC, Mac, or mobile phone, the Defender subscription provides an additional layer of protection against zero-hour threats. For any threats that come from an infected app or botched update, the additional scanning isolates sends you threat alerts.

Image source:
Microsoft

• Safe Wi-Fi connection with VPN: similar to other secure VPN providers, such as ExpressVPN or NordVPN, Microsoft Defender provides security for your Wi-Fi networks and has its own VPN to encrypt data traffic.

The Microsoft Defender service requires you to purchase and enroll in a Microsoft 365 subscription, which includes 1 terabyte of cloud storage and access to Office 365 apps. I have accessed it through a free 30-day trial and found that many of its features are location-restricted. For example, identity theft protection is currently only available in the U.S. and U.S. territories.

Tip: enable these Windows Security settings for free PC protection.

Should I Use Both Windows Security and Microsoft Defender?

Windows Security and Microsoft Defender are not competing products. The latter is used to address the shortcomings of the free security app. Considering that Microsoft’s endpoint protection suite is designed to fill gaps in last-mile security on your device, you can use both together as a powerful, all-in-one security suite.

But whether you should is an entirely different question. Recently, Microsoft’s endpoint security, which is often deployed in large corporations, government and military installations, and educational institutions, has shown a tendency for data breaches.

The impact of these breaches has been felt worldwide. For example, in July 2024, a poorly planned update by CrowdStrike caused blue screen of death errors globally on Microsoft Azure systems. This greatly affected the travel industry, causing many airlines to ground to a halt. Additionally, Microsoft systems have been compromised recently and could not withstand dark web security threats with newer ransomware targeting government databases.

Image source: DALL-E 3.

Some may dismiss these incidents as isolated attacks that were quickly resolved. However, considering these threats are becoming more sophisticated with state-level threat actors entering the fold, times have changed.

I consider these big security breaches a wake-up call. My concern is that if highly secure Microsoft systems cannot withstand the latest threat variants, how well can my ordinary Windows PC be protected in the current threat landscape?

Should I Use a Third-Party Anti-Malware Solution With Windows Security?

Microsoft says that any system secured by its programs is highly secure. I routinely check the monthly data of independent companies that periodically test antivirus programs, such as AV-Test. I find these websites consistently rating Microsoft Defender Antivirus lower than other AV solutions.

Shouldn’t Microsoft be the number one choice for protecting its own operating system? Theoretically, yes, but for the many test cases of simulated malware, phishing, and ransomware attacks, Defender simply has a lower detection ability. It’s a good security suite, but certainly not the best one.

It’s safe to conclude that it’s no longer possible to protect your Windows device with Windows Security alone. It can only provide you with a first layer of protection against mostly known threats. Will adding a paid Microsoft Defender subscription fill in the gap? Based on the several recent breaches, I have my doubts.

If you really want to protect your device from uncertain, unpredictable, and unexpected threats, we recommend choosing a non-Microsoft anti-malware alternative on top of Windows Security. Many third-party antivirus solutions are making a comeback, and you should select one with powerful endpoint protection.

I recently started my trial of Malwarebytes Premium on top of Windows Security. I previously used this product before settling on Defender-based security. Other very good antivirus products are Total AV and Bitdefender Premium Security. These solutions add another layer of security to your Windows device because of a different set of AV signatures that cover a larger threat landscape.

As an alternative, you can also opt for a secure VPN service like ExpressVPN or NordVPN, as recent trends show they bundle strong malware-protection features.

Image credit: Unsplash. All screenshots by Sayak Boral.

Sayak Boral –
Staff Writer

Sayak Boral is a technology writer with over eleven years of experience working in different industries including semiconductors, IoT, enterprise IT, telecommunications OSS/BSS, and network security. He has been writing for MakeTechEasier on a wide range of technical topics including Windows, Android, Internet, Hardware Guides, Browsers, Software Tools, and Product Reviews.

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