How much does Windows Defender (Microsoft Defender Antivirus) cost?

Windows Defender (Microsoft Defender Antivirus) offers a free plan and paid plans starting from Free.

How good is Windows Defender (Microsoft Defender Antivirus)?

Windows Defender (Microsoft Defender Antivirus) has a Lunoo score of 8.5/10. This score is based on features, user satisfaction, and overall quality.

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Windows Defender (Microsoft Defender Antivirus)

8.5

Very Good

Free Plan

update Last updated: Mar 5, 2026

description Windows Defender (Microsoft Defender Antivirus) Overview

Microsoft Defender Antivirus is the free, built-in security solution for Windows 10 and 11. It provides real-time protection against viruses, malware, and ransomware (via Controlled Folder Access).

Integrated with the Windows Firewall and SmartScreen for web protection, it offers a competent, no-cost baseline. Its target audience is casual users with good computing habits who prefer a minimalist, integrated solution. It ranks for being completely free, deeply integrated into Windows for low system impact, and having improved dramatically to offer respectable, lab-tested protection that makes it a viable option for many.

recommend Best for: Ideal for users who want a basic security solution without the need for additional features like parental controls or device management.

info Windows Defender (Microsoft Defender Antivirus) Specifications

Api	Limited API support available
Platform	Windows 10 and 11
Languages	English (default), multiple languages supported
Integration	Windows Firewall, SmartScreen for web protection, Controlled Folder Access

balance Windows Defender (Microsoft Defender Antivirus) Pros & Cons

thumb_up Pros

check Real-time protection against viruses, malware, and ransomware
check Integrated with Windows Firewall and SmartScreen for web protection
check Free and built-in to Windows 10 and 11
check Provides Controlled Folder Access for enhanced security

thumb_down Cons

close Limited customization options compared to paid antivirus solutions
close May generate false positives in some cases
close Does not include additional features like parental controls or device management
close Less advanced than some third-party antivirus software in terms of detection capabilities

help Windows Defender (Microsoft Defender Antivirus) FAQ

Is Microsoft Defender Antivirus free?

Yes, it is a built-in, free security solution for Windows 10 and 11.

Does Microsoft Defender include parental controls?

No, it focuses on virus protection and does not include parental control features.

Can I use Microsoft Defender Antivirus on Mac?

No, it is only compatible with Windows 10 and 11.

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Reviews & Comments

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8.5

Very Good

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Why this score

Microsoft Defender Antivirus scores 8.5/10 due to its robust real-time protection and integration with Windows systems, but it lacks some advanced features found in paid antivirus solutions.

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