Difference Between Microsoft Defender, Windows Defender, Windows Security, and Windows Defender Firewall

While browsing the internet, your device may be vulnerable to various threats. That’s why Microsoft has introduced Windows Defender Antivirus on all Windows 11 / 10 computers. It’s a free antivirus program that comes pre-installed on all Windows 11/10 computers. But if you open your Windows 11/10 Settings, you’ll see that “Virus & threat protection” has been added under Windows Security. Some of you may be wondering what Windows Security is. Is it different from Windows Defender, or are they the same thing? In this article, we’ll explain the difference between Microsoft Defender, Windows Defender, Windows Security, and Windows Defender Firewall.

Difference Between Microsoft Defender, Windows Defender, Windows Security, and Windows Defender Firewall

Windows Defender is a free antivirus program developed by Microsoft. It continuously scans your system and alerts you when a threat is detected. With Windows Defender, you can also take action against threats.

Some of you may have also heard the term “Microsoft Defender” or use it interchangeably with “Windows Defender.” Are they the same thing, or are they different? If Windows Defender protects users’ computers from threats, what is Windows Security?

Windows computers also have a built-in firewall called Windows Defender Firewall. You can access it through Windows Settings or by typing “Windows Defender Firewall” directly into Windows Search.

Difference Between Windows Defender and Microsoft Defender

Let’s start our discussion with Windows Defender and Microsoft Defender. Windows Defender was first released by Microsoft as a free spyware program for Windows XP. It was later introduced in Windows Vista and Windows 7. After replacing Microsoft Security Essentials in Windows 8, Windows Defender evolved into a full-fledged antivirus program for Windows 8 and later versions of Windows.

A few years after the release of Windows 10, Microsoft decided to make its Windows Defender ATP (Advanced Threat Protection) service available for non-Windows devices as well. From that point on, Microsoft changed the name of Windows Defender Antivirus to Microsoft Defender Antivirus.

Today, Microsoft Defender Antivirus is a cross-platform application and is available on various platforms, including Windows. You can also download it on your Android and iOS devices. Microsoft Defender is available in the Google Play Store. You can search for it there and install it on your Android smartphone.

It is now clear that the reason for changing the name from Windows Defender to Microsoft Defender was to make it available on various platforms. The name Windows Defender implies that the antivirus is available only on Windows devices.

Difference between Microsoft Defender, Windows Security, and Windows Defender Firewall

Let’s now take a look at the difference between Microsoft Defender, Windows Security, and Windows Defender Firewall.

Windows Security is a comprehensive security suite that includes Microsoft Defender antivirus and other security features. In earlier versions of Windows 10, Windows Security was called Windows Defender Security Center.

To view all the security areas in Windows Security, open Windows Security using Windows Search.

The Virus and Threat Protection section provides antivirus scans from Microsoft Defender. You can run the following scans on your system using Microsoft Defender Antivirus:

• Quick Scan: Scans the folders on your system where threats are most likely to be found.
• Full scan: Checks files and active programs on the hard drive. This scan may take more than an hour.
• Custom scan: Here you can select which files and locations you want to scan with Microsoft Defender Antivirus.
• Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan): The offline scan helps detect and remove malicious software that is difficult to remove.

A firewall monitors incoming and outgoing traffic and allows or blocks data packets based on a set of security rules. Windows Defender Firewall is a built-in firewall on all Windows computers. It is also part of Windows Security. You can open it through Windows Security or directly from Windows Search by typing “Windows Defender Firewall.”

What are Microsoft 365 Defender and Azure Defender?

Microsoft Defender is available in two tailored experiences: Microsoft 365 Defender for end-user environments and Azure Defender for cloud and hybrid infrastructure. Organizations can use Microsoft 365 Defender to secure email, client endpoints, identity, and apps. Azure Defender can provide protection for server endpoints, containers, networks, managed apps, and SQL Server.

Do I need a firewall with Windows Defender?

No, you don’t need to install any additional firewall software; the Windows Security app already includes one. However, if you do install one, it’s recommended that you keep the Windows Defender Firewall enabled, regardless of whether you have another firewall installed on your computer.

Are Windows Defender and the Firewall the same thing?

No, they are different. Windows Defender (now Microsoft Defender) is an antivirus program that protects your system against various threats such as malware, viruses, etc. On the other hand, Windows Defender Firewall is responsible for monitoring network traffic and blocking hackers to prevent unauthorized access.

Which Defender components are already included in your license, and are they enabled? Read about how ALTA-ICT sets up security.

Source: thewindowsclub