Yes, you can use Windows Defender as an antivirus program. Windows Defender is an anti-malware program that comes pre-installed with Windows 8 and later versions of Windows operating systems. It is also available in earlier versions of the Windows operating system and can be downloaded from the Microsoft website.
Windows Defender provides protection against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software. It can detect, quarantine, and remove malicious items that may have already been installed on your computer. It can also scan emails and web pages to identify threats before they get to your system.
Windows Defender also monitors your computer for suspicious behavior. If something looks suspicious, it will alert you. It also works in the background, silencing pop-ups and providing updates to help protect your system from new threats.
Windows Defender also integrates with the Windows SmartScreen Filter to provide an additional layer of security. The SmartScreen Filter checks URLs or websites you visit against a list of reported phishing and malware sites. If the URL or website is identified as malicious, the SmartScreen Filter will block access and warn you that the site is unsafe.
In addition, Windows Defender can detect files that have the same type of properties as known malware. It alerts you to suspicious activity and identifies those files as potential threats.
Windows Defender is a powerful tool that can provide effective protection against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software. It can provide an additional layer of security but is not a replacement for a full antivirus program. Windows Defender can help protect your computer from certain types of malicious threats, but it is not always as effective as a full antivirus program.
A full antivirus program can provide increased protection against a wider range of threats. These programs often offer more sophisticated detection and removal capabilities, as well as additional layers of protection. They can also include additional features such as firewall protection, email scanning, identity theft protection, and parental controls.
In summary, while Windows Defender can provide some level of protection against certain types of malicious threats, it is not a replacement for a full antivirus program. A full antivirus program can provide better protection and additional features that are not offered by Windows Defender. Therefore, it is recommended to install a full antivirus program instead of relying solely on Windows Defender.