Manage updates with the Download AppMicrosoft Windows Defender User Reviews
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"Most likely a fail"
Version: Microsoft Windows Defender 1.1.1593
Pros
+ promises additional protection
+ included in the recent Windows systemsCons
- full scans take literally hours
- many here report they never get any results (what could be a good thing but most likely isn't ;))Summary
As many other reviews indicate, this little security tool is not really doing you a favour. It may be an additional protection against malware from installed programs. If you install a lot of apps regularly the features make sense. However it is not a replacement for a virus scanner!
After some additional research, I need to add a bit of information.
Updated on May 19, 2013
Alas, the MS team has decided to give the Windows Defender a full virus protection - but only under Windows 8. This may lead to further confusion and people may believe they got a virus protection while they have not.
Please inform your self : wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Defender -
"Waste of resources"
Version: Microsoft Windows Defender 1.1.1593
Pros
None that I can see
Cons
Uses tons of resources and never finds and spyware.
Summary
As a systems administrator I have come across windows defender many times and I have never seen it do anything useful. It's like having a button that uses 15% of your system resources, pointless.
I don't use an anti-virus or anti-spyware program, a firewall is all I need. Those 2 programs eat resources and slow down your system ten fold. Ignore, disable and mock. -
"Seems to work fine."
Version: Microsoft Windows Defender 1.1.1593
Pros
I had it installed for 2 years then decided to install Kasperky. After a 12 hour scan Kaspersky found no threats so Defender must have been working perfectly. I may have wasted money on it.
Please comment.Cons
I wish it had been on xp all those years.
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"It does nothing."
Version: Microsoft Windows Defender 1.1.1593
Pros
It's free and from Microsoft.
On second thought, I'm not sure this is a pro.Cons
Windows Defender is just like the proverbial goggles in the Simpsons episode: it does nothing!
I work servicing computers. I have seen DOZENS of PC's infected with all kind of malware, that have Windows Defender installed and running. Neither the alleged real-time protection, nor the scan detect any malware. And the only time I saw it detect something, it turned out to be a clear and cut false positive.Summary
Don't waste your Pc resources with this. Get a real Antivirus and a decent Antimalware protection. There are many applications that are effective, and still free.
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"Resource Hog and useless"
Version: Microsoft Windows Defender 1.1.1593
Pros
None that I have found over a long period of use
Cons
Devours resources. Has no uninstaller. Zero results
Summary
Totally pointless waste of time and resources
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"Works as Described"
Version: Microsoft Windows Defender 1.1.1593
Pros
Works just as it's supposed to.
Cons
None so far.
Summary
I'm not sure what everyone is complaining about. I use my computer pretty much all day everyday and have never come across as many Trojans as everyone is talking about.
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"Excellent program works we;; with security essentials."
Version: Microsoft Windows Defender 1.1.1593
Pros
Easy to use no effort or tech training needed to figure out.
Cons
don't think I found any,maybe I need to look a little harder?
Summary
As I have found previously in all microsoft apps never any trouble,work the way things should and never have to mortgage my house to buy it?
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"Does It Do Anything?"
Version: Microsoft Windows Defender 1.1.1593
Pros
I can't find anything as I can't tell if it actually doing anything.
Cons
Never found anything in all the time its been installed. It came pre-installed with my computer. Keeps telling me to set a scheduled when I have done it many times.
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"It hasn`t stoped anything ."
Version: Microsoft Windows Defender 1.1.1593
Pros
Would get rid of it but it want let me.
Cons
I don`t like it.
Summary
It will tell you you are ok when you`re not.
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"Very Good Protection"
Version: Microsoft Windows Defender 1.1.1593
Pros
Very Good Protection. Windows Defender protects you from spyware and malware. Very good program. I ran a test and it detected even better than AVG and Norton! AVG: 5 spyware Norton: 0 spyware Windows Defender : 6 spyware
Cons
Hard to update in windows 7
Summary
Very good software
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