Times have changed and third-party antivirus software is no longer a necessity. That’s why I just use Windows Securityas well as some things I learned about the free, built-in antivirus platform.

The tip to use Windows Security instead of third-party antivirus solutions is intended for personal and consumer users only. Businesses often have unique environments that require additional third-party antivirus, VPN, and other network security settings.

Difference Between Windows Defender and Windows Security

The modern iteration of Windows Security appeared around the Windows 8 era and was introduced as Windows Defender, which replaced the old Microsoft Security Essentials. The anti-malware portion of the broader Windows Security suite is now called “Microsoft Defender Antivirus.”

Microsoft’s idea was to integrate a complete anti-malware solution into Windows to increase the security of the operating system and achieve great success. Since then Windows PCs have been better protected and without resource load of third-party antivirus.

AntiVirus Solutions at a Glance

As you can see from the points above, pricing And performance impact are the biggest downsides of using some common third-party antivirus tools. I’m not here to say that Microsoft Security is perfect spoiler alert: it’s not. However, compared to other third-party antivirus solutions, it has little or no impact on computers’ performance and the price (free!) is very good. There are also family protection options, little to no false positives, and more.

Microsoft Security helps you easily research and add an exception To a file that may have been identified as malicious. McAfee gives users the option to submit false positive results via email submission; Malwarebytes It gives paid users the option to submit a false positive result, but free users must submit the false positive result to “researchers to investigate.”

McAfee’s effectiveness ranks in the top 5 most influential per capita lists independent tests carried outNorton comes out on top. It’s important to note that neither of these options are free, and Defender performed very well in testing. When Comparison of false positive ratesWindows Security tied McAfee for identifying the same number of false positives with better performance.

Accessing Windows Security

To access Windows SecurityClick on Start Menu, type Windows Sec, and select “Windows Security” from the Best Match section at the top.

When you enter the Windows Security application, you will see a number of sections available in the menu on the left. These special sections cover different security aspects of Windows.

If all security is up to date and no threats or issues are detected, you will see green check marks next to each secure section. Yellow exclamations are warnings for you to take a look to see if additional steps need to be taken. If you see any sections containing a red “X”, there are additional steps that need to be taken to secure your Windows environment.

Virus and Threat Protection Options

This Virus and Threat Protection section It has a variety of virus and threat protection services, including scanning to check for existing threats, settings and updates for the virus and threat protection service, and ransomware protection options. If everything looks good, you will see a green check mark next to each of the sections mentioned above; otherwise you’ll see a yellow exclamation mark or a red “X”.

Protecting Your Account

Account Protection It provides a number of security options available in Windows to help you securely sign in and manage the Microsoft account you use to sign in to Windows.

If you’re not signed in to Windows with a Microsoft account, your menu items may be different.

Windows Hello. Windows Hello It’s a feature that uses your camera (internal or external) as your login instead of using a password for facial recognition. This option provides a much more secure method of logging into your Windows session and also eliminates having to remember a complex password.

Dynamic Lock. dynamic lock It allows you to lock your Windows sessions after a certain period of time. Businesses use this feature almost exclusively to maximize security, but you can decide if you want to implement the same level of security in your environment.

Firewall and Network Protection Options

This section provides settings for your network and firewall.

Domain, Private and Public Network. These settings Configure which applications are allowed through the firewall and which are not. For users who frequently interact with a public network, it is vital to ensure that unauthorized access to your computer does not occur over a network connection.

Checking App and Browser Settings

Here you will find options to control browser behavior, application processing, and protection against some types of malicious attacks.

Smart App Control. This setting allows you to choose which applications to add to your trusted list. This is a great feature when you encounter behavior that leads you to believe that a particular app is malicious and you’re not sure whether you want to delete it or add it to the untrusted list for now.

Reputation Based Protection. This setting It enables a variety of security tuning features, including checking for unknown applications on the web, malicious sites, anti-phishing, unwanted applications, and more. This feature is extremely useful to ensure that only your trusted applications are running in Windows.

Isolated Scan. This feature allows you to launch an instance of Microsoft Edge in an isolated browsing area to isolate your system from any malware or other exploits.

Abuse Protection. This is another security option implemented to protect Windows PC from attacks.

Securing Your Device

Device Security section It includes essential Windows services, processor and data encryption, and secure boot options.

Core isolation. This feature keeps the Windows kernel (its main brain, if you will) safe from malware.

Security Processor. This layer adds a Trust Platform Module (TPM) to Windows that provides additional encryption.

Secure Boot. Secure boot prevents malware from installing with your Windows instance.

Data Encryption. It adds additional layers to protect against access to lost or stolen devices.

Device Performance and Health Options

Device Performance and Health section It provides a health report that shows your PC’s status in four main categories: Storage capacity, battery life, apps and software, and Windows Time service. This is also where you have additional options for performing a Fresh Start reboot of your Windows installation (this is usually only available if problems are found).

Family Control Options In this section, parents have the option to set their child’s screen time and monitor what their child is doing on the computer.

PC Protection History If there are recommendations or protection steps that Microsoft recommends for Windows, they appear here.

Microsoft Security is a great built-in security tool that offers value to personal and consumer users in the Windows environment, rather than adding third-party antivirus programs that often add more burden than solutions; even some third party tools breaches of trust.