No, Windows Defender is not the same as antivirus software.
Windows Defender is an anti-malware program designed to protect Windows systems from malicious software such as viruses, spyware, and other forms of malicious code. It was initially included as part of Windows Vista, and has been included in all subsequent versions of Windows operating system. It is part of the Microsoft Security Essentials suite of security solutions.
Antivirus software is designed to detect, prevent, and remove malicious software such as computer viruses, worms, Trojans, ransomware, and other malicious programs. Unlike Windows Defender, antivirus software offers a more comprehensive protection solution by scanning files on your computer and providing real-time protection against malicious threats. Antivirus software also monitors network traffic and web browsing activities to identify any suspicious activity or potential threats.
Both Windows Defender and antivirus software can be used to protect a computer from malicious threats, however they are different in their approach and provide different levels of protection. Windows Defender provides basic protection while antivirus software typically provides a more comprehensive level of protection.
Windows Defender is pre-installed on all current versions of the Windows operating system and therefore is free to all Windows users. In contrast, antivirus software must be purchased from a software provider, though many providers offer free trial versions.
When it comes to performance and efficacy, Windows Defender offers basic protection but does not offer the same level of protection as a quality antivirus program. The main difference between the two is that antivirus programs usually have the ability to perform scans for malicious software on a regular basis, and provide more detailed reports about the threats it detects. Because of this, an antivirus program tends to give more comprehensive protection than Windows Defender.
In addition, some antivirus programs have additional features such as firewalls, parental controls, and data encryption, which may not be available in Windows Defender. However, these features vary depending on the type of antivirus program and the version of Windows that is being used.
Therefore, while Windows Defender provides basic protection against malicious threats, most users should consider investing in a quality antivirus program to ensure that their computers are fully protected from the latest threats.