There is a wide range of antivirus software out there to select from. When it comes to protecting your system from threats like viruses, malware, and zero-day attacks, having mediocre anti-virus software is something you cannot afford nowadays.
Windows Defender is a good antivirus program for Windows 10, but as an interested user you should also check out other free antivirus software, right? Avast is one of the most popular names in this field. Now, which one should you select? Avast or Windows Defender? If you are looking for an honest comparison between Avast and Windows Defender, read on. In this article, we will show you Avast and Windows Defender’s performance in different areas.
Windows Defender Antivirus
Windows Defender Antivirus (earlier known as Windows Defender) is a pre-installed anti-malware program on Windows. It was publicized on October 24, 2006, as an anti-spyware program with a free download for Windows XP. It later became anti-virus software and replaced Microsoft Security Essentials as part of Windows 8 and later versions.
Avast antivirus:
Avast Antivirus was made by Avast, one of the largest multinational cybersecurity software companies in the world. Avast is presently used by more than 438 million users in 186 countries. Avast prohibits more than 3 billion attacks worldwide every month.
You can test Avast for free on a Windows computer or on your laptops. Avast is famous for applying advanced technologies to combat all types of viruses, malware, and electronic threats. Avast is compatible with all major operating systems, including iOS, Mac Windows, and Android. In addition to the free version, Avast offers four paid versions called Avast Internet Security, Avast Premier Avast Pro Antivirus, and Avast Ultimate.
AV-Test results
Win Defender features include reduced system impact, ongoing free updates, full Microsoft support, and adequate protection. To get a complete picture and see how good or bad this antivirus is, we have to compare it to other free solutions.
AV-Test is one of the most respected external tests: they’ve been in this industry for more than 15 years. You rate each product based on three factors (the worst score is zero, and the best six).
The three factors are protection, performance, and ease of use. In February 2020, tests showed a significant improvement over April 2018 results. Windows Defender earned 6 protection points and 5.5 performance and usability. In real-time tests against malware attacks, it achieved 99.6%.
AV-Comparatives follow a slightly different approach and provide a better understanding of the performance of antivirus software. With a zero-rate interaction rate, a 99.1-percent block rate, and 106 positives, Windows Defender appears to be more than decent.
On the other hand, several independent tests have proven the steadfastness of Avast Antivirus.
The AV test made in July and August 2018 proved that Avast can sense and get rid of 99% of threats. It also got 6 points from 6 points for the protection level it provides to users’ devices. In August of 2018, the real protection test by AV-Comparatives Avast showed a value of 99.5%. For this reason, antivirus software ranks only 12th. This can upset some users as many opponents are 100% efficient.
Additionally, Avast has performed well on the MRG-Effitas Trojan test and received a Level II certification for malware protection functions. Level II indicates that the smallest virus can enter your PC, but the program removed it in 24 hours.
Still, Avast has shown poor outcomes in tests conducted by UK laboratories SE. The purpose of this test is to evaluate whether antivirus software can handle different kinds of virus attacks once it is sensed. Avast Free Antivirus is only 91% accurate. This result is not striking equated to other free antivirus software.
Scan speed
Windows Defender uses the same powerful scanning engine that Microsoft Security Essentials uses. Since there’s no easy way to schedule scans, this is a bigger problem. A full system scan of 30 GB of data on an SSD took 20 minutes with Windows Defender, and subsequent scans took the same time. Determines that Windows Defender does not ignore files that have not changed since the last time they were processed. It took Avast five minutes and nine seconds to analyze the same data, and although it wasn’t faster in subsequent analyzes, it’s still much faster than Windows Defender. In addition, you can easily schedule checks that Avast sometimes runs when you are not on your computer, such as B. After business hours (provided you leave your computer around the clock).
Performance
Windows Defender had to win this round to keep the race interesting but had no legs to compete with Avast. Using our set of malware, Avast found twice as many bad files as Windows Defender. However, this may depend on how each program calculates individual files in an infected file. In either case, Malwarebytes detected infections that Windows Defender and Avast could not detect. With Windows Defender Missing Auto Protection Mode, avast can better detect today’s zero threats and add a second level of security. Finally, we use some caution because Microsoft’s anti-malware engine is experiencing certification issues by the well-known test lab AV-Test (www.av-test.org). Ultimately, this important trick returns to Avast.
TotalAV is a free virus protection program. It provides many features and functions and has a remarkable browser extension to protect from phishing attacks. Though it doesn’t provide a real-time shield or a firewall like Windows Defender, you can update to the paid edition to get both.
In short, Windows Defender is an appropriate virus protection, but it’s not the best free solution. According to AV-Comparatives and AV-Test, it’s pretty close to becoming a great free product, but it’s not yet met. As the tests show, Avast, Bullguard, Bitdefender, and McAfee are your best options.
A few years ago, the idea of using Win Defender as the only unusual antivirus was. In 2020, it is an efficient solution and a good choice for ordinary users. However, we recommend that you install one of the top-rated products mentioned in this article to be 100% sure that you are well protected.
