--- title: Microsoft Defender Antivirus canonical: https://saasranked.com/software/microsoft-defender/ category: Antivirus Software points: 88 rank: 2 of 10 facts_checked: 2026-10-08 --- # Microsoft Defender Antivirus The antivirus built into Windows, run from the Windows Security app with a firewall, ransomware folders and an offline scan. 88 points out of 100. #2 of 10 antivirus products. Vendor: Microsoft Corporation. Website: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/windows-security/stay-protected-with-the-windows-security-app - Microsoft Defender Antivirus is built into Windows and gives real-time protection with no separate purchase [1][2]. - Controlled folder access stops unknown apps from changing files in protected folders such as Documents and Pictures [2]. - Microsoft Defender Offline restarts the PC and scans it without loading Windows [2]. - SmartScreen in Microsoft Edge warns about phishing sites and tech support scams [4]. - The Microsoft Defender app for Mac, Android and iOS needs a Microsoft 365 Personal or Family subscription [5]. Verdict: Microsoft Defender suits anyone with a Windows PC who wants solid protection without buying anything. Windows Security adds a firewall, controlled folder access and an offline scan, all built in [2][3]. The catch is that SmartScreen's website checks are documented for Microsoft Edge, and the apps for other systems need a Microsoft 365 subscription [4][5]. Best for: Windows users who want protection without buying anything. ## Points | Criterion | Line | Value | Points | Note | |---|---|---|---|---| | Independent lab results | AV-TEST score | 17.5 of 18 | 12/15 | AV-TEST, July and August 2026: 17.5 of 18 (Microsoft Defender Antivirus (Consumer) 4.18). [8] | | Independent lab results | AV-Comparatives award | ADVANCED+ | 15/15 | AV-Comparatives, February to May 2026: ADVANCED+ (Microsoft). [9] | | Independent lab results | AV-Comparatives protection rate | 99% | 11/15 | AV-Comparatives, February to May 2026: 99% (Microsoft). [9] | | Protection features | Systems covered | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS | 8/8 | Built into Windows; the Defender app for Mac, Android and iOS comes with Microsoft 365 Personal or Family [1][5]. | | Protection features | Firewall | Yes | 5/5 | The Windows Security app shows and manages Windows Firewall [3]. | | Protection features | Ransomware protection | Yes | 5/5 | Controlled folder access blocks unknown apps from changing files in protected folders [2]. | | Protection features | Rescue or offline scan | Yes | 4/4 | Microsoft Defender Offline scans after a restart, without loading Windows [2]. | | Protection features | Browser protection | Yes | 3/3 | SmartScreen warns about phishing and malicious sites in Microsoft Edge [4]. | | Price | Free edition with real-time protection | Yes | 8/8 | Built into Windows with real-time protection [1][2]. | | Price | First-year price | $0 | 6/6 | Built into Windows; nothing to buy [1]. | | Price | Price from the second year | $0 | 6/6 | No subscription; it comes with Windows [1]. | | Refunds and security | 30-day refund | Not published | 0/5 | Not applicable: there is nothing to buy. | | Refunds and security | SOC 2 Type II or ISO 27001 | Yes | 5/5 | Microsoft names ISO/IEC 27001 certification for its cloud services, including Microsoft Defender for Endpoint [7]. | ## Plans | Plan | Price | Per month (USD) | |---|---|---| | Microsoft Defender Antivirus (Windows Security) | Free [1] | $0 | The Microsoft Defender app for Mac, Android and iOS comes with a Microsoft 365 Personal or Family subscription [5]. ## Strengths - Built into Windows, with real-time protection [1][2]. - Controlled folder access protects Documents, Pictures, Videos, Music and Desktop from untrusted apps [2]. - Microsoft Defender Offline scans in the Windows Recovery Environment [2]. - Windows Firewall is managed from the same app [3]. ## Limits - SmartScreen's website and download checks are documented for Microsoft Edge [4]. - Phishing protection for your Windows password is not available in Windows 10 [4]. - The Defender app for Mac, Android and iOS needs a Microsoft 365 Personal or Family subscription [5]. - The Defender app's VPN feature was removed on February 28, 2025 [6]. ## Sources 1. [Stay protected with the Windows Security app](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/windows-security/stay-protected-with-the-windows-security-app), Microsoft Support, accessed 2026-10-08 2. [Virus and Threat Protection in the Windows Security App](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/threat-malware-protection/virus-and-threat-protection-in-the-windows-security-app), Microsoft Support, accessed 2026-10-08 3. [Firewall and network protection in the Windows Security app](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/windows-security/firewall-and-network-protection-in-the-windows-security-app), Microsoft Support, accessed 2026-10-08 4. [App & browser control in the Windows Security App](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/windows-security/app-browser-control-in-the-windows-security-app), Microsoft Support, accessed 2026-10-08 5. [Getting started with Microsoft Defender](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/defender/getting-started-with-microsoft-defender), Microsoft Support, accessed 2026-10-08 6. [End of support-Privacy protection (VPN) in Microsoft Defender for individuals](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/defender/end-of-support-privacy-protection-vpn-in-microsoft-defender-for-individuals), Microsoft Support, accessed 2026-10-08 7. [ISO/IEC 27001:2013 Information Security Management Standards](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/compliance/regulatory/offering-iso-27001), Microsoft Learn, accessed 2026-10-08 8. [Test antivirus software for Windows 11 - August 2026](https://www.av-test.org/en/antivirus/home-windows/), AV-TEST, accessed 2026-10-08 9. [Real-World Protection Test February-May 2026](https://www.av-comparatives.org/tests/real-world-protection-test-february-may-2026/), AV-Comparatives, accessed 2026-10-08