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Is Windows Defender good enough for my new laptop?
You've just unwrapped your presents on Christmas morning, and lo and behold, there's a brand-new Windows laptop in the box. As you set it up, you recall that you've heard a lot about the threats of malware and viruses, and you wonder if you need to buy third-party antivirus software for your shiny new machine.
The answer is: Maybe you don't. Windows 10 and Windows 11 come with their own antivirus software called Microsoft Defender Antivirus, aka Windows Defender. It used to be terrible, but in the past few years Microsoft has totally turned it around, and Defender is now one of the best antivirus programs, free or paid, at detecting, blocking and neutralizing malware.
Several other features found in paid antivirus products are also available for free in Windows 10 and Windows 11. Parental controls can be activated in the "Family Options" area of the Windows Security dashboard. There's a password manager hidden in the Microsoft Edge browser, and it will sync your passwords with the Microsoft Authenticator app for Android and iOS. An Edge feature called "SmartScreen" blocks known malicious websites and downloads.
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