Windows Defender
Free built-in protection integrated with Windows 10/11
Microsoft's native Windows Defender provides baseline malware and ransomware protection at no cost, integrated seamlessly into Windows 10 and Windows 11 with regular updates.
| Pricing from | Free |
| Best for | Users seeking minimal-cost protection with zero setup |
| Website | www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/integrated-security |
Strengths and trade-offs
- Zero cost
- Seamless Windows integration
- Detection rates lag premium solutions
- Limited advanced features
Appears in
Alternatives to Windows Defender
 BitdefenderAI-powered protection with zero performance compromise | #1 in Top 10 Anti-Virus & Malware Protection | 95.0 |
 NortonTrusted multi-device protection with 24/7 expert support | #2 in Top 10 Anti-Virus & Malware Protection | 92.7 |
 KasperskyAdvanced threat detection with exceptional heuristic analysis | #3 in Top 10 Anti-Virus & Malware Protection | 90.3 |
 ESETLightweight scanning with smart threat detection | #4 in Top 10 Anti-Virus & Malware Protection | 88.0 |
 McAfeeMulti-layered security with network firewall and VPN | #5 in Top 10 Anti-Virus & Malware Protection | 85.7 |
 Trend MicroCloud-based protection with real-time threat intelligence | #6 in Top 10 Anti-Virus & Malware Protection | 83.3 |
Questions about Windows Defender
How much does Windows Defender cost?
Lister lists Windows Defender's pricing as: Free.
Is Windows Defender free?
Yes. Its pricing reads: Free.
Who is Windows Defender best for?
Windows Defender is best for users seeking minimal-cost protection with zero setup.
Where does Windows Defender rank?
Windows Defender is ranked #9 in Top 10 Anti-Virus & Malware Protection (Lister Score 76.3).
What are the best alternatives to Windows Defender?
The closest alternatives on Lister are Bitdefender (#1 in Top 10 Anti-Virus & Malware Protection), Norton (#2 in Top 10 Anti-Virus & Malware Protection) and Kaspersky (#3 in Top 10 Anti-Virus & Malware Protection).
Is this your company?
Claim Windows Defender to suggest corrections to its listing (pricing, features, details) or ask about an enhanced profile. We review every claim before anything changes.