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Windows Defender, now Microsoft Defender Antivirus, is a software application that safeguards systems from malware. It is an anti-spyware program built to fight unauthorized access and protect Windows computers from unwanted software. It was introduced with the Windows Vista installation pack, and was made available for free as part of Microsoft Security Essentials.
Windows Defender was previously known as Microsoft AntiSpyware. It is now part of the Windows Security suite and is called Microsoft Defender Antivirus, as we explain in our Microsoft Defender Antivirus review.
Techopedia Explains Windows Defender
Released in 2006, Windows Defender was a built-in anti-spyware application included with Windows Vista and Windows 7, and was later updated to include support for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. Windows Defender was later incorporated into Microsoft Security Essentials, which targets a wider range of malware and is available as a free download.
Windows Defender was updated with the release of Windows 8. In Windows 8, rather than focusing solely on spyware, Windows Defender offered virus protection, like Microsoft Security Essentials.
Consumers are encouraged to consider third-party products that offer additional features to provide multi-layered security protection.
