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Microsoft Defender Antivirus vs. McAfee Antivirus

Microsoft Defender Antivirus vs. McAfee Antivirus

by / January 29, 2022/ Brand Review, McAfee Review, Microsoft Review/

Microsoft Defender Antivirus is a free, pre-installed malware protection program for Windows 10. Microsoft Defender Antivirus is a free anti-malware software that was previously called Windows Defender.

McAfee Antivirus Software is pre-installed onto the following Windows PCs

  • ASUS
  • Dell
  • HP
  • Lenovo

McAfee has four complete anti-virus software packages. McAfee offers multiple protection options for Windows, macOS Android, iOS, and iOS. McAfee’s subscription plans offer more than just antivirus protection: they include high-quality malware detection, blocking, and elimination.

Microsoft Defender can be activated by the user without any activation if you only own one computer. McAfee and other vendors offer more complete antivirus software packages that can protect multiple devices from malware and privacy threats.

Microsoft

Pre-installed Microsoft Defender Antivirus activates your protections automatically if you have no other antivirus software installed on your Windows 10 computers. Your Windows 10 PC is protected against malware threats in real time, including spyware, viruses, and ransomware.

Windows 10 doesn’t include the name Microsoft Defender. Microsoft Defender is found under Windows 10 security options. It protects against various security threats, provides account protection, browser and app controls, device security as well device performance and data protection.

Microsoft Defender’s malware protections have been well-respected, but are intended to deal with real-time malicious threats. Microsoft Defender, like the Windows Security Options, does not provide the full range of protections, privacy, cybersecurity, and security features offered by McAfee, antivirus, or the wider Windows Security options. These missing features include identity theft protection, anti-spam/anti-phishing protection as well as webcam protection. Microsoft Defender also does not provide protections beyond what it has been pre-installed on Windows 10.

If you have a Windows 10 computer that you aren’t using, you should use it as a backup.

McAfee, or any other paid antivirus subscription, is strongly recommended if you have multiple devices using different operating systems.

Summary

Microsoft Defender Antivirus comes pre-installed with Windows 10 and is a free, real-time anti-malware feature. It automatically activates when third party antivirus protection has been disabled. Microsoft Defender is a part of Microsoft’s Windows Security Settings.

Pros

  • Free real-time protection from viruses, malware, spyware
  • Activates automatically if no other antivirus solution is detected
  • Windows Defender Offline scans and reboots PC to eliminate persistent malware
  • Includes a firewall and Find My Device to locate, lock, or erase a Windows 10 PC

Cons

  • Protects only a single Windows 10 device
  • Offers only real-time malicious threat protection and on-demand scanning
  • No added protections against email spam or phishing
  • No online privacy protections, such as a VPN, password manager, or identity theft protection

If you have multiple devices such as computers, tablets, smartphones, laptops and tablets that run different operating systems (Windows and macOS), McAfee or another vendor of antivirus software is a smarter choice.

McAfee’s antivirus software comes in four tiers. You can choose to auto-renew your subscription for a VPN. This applies even to the entry-level Total protection single device plan that costs $49.99 for two years, and $159.99 for each additional two-year period. McAfee package includes real-time malicious attack protection, a password manager and safe web browsing technology. McAfee Shredder permanently deletes files so they cannot be restored.

McAfee Total Protection Individual and Couples and Total Protection Family and LiveSafe plans all offer identity theft protections. These include dark web monitoring and Social Security number tracing. LiveSafe also offers 24/7 customer service in case your identity is stolen. The Family Plan covers 10 devices with parental controls. McAfee LiveSafe can be used on a variety of operating systems and devices.

Microsoft Defender is not able to provide any privacy protections. Instead, it covers only one Windows 10 computer.

Summary

McAfee offers internet security products to small, medium, large and large companies. This includes 80% Fortune 100 businesses, 87% global banks, 54% of top 50 retailers, and 80% of Fortune 100 firms.

Pros

  • VPN included in all pricing tiers (with automatic renewal)
  • All versions support Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android
  • Virus Protection Pledge money-back malware removal guarantee with auto-renewal
  • Customer support

Cons

  • Deep initial discounts mean higher renewal prices
  • VPN and identity theft included only with auto-renewal
  • Full identity theft protection requires an extra subscription

Microsoft 

Microsoft Defender Antivirus is pre-installed on Windows 10 and provides free, real-time protection against malware. It is activated automatically when third party antivirus protection is disabled. Microsoft Defender is part Microsoft Security Settings.

Microsoft introduced online security to Windows with its standalone antivirus Security Essentials software, which was released in 2009 for Windows XP (Windows Vista), and Windows 7. Security Essentials was eventually renamed Microsoft Defender and integrated into Windows 8 (Windows 8.1) and Windows 10. Microsoft Defender Antivirus became Microsoft Defender Antivirus, and was then renamed Microsoft Defender Antivirus in May 2020.

McAfee, one of few antivirus software providers for consumers, also offers internet security products to small, medium and large businesses. This includes 80% Fortune 100 companies, 87% world-leading banks, and 54% top 50 retailers.

McAfee has four antivirus packages. All of them include basic malware protections as well as a VPN, password security, and firewall.

Total Protection One Device: $49.99 in the first 2 years, $259.99 on renewal, and $29.99 for each subsequent 2 year period. This policy covers one device and one person.

Total protection Individuals & Couples:$59.99 in the first 2 years, $199.99 on renewal and $0 for each additional 2 years. Includes McAfee Shredder, which permanently deletes files and encrypted storage. Also includes identity theft protection.

Total Protection Family 39.99/$119.99 per year or $59.99/$239.99 per two-year. It covers 10 devices, and provides parental controls for the other two plans.

McAfee antivirus software is pre-installed in many Windows 10 computers. This includes computers made by ASUS and Dell, HP, Lenovo, and HP. McAfee also offers financial and identity theft monitoring plans.

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