Users claim Redmond must offer better anti-virus protection

Dec 22, 2014 14:51 GMT  ·  By

Windows Defender is the built-in Windows 8.1 anti-virus and anti-spyware solution, and chances are that it’s going to be the default security app in Windows 10 as well.

While this decision pretty much makes sense since users do need basic protection on their computers, there’s a debate online on whether the company should actually make Windows Defender better or bundle a different anti-virus solution in Windows.

The second scenario is practically impossible since third-party software in Windows isn’t really the kind of thing that pleases Microsoft for many reasons, but improving Windows Defender is surely a project that can be done with Redmond’s resources.

Windows is at this point the most targeted platform by hackers and cybercriminals online, so it’s easy to see why users expect Microsoft to offer a protection solution in this regard.

Windows Defender only provides basic protection

The majority of security tests out there put Windows Defender and Microsoft Security Essentials on the last place every time, pointing out that Microsoft’s anti-virus app only offers basic protection to users.

And yes, that’s actually true and Microsoft itself said it on one occasion, explaining that MSE was designed from the very beginning to do just that and nothing more.

But users cannot be pleased with such a thing and a feature request posted on the Windows UserVoice channel is quickly gaining votes from others who want a more effective anti-virus solution for Windows 10.

“Windows Defender should be much better. It doesn't need to have so many functionalities as third party AV, but it should much better at detecting and cleaning virus/malware. It must be nearly as good as third party companies. After all Microsoft has lots of money and people to make OS more safe,” the request reads.

Microsoft could kill third-party AV companies

Imagine what could happen in case Microsoft develops a really powerful anti-virus solution that receives daily updates and doesn’t allow any piece of malware to break into your computer.

Pretty much everyone would stick to this particular solution, so there’s no doubt that third-party companies investing in development of security products and anti-virus software would really be impacted by such a project.

Until now, there’s no information on what could be an improved anti-virus product for Windows 10, and chances are that Microsoft will continue to focus on Windows Defender for the next OS version. Of course, more details on Windows 10’s security apps will be provided in the coming months, as development of the new OS continues.

Windows Defender on Windows 8.1 (5 Images)

Windows Defender on Windows 8.1
Windows Defender real-time update on Windows 8.1Windows Defender history on Windows 8.1
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