Entered CNET Catalog: 12/11/2007
SKU: CNETWINDOWSDEFENDER1593
Manufacturer: Microsoft Corp.
Product summary
The good: Windows Defender is free, offers many advanced features, provides fast scans, is light on system resources, and includes two free technical support calls.
The bad: Windows Defender requires you to verify your Windows license before you can even download the app. It missed half of the spyware on our test machine and didn't fully remove half of the spyware samples in our tests.
The bottom line: Windows Defender is free and therefore should be a part of your desktop antispyware collection.
Editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 12/13/2007
Editors' note: On March 5, 2008, CNET revised its antispyware review ratings to emphasize a product's ability to remove spyware. The new ratings are based on the following formula: Installation (20 percent), Features (20 percent), Performance (50 percent), and Support (10 percent). In most cases a product's rating went down, expanding the range between highest and lowest rated.
Microsoft Windows Defender is perhaps the best free antispyware application we looked at this year, but we disagree with Microsoft's aggressive need to verify our Windows license--not once but twice--before allowing us the opportunity to download and install Windows Defender. Given that it's a free app, we would prefer that Microsoft see the larger picture and have all desktops clean of malicious spyware, regardless of their Windows status. Once Windows Defender is installed, it's pretty darn good. Advanced users will appreciate the granularity in its controls. We do continue to fault Windows Defender only for being too lenient with some adware and spyware, labeling most every item we tested as low threats, an opinion not shared by other vendors, but Windows Defender did detect 9 out the 10 spyware items in our CNET tests and was among our top products for completely removing spyware infections. Setup
Although Windows Defender is free, you cannot simply download it and run the product. As mentioned, if you haven't already done so, you must first download and install the Windows Verification tool on your desktop, then you must validate that you are in fact running a licensed version of Windows. Only then may you download Windows Defender. Guess what? Microsoft then asks you again to validate your copy of Microsoft Windows before continuing with the Windows Defender wizard. If you follow the default settings in the installation wizard, you are automatically signed up for SpyNet, Microsoft's in-house database of spyware seen in the wild. If you do not want any information transmitted back to Microsoft, choose the Install Definition Updates Only option instead. You will also need to agree to a supplemental license agreement, one that goes beyond what you agreed to when you installed your genuine version of Windows XP SP2 or Windows Vista. And there you have it. It's like getting frisked (twice) as you walk into the post office; Microsoft makes the process of downloading and installing so unpleasant for this free application that you might not have the patience for it.
Interface
The final release of Windows Defender didn't wow us with its design. The interface looks as though some coder realized he needed a front end to go with the program and slapped together some buttons, a dropdown menu, and a few other goodies. More advanced users won't care; the interface is clean and relatively well-organized. But there's a lot of unused white space and small type.
Features
The free Windows Defender is more than adequate, although Microsoft says a more enhanced version is available in Microsoft Windows Live OneCare. Still, the free version offers a fast scanning engine and protection for non-administrator users on your system. As for specific features, advanced users may appreciate these more than the casual user would.
The Windows Defender History feature acts like HiJackThis, logging changes made to the system registry. The difference is that HiJackThis provides a snapshot; Windows Defender provides a running log of all system changes. The Tools page is Defender's catch-all page. Under Options, you'll find automatic scanning, default actions, real-time protection options, advanced options, and administrator options. Most users will not need to change these settings. There's also an option to join or leave SpyNet. As a member, quarantine lists will be sent to SpyNet for processing, alerting Microsoft to new outbreaks and new spyware.
Software Explorer is also a cool tool, allowing you to look at start-up programs, currently running programs, network-connected programs, and Winsock service providers. Reviewing these lists is another way to check against rogue applications running on your desktop. Many name programs are automatically listed as "permitted," but we found several Google products, such as Picasa, still marked "not yet classified."
Performance
For antispyware protection, Microsoft Windows Defender lands in second place in our current CNET antispyware tests. CNET Labs conducts three separate tests using spyware found to be bundled within free applications rejected by CNET Download.com (as part of its software policies, Download.com does not host applications containing known spyware). In the first test, active detection, Windows Defender detected 70 percent of the spyware; in the second test, on-demand, Windows Defender detected 80 percent of the spyware; and in the final test, removal, Windows Defender removed all traces of 70 percent of the spyware in the test.
Support
Windows Defender includes two free support incidents, although Microsoft qualifies coverage by adding: "examples of valid support scenarios are installation, configuration, definition update, detection, and removal errors." After the first two, Microsoft will charge $35 per incident. Microsoft does host several free user forums around its Windows Defender product.
Conclusion
It's hard to knock a free product that works and gives you some technical support. We only wish that Microsoft would be more aggressive with its threat ratings and actually remove items that other vendors agree could pose a danger. That said, Windows Defender performed very well in our December 2007 test results.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18out of 18 user reviews
don't waste your time with this
Pros: nothing. the only intention is make you buy it.
Cons: it makes you waste your time becouse your ar looking for something free and it is not for removal.
out of 18 user reviews
Nothing was detected
Pros: free, easy to download & install, doesn't slow the computer down
Cons: I never detected anything in 18 months of use.
out of 18 user reviews
This is a Micro$oft Product people..
Pros: You know I wish I could come up with something.
Cons: Why Micro$oft has not bit there quivering bottom lip and recalled this thing.
out of 18 user reviews
Reviewers comments are contradictory !!!
Pros: None noted
Cons: Uses up too much system resources, takes long to scan, and misses several items that other spyware programs catch.
out of 18 user reviews
It pretty much works. It is a good arrow in my quiver.
Pros: I like that you don't have to interact with Windows Defender and it will, without direction, update itself and protect your system.
Cons: It doesn't stop every conceivable spy or ad(and I don't expect it to), and I use other products to help, such as Avast!, SpywareBlaster and SuperAntiSpyware to help keep my PC working.
I have noted that it will occasionally stop malicious software, requiring some interaction, so I don't wonder if it works. That is gratifying.
out of 18 user reviews
Windows Defender - utterly worthless
Pros: Wastes lots of time with updates and reboots.
Cons: Catching and stopping nasties on your system?
It's couldn't find a hole in it's arse with a map in broad daylight.
Everything to do with Microsoft is total ********.
Using XP.
Downloaded a file. The EXE name didn't match the program name (duh), I scanned the RAR archive with ESET before decompression and after decompressing it.
I thought well if it's malware, all the security software should catch it.
Within 30 seconds of running the installation file, there was a forced crash and reboot and Windows Defender/ Eset / Spybot S&D, Kerio Firewall, Hijack This - all knocked out.
Couldn't install new versions - AVG, ESET, etc., now getting declared "Not Valid Win32 Applications".
Found 4 different root kits, 2 trojans and a few registry changes....
System restore was crippled - as in it would back date in word only, but nothing would happen.
So I turned that off.
Malware bytes was the only thing that did work - but every time it scanned and caught everything - on reboot, and with another scan it kept on catching the same old new stuff.
So I am using a linux based LIVE CD, called Dr Web to scan my PC.
http://www.freedrweb.com/livecd/
It's been going for 2 days - hope it works.
I have come to see the Windows Spin as nothing more as a 1000 Lb Gorilla standing in the front door - while the back door and windows are all wide open.
It only took 30 seconds from the time I hit "Install" for these ****** bits of software, to run around the back of the house, through the back door - and walk straight up behind the gorilla - stuck a gun up it's ass and pull the trigger.
Microsoft and it's "toughness" and security" are as impressive as an aircraft breaking in two at 30,000 feet....
That's TWO pieces as in LEFT HALF and RIGHT HALF.
I only moved up to Office 2007 with an old style menu system creator, because under duress - they made finding and getting the PATCHES and UPDATES for Office 2000 - so damned impossible.
I mean aside from some improvements in the way it runs, MS Office 2007 I feel is only worth getting for free.
Most of the improvements should have been as a natural part of the evolution of a single product But they decided to write "new and improved software" - by putting an X on the end of *.doc".
But NO MORE.
There is tones of really good linux software available.
I have heaps of Linux stuff and after this "break wide open" - with a complete failure of all the MS and other security software, I am going to harden my linux OS's right up and I am only going to run my legacy MS / windows apps under Virtual Machine.
MS software and it's security - as a matter of design, is all paper tiger.
Given the fact that there are entire industries created around keeping YOUR hard work, that YOU created on this OPERATING SYSTEM, well that kind of spells it all out - at the very outset.
It's like buying a NEW car, and then having to pay a heap more - forever, to keep a fleet of mechanics, a tow truck, several sets of spare parts - being an complete emergency breakdown unit - always following you around.
And I am expected to get into a management meeting for the updates and reinstallation and system scans - with multiple software - because that pays...
I mean I think it would be completely unrealistic to expect a no brainer system of any sort in this day and age, but doesn't MS's unscrupulous practices and HAVING to have an emergency breakdown unit follow you around every where - because the OS's own systems are so prone to failure or can be smashed and broken - because the reliability and invulnerability is non existent?
I mean if people were faced with a car like this, they would never buy it; so why should they keep taking this crap from an irresponsible and unethical company that keeps churning out insecure and unreliable crap?
I woke up to the crap that MS churns out and I figure that with the amount of time I have to spend maintaining my system, because of the problems and potential problems with their initial and ongoing build quality - then a) their software should be FREE, and they should be paying ME to fix and repair and operate it.
Sure it requires much time and effort to learn the intricacies of an entirely NEW operating system, but
a) Almost all of the Linux stuff is excellent.
b) I don't have to spend the rest of my life going around in circles - performing unpaid Microsoft Maintainance Management,
c) And the time I would have kept spending ferreting out the malware that climbs in and hides on my XP system - before I do the online banking etc.,
d) I can now spend on IMPROVING and UPGRADING a rock solid and hardenable OS called Linux.
Using some REALLY incredible software - of which there are some 26,000 bits available - mostly for free.
So IF you want a really secure, stable and excellent operating system - it's all there.
It's secure and stable by default.
And if your keen, you CAN build and or modify it all yourself.... Non of these secret codings in hidden files by Microsoft....
So as of today - It's Bye Bye Microsoft.
Permanently.
out of 18 user reviews
Not a must to download
Pros: None to be mentioned.
Cons: There are still flaws in the software to be explored as not many of the spywares scannned by Windows Defender are in total cleanage.
out of 18 user reviews
Gettting Better.
Pros: Light on system resources, fast and quite attractable user interface, free, bullet fast scans, automatically updates, Microsoft malware database is getting more serious and better.
Cons: May in some cases be compermised by malware, low detection rates not very comprehensive.
out of 18 user reviews
Very poor. Much better free utilities out there.
Pros: At www.mjscomputers.net , we had problems removing the rogue Antivirus2009 program. This was one of the few products that did remove it - well done.. down hill after this.....
Cons: The problem is, Windows Defender seems to want to "phone home" to find solutions. Spyware often compromises your internet connection so you go around in a vicious circle. Misses far too many known spyware for our liking.
It seems very strange that Microsoft have not been capable of putting together a better package than this.
By the way, it DOES slow your PC down, especially if it is running Vista.
out of 18 user reviews
No Defense !
Pros: Easy To Use and Properly Tweaked Can Allow Controll Over Programs . Alerts Are O.K.
Cons: Does Not Find Spyware Or Viruses . Needs To Update Definitions Before a Scan . Microsoft Can Improve Windows Defender .
out of 18 user reviews
Defends against nothing
Pros: Extremely easy to use.
Cons: I don't think it does anything at all.
out of 18 user reviews
Useless software
Pros: Free, unobtrusive
Cons: Doesn't find anything
out of 18 user reviews
I have tried Windows Defender twice now. It doesn't seem to work well at all!!!
Pros: free...that's about it for the pros
Cons: Just doesn't do anything...pretty big con if you ask me!
out of 18 user reviews
At least it is free
Pros: Just that...it's free
Cons: Have to have a valid copy of Windows
But apart from that I have found since I installed it that it misses a number of very common spyware. Others that it does catch it signals them as low risk while other programs such as Ad-Aware etc class them as middle to high risk. Why the difference? Links with that company? I've seen it before!!!
out of 18 user reviews
Defender vs SpyBot
Pros: Gets some of the spyware
Cons: Doesn't get all
out of 18 user reviews
That's stupid
Pros: Non intrusive
Cons: Everything else
I definately mean my rating of 1... ABYSMAL!
out of 18 user reviews
does it really do anything?
Pros: i can't tell it's on here
Cons: i don't know if it does anything???
out of 18 user reviews
Although it has a nice interface and is easy to use, it doesn't always pick up all the spyware.
Pros: Free; easy to use, streamlined interface, frequent updates
Cons: Not as powerful and flexible; misses a considerable amount of spyware on occasion
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