Microsoft Defender review

Microsoft Defender is the baseline every paid suite here competes with. Microsoft says the Windows Security app, which includes Microsoft Defender Antivirus, Windows Firewall and Smart App Control, is built into Windows and gives real-time protection from the moment the device starts. For many Windows users that is enough. A Microsoft 365 subscription extends it: the Defender app adds antivirus on Mac and anti-phishing on phones, a single dashboard for all devices, dark web monitoring of 60+ types of personal info, and up to $1 million in identity insurance for restoration costs. Microsoft 365 Personal is $99.99 a year and Family $129.99, which also buys Office apps, Copilot and OneDrive, so Defender is best seen as a bonus rather than a reason to subscribe. There is no VPN or password manager, and the page does not publish a device limit for the app.

Who it is for

Windows users who want built-in protection at no extra cost

Price

Defender Antivirus is built into Windows; the Defender app with identity monitoring comes with Microsoft 365 Personal at $99.99 per year.

Microsoft 365 Personal $99.99 /year
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 12, 2026.

Key features

• Windows Security app with Microsoft Defender Antivirus, Windows Firewall and Smart App Control is built into Windows
• Real-time protection on by default in Windows
• Defender app adds antivirus on Mac and anti-phishing on phones
• Identity theft monitoring of 60+ types of personal info with Microsoft 365
• Up to $1 million identity insurance coverage for restoration costs with Microsoft 365

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: No extra purchase for antivirus on Windows
• Strength: Already active when the PC starts, per Microsoft
• Strength: Microsoft 365 adds Office apps, Copilot and OneDrive along with Defender
• Weakness: Cross-device app and identity features require a Microsoft 365 subscription
• Weakness: No bundled VPN or password manager in Defender
• Weakness: Built-in Windows protection does not cover Mac or phones

Key facts

• Built-in price: Included with Windows
• Microsoft 365 Personal: $99.99 per year
• Microsoft 365 Family: $129.99 per year
• Identity insurance: Up to $1 million

Where it ranks

Microsoft Defender is No. 6 in our Best Antivirus Software verdict.