- License:
- Free
- Editor's Rating:
-
- Average User Rating:
-
(out of 1200 votes)
Rate it!
- Downloads:
- 3,505,161
- Requirements:
- Windows 2000/XP/2003 Server
- Limitations:
- No limitations
- Date Added:
- October 24, 2006
Publisher's description of Microsoft Windows Defender
From Microsoft:
Note: This product requires Windows validation. The Download Now link will take you to the Microsoft site for downloading.
Windows Defender is a free program that helps you stay productive by protecting your computer against pop-ups, slow performance and security threats caused by spyware and other potentially unwanted software.
The worldwide SpyNet community plays a key role in determining which suspicious programs are classified as spyware. Microsoft researchers quickly develop methods to counteract these threats, which are automatically downloaded to your PC, so you stay up-to-date.
This latest version of Windows Defender offers a new scanning engine for enhanced performance, simplified user interface and alerts, and support for 64-bit platforms.
This product is free of charge for licensed Windows customers. Users of 64-bit platforms should use WindowsDefenderX64.msi.
- See more CNET content tagged:
- spyware,
- 64-bit,
- Microsoft Corp.,
- Microsoft Windows,
- security
Editor's review of Microsoft Windows Defender
PC protection
Read a full CNET review of Windows Defender.
With a full feature set and solid spyware-removal functionality, Windows Defender makes a good choice for keeping your computer clean. Along with a variety of scan options, Defender includes a scheduler, active protection, and a useful set of advanced features. Spyware scan times are reasonably fast and seem thorough. Microsoft has revamped the interface with this version--it includes back and forward buttons (similar to a Web browser) for navigation; and a home button makes it easy for users to get back to the Update definitions screen.
Advanced tools include a Software Explorer for changing security settings for software on your hard drive; and Allowed items, giving you the choice to run applications that Defender has disabled. The scheduler is particularly nice, letting you customize scans at regular intervals, such as setting a deep scan to run every night at 2:00 a.m. By simplifying the interface and doing away with extraneous tools, this version of Windows Defender has become an exceptional spyware remover. Users looking for a solid antispyware utility should consider adding it to their security arsenal.
User reviews of Microsoft Windows Defender
- Average user rating:
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Microsoft Windows Defender
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