While surfing the internet, your device may be vulnerable to various threats. That’s why Microsoft introduced Windows Defender antivirus to all Windows 11/10 computers. It is a free antivirus that comes pre-installed on all Windows 11/10 computers. But if you open your Windows 11/10 Settings, you will see that Virus & threat protection is added under Windows Security. Some of you may wonder what Windows Security is. Is it different from Windows Defender or are both of them the same? In this article, we will explain the difference between Microsoft Defender, Windows Defender, Windows Security, and Windows Defender Firewall.

Difference between Microsoft Defender, Windows Defender, Windows Security, and Windows Defender Firewall

Windows Defender is a free antivirus developed by Microsoft. It keeps scanning your system periodically and alerts you when a threat is detected on your system. Windows Defender also allows you to take action against threats.

Some of you may also have heard the term Microsoft Defender or are using it with Windows Defender interchangeably. Are both of these the same or different? If Windows Defender protects users’ computers from threats, what is Windows Security?

Windows computers also have a built-in Firewall called Windows Defender Firewall. You can open it via Windows Settings or by typing Windows Defender Firewall directly in Windows Search.

Difference between Windows Defender and Microsoft Defender

Let’s start our discussion with Windows Defender and Microsoft Defender. Windows Defender was first released by Microsoft as a free spyware program for Windows XP. Later, it was introduced in Windows Vista and Windows 7. After replacing Microsoft Security Essentials in Windows 8, Windows Defender evolved as a full antivirus program for Windows 8 and later versions of Windows.

A few years after the release of Windows 10, Microsoft decided to make its Windows Defender ATP (Advanced Threat Protection) service available for non-Windows devices too. From then, Microsoft changed the name of Windows Defender antivirus to Microsoft Defender antivirus.

Today, Microsoft Defender antivirus is a cross-platform application and is available for various platforms including Windows. You can download it on your Android and iOS devices too. Microsoft Defender is available on Google Play Store. You can search for it there and install it on your Android Smartphone.

Now, it is clear that the reason to change the name of Windows Defender to Microsoft Defender was to make it available for different platforms. The name Windows Defender means the antivirus is available only for Windows devices.

Difference between Microsoft Defender, Windows Security, and Windows Defender Firewall

Now, let’s see the difference between Microsoft Defender, Windows Security, and Windows Defender Firewall.

Windows Security is a complete protection suite that includes Microsoft Defender antivirus and other protection features. In the earlier versions of Windows 10, Windows Security was called Windows Defender Security Center.

If you want to see all the Protection areas of Windows Security, open Windows Security via Windows Search.

The Virus & threat protection section offers Microsoft Defender antivirus scans. You can run the following scans on your system using Microsoft Defender antivirus:

• Quick scan: Scans folders in your system where threats are most commonly found.
• Full scan: Checks files and the running programs on your hard disk. This scan could take longer than one hour.
• Custom scan: Here you can select which files and locations you want to scan with Microsoft Defender antivirus.
• Microsoft Defender Antivirus (Offline scan): The Offline scan helps detect and remove malicious software that can be difficult to remove.

A Firewall monitors incoming and outgoing traffic and allows and blocks data packets based on a set of security rules. Windows Defender Firewall is a built-in Firewall in all Windows computers. It is also a part of Windows Security. You can open it via Windows Security or directly from Windows Search by typing Windows Defender Firewall.

The Windows Defender Firewall controls who and what can access your networks. It blocks harmful apps from accessing the internet connection.

What is Microsoft 365 Defender and Azure Defender?

Microsoft Defender is delivered in two tailored experiences, Microsoft 365 Defender for end-user environments and Azure Defender for cloud and hybrid infrastructure. Organizations can use Microsoft 365 Defender to protect e-mail, client endpoints, identity, and apps. Azure Defender can add protection for server endpoints, containers, networks, managed apps, and SQL Server.

Do I need a Firewall with Windows Defender?

No, you do not need to install an additional firewall software s Windows Security app already has it. But if you do install one, it is recommended to keep Windows Defender Firewall turned on, whether you have another firewall installed on your computer or not.

Is Windows Defender and Firewall same?

No, they are different. Windows Defender (now Microsoft Defender) is an antivirus that protects your system from different threats like malware, virus, etc. On the other hand, Windows Defender Firewall is responsible for controlling network traffic and blocking hackers to prevent unauthorized access.