Last Updated on October 12, 2021 by Mathew Diekhake
Windows Defender has only been a reliable source of antivirus starting from Windows 10, and yet it is already being renamed. Microsoft has decided Windows Defender should, in fact, be called Microsoft Defender now. As Microsoft continues to evolve, it now sees Windows Defender as a cross-platform antivirus solution, hence the name change to Microsoft Defender.
Malware has been on the rise for the Mac operating system, and Microsoft recently announced Microsoft Defender ATP for Mac computer. Microsoft also has enterprise security called Microsoft Defender Advanced Threat Protection. Both additional ventures differ from the traditional antivirus for Windows is what has likely lead to the name change.
The rise of malware on Mac is nothing to worry about if you’re a Mac user. As we’ve said for many years, the malware goes where the people are, regardless of the operating system; and since we’re now seeing Mac laptops become more commonly used, the malware is beginning to spread.
Most tech writers who cover computer software agree that Windows Defender is now sufficient and does not need replacing by third-party antivirus solutions, though the option is still there if you prefer it. With Microsoft already doing a very good job of detecting and removing most malware, it’s position as a strong antivirus solution heading into the future is a likely one given its immense number of resources it can afford to throw in the direction of additional security should it choose. The one area Microsoft is yet to cover seriously is adware—and adware is what most malware security experts will tell you is the chief concern today. Thankfully, there are reliable tools that remove adware easily, such as Adwcleaner which Malwarebytes acquired in recent years.
It’s unknown if leaving a reason for quality third-party companies such as Malwarebytes to exist is the reason for Microsoft not yet being a complete solution for all your malware needs. Windows 10 comes with an optional Potentially Unwanted Program removal tool that you can enable if you want Microsoft Defender to detect PUPs in addition to what it has always considered being a computer virus. Microsoft claims to leave this as optional because it does not currently consider most PUPs as malware. It could be that Microsoft doesn’t yet consider adware as malware yet either, although it definitely belongs in the malware category for the terrible user experience it usually provides, as well the fact it provides a breeding ground for other malware to exist.