Windows Defender is built into the latest versions of Windows and helps guard your PC against viruses and other malware.
For a PC running an older version of Windows 7, you can download Microsoft Security Essentials for the low, low price of free.
| Microsoft Security Essentials Windows 7 | Windows Defender Windows 8,Windows RT, Windows 8.1, Windows RT 8.1, Windows 10 | |
| Real-time protection against spyware, viruses, rootkits, and other malicious software | X | X |
| Online system scanning and cleaning | X | X |
| Dynamic signature service | X | X |
| Offline system scanning and cleaning | X | X |
| Enhanced protection against rootkits and bootkits | X |
Windows Defender for Windows 8, Windows RT, Windows 8.1, Windows RT 8.1, and Windows 10 provides built-in protection against malware. You can't use Microsoft Security Essentials, but you don't need to—Windows Defender is already included and ready to go.
If you’re looking to protect a PC with an older version of running Windows 7, you can use Microsoft Security Essentials to provide comprehensive malware protection that will help guard against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software. It provides free* real-time protection for your home or small business PCs.
Note: Windows Defender is also available in Windows 7. However, in Windows 7, Defender only provides protection against spyware. In the Windows 8, Windows RT, Windows 8.1, Windows RT 8.1, and Windows 10, Windows Defender provides full malware protection for your PC. Malware consists of viruses, spyware, and other potentially unwanted software.
Article ID: 14210 - Last Review: May 25, 2016 - Revision: 34
