Is Windows Defender Safe?
Windows Defender — Nerq Trust Score 65.2/100 (B- grade). Score based on 2 independent trust signals. Last analyzed: 2026-04-02
Windows Defender is a antivirus software (now comparable to paid solutions) with a Nerq Trust Score of 65.2/100 (B-), based on 3 independent data dimensions. Last analyzed: 2026-04-02 Security: 90/100. Popularity: 100/100. Data sourced from multiple public sources including package registries, GitHub, NVD, OSV.dev, and OpenSSF Scorecard. Last updated: 2026-04-02. Machine-readable data (JSON).
Is Windows Defender safe?
Trust Score Breakdown — Windows Defender has a Nerq Trust Score of 65.2/100 (B-). Measured across 2 independent trust signals (as of 2026-04-02).
What is Windows Defender's trust score?
Windows Defender has a Nerq Trust Score of 65.2/100, earning a B- grade. This score is based on 2 independently measured dimensions including security, maintenance, and community adoption.
What are the key security findings for Windows Defender?
Windows Defender's strongest signal is popularity at 100/100. No known vulnerabilities have been detected.
What is Windows Defender and who maintains it?
| Author | Unknown |
| Category | Antivirus |
| Source | N/A |
Antivirus Assessment
Independent Lab Results (AV-TEST)
Windows Defender scored 6.0/6 on protection and 5.5/6 on performance in AV-TEST independent testing. Perfect protection score. Slightly higher system impact than top performers.
Security Track Record
Windows Defender has no known major security incidents or privacy scandals.
Build Your Security Stack
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Windows Defender Across Platforms
Same developer/company in other registries:
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Safety Guide: Windows Defender
What is Windows Defender?
Windows Defender is a antivirus software — Microsoft Defender (formerly Windows Defender) is the built-in antivirus for Windows 10 and 11. Free, no installation required, auto-updates via Windows Update. AV-TEST score: 6/6 protection, 5.5/6 pe.
How to Verify Safety
Check AV-TEST lab results. Review incident history and privacy policy.
You can also check the trust score via API: GET /v1/preflight?target=Windows Defender
Key Safety Concerns for antivirus software
When evaluating any antivirus software, watch for: detection rate, system impact, privacy practices, jurisdiction.
Measured Signals
Windows Defender has a Nerq Trust Score of 65/100 (B-). This score is a composite of automated measurements of security, maintenance, community, and quality signals.
Key Takeaways
- Windows Defender has a Trust Score of 65/100 (B-).
- The score is a measured composite — it is not a suitability judgment. Evaluate the individual signals against your own requirements.
- Query the current measured values via the Nerq API.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Windows Defender Safe?
What is Windows Defender's trust score?
What are safer alternatives to Windows Defender?
How often is Windows Defender's safety score updated?
Can I use Windows Defender in a regulated environment?
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Disclaimer: Nerq trust scores are automated measurements based on publicly available signals. They are not endorsements, verdicts, or guarantees of suitability. Always evaluate the signals against your own requirements.