Microsoft Defender has indeed become a robust antivirus solution, especially in recent years. Its performance is quite competitive with other free and even some paid antivirus programs. It consistently scores well in independent tests like those from AV-Test and AV-Comparatives, often showing strong protection capabilities without a hefty impact on system performance.
For everyday activities like browsing and downloading files, Microsoft Defender is generally sufficient. It's integrated into Windows 11, which means it works seamlessly with the operating system, providing real-time protection and benefiting from regular updates without additional cost.
Regarding settings, one tip is to ensure that Real-time protection and Cloud-delivered protection are enabled for optimal security. You might also want to enable Controlled folder access under the Ransomware protection settings to safeguard your files.
As for issues, while Defender is quite stable, there are occasionally minor bugs or false positives, but these are usually resolved quickly with updates. Keeping your system updated helps mitigate most issues.
Overall, if you're looking for a hassle-free, solid security solution and you're mostly engaging in regular activities, Microsoft Defender should serve you well. If you have specific needs or concerns, like high-risk online activities, it might be worth considering additional layers of protection.
