does windows 10 automatically download defender updates

You can still use Windows Defender to perform a manual-or offline-scan as a backup to your preferred antivirus app, though. While another antivirus app is installed, Windows Defender won't continue performing real-time scans, so it won't interfere with your other app. Windows 10 automatically disables Windows Defender if you install another antivirus app. Windows Defender also plays nicer with web browsers and other apps-respecting their security and privacy settings more than most other antivirus apps. It's by far the most non-invasive app, handling things in the background whenever it can and not nagging you all the time. It's true that other antivirus apps-like BitDefender and Kaspersky-protect against more viruses in benchmarks.īut Windows Defender boasts some advantages, too. And it's pretty good, if something of a mixed bag. With Windows 8, the product was tidied up a bit, bundled with Windows, and renamed Windows Defender. Microsoft offered a standalone antivirus app named Microsoft Security Essentials in the days of Windows XP, Vista, and 7. If you haven't yet updated to the Creators Update, you should still be able to follow along pretty well.

Starting with the Creators Update for Windows 10, Windows Defender's interface changed a bit, and it was integrated into the new Windows Defender Security Center-which also provides access to security-related tools like family protection, firewall settings, device performance and health reports, and browser security controls.

Does windows 10 automatically download defender updates