What is our primary use case?
It is an antivirus. It is like any other antivirus, except it comes with Windows and you don't need to install anything extra.
How has it helped my organization?
People will ask you, "My system does not have an antivirus," because it is so hidden and subtle. You don't feel like you have an antivirus. Many users will wonder and come to you, saying, "I don't have an antivirus installed. Is that company policy? Do we need to get it from outside and install it?" So, we have to tell them, "No, there is an antivirus. It is there."
It is so seamless that people don't even feel or see it. It is just protecting everybody. If you are some kind of techie or have some experience with Windows Operating System, only then do you know that this thing is already built-in. If you go into the Task Manager, you can find the antivirus using up a lot of memory and a bit of CPU power, then you will understand that is the antivirus doing this. Normally, many people don't realize this.
What is most valuable?
It is already integrated with Windows 10, so you don't need to worry about that.
It is a basic firewall with some additional anti-exploit measures and parental controls already built in.
What needs improvement?
It is using a large space in your memory all the time. While an antivirus will use some of your memory, if they could reduce the load of the antivirus to some extent that would be good.
For how long have I used the solution?
We started using it when they started bundling it with Windows 10, which has been around three or four years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It is very stable.
You do not need to worry about maintenance. It is automatically updated. Sometimes it will show you a red marker to do a system scan. People normally kind of ignore that, but I suggest people do a system scan from time to time. Now, what happens is just a bubble icon showing a red cross sign, but that may not be enough. It should give a pop-up window to remind people to scan the system once a month or quarter. It should be built-in scanning, without asking anybody, once per month or quarter.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It is scalable.
There is no need to get an additional solution because it comes bundled with Windows.
We are protecting around 60 to 70 endpoints in India. In the entire company, there may be around 400 to 500.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We have used other antiviruses, like McAfee and Avira Antivirus.
The same thing can be viewed as a pro and a con:
Pro: It is more than silent; you do not even realize that it is an antivirus. Any other antivirus third-party will nag you with pop ups for any small threats. They want to show that they are doing something because you pay them money. They are funny, colorful pop-ups, whatever color they use is like an advertisement for them, e.g., "They are doing it wrong, and we pointed it out." Windows Defender does not do that. In a way, this is good for the people who know the threat sender. They do not really need to be nagged by the antivirus every time you open a site or click on a file.
Con: For normal people who do not know anything about the security side, some pop ups should be there. Some pop-ups call people's attention that you are doing it the wrong way. For example, "This is potentially wrong. Don't visit this site. Don't potentially open this link, file, or attachment." This is missing in Windows Defender.
What was our ROI?
It has a good return on investment, especially since we are used to paying for antivirus. Now, it is part of the Windows purchase.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
You don't need to worry about the renewal and purchase of antivirus products. It is bundled with Windows 10, so you don't need to worry about separately purchasing any antiviruses.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
Whenever you purchase an antivirus, there are so many factors to consider, such as, weighing, doing a comparison, studying everything, and analyzing the cost-benefit factors. You don't need to consider any of this with Windows Defender because it all comes with it. So, you don't need to worry about it.
With Windows Defender, Microsoft is protecting their own operating system from hackers, viruses, malware, etc. It is better to use Windows Defender over other third-party providers. Microsoft knows what best is for the solutions.
What other advice do I have?
If your computers or users are limited and you are not worried about using your computers for a lot of other browsing purposes or a lot of communication from the public, then you can depend on Microsoft Defender as your only solution. However, when your company is a lot more public facing, then you get a lot of mail from the public and must interact with the public. Also, if you must connect your computer to other computers not in your company, then I would suggest going for either a top-of-the line antivirus solution or third-party solutions. Totally depending on Microsoft Defender is not going to work for a company who is facing a lot of public interactions with their computer system.
I would rate it as an eight out of 10.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.