Does Defender give me everything Norton does?

Starla Ingersol 0 Reputation points
2026-09-02T01:53:06.04+00:00

My Norton subscription is due to expire in a month or so and I'm thinking of switching to Defender. Is Defender better? I have Norton 360 now, but I have to keep buying more to get more; like driver cleanup and password monitor.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Microsoft 365 Defender | For home | Other
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  1. Marcin Policht 106.8K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2026-09-02T03:18:35.49+00:00

    Microsoft Defender is a capable, free built-in antivirus for Windows, and for most home users, it provides sufficient protection without requiring an additional third-party antivirus. It provides real-time protection against viruses, ransomware, spyware, and other malware.

    Note though that there is a difference between Windows Security/Defender Antivirus from the Microsoft Defender app. The Microsoft Defender app is included with Microsoft 365 Personal and Family and adds broader cross-device protection features, including malware protection, web protection, real-time security notifications, and security recommendations across Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.

    Compared with Norton 360, Defender is generally sufficient for core antivirus protection on a typical home PC. Defender does not, however, provide all of Norton's bundled utility features. For example, Defender does not include a comparable driver updater or cleanup utility, and it does not provide a dedicated consumer password manager equivalent to Norton's. You can use Microsoft Edge for built-in password storage and breach alerts, but that is separate from Defender itself.

    Microsoft Defender for individuals can provide some features that overlap with Norton's broader protection offerings. For Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscribers, Microsoft Defender includes identity theft monitoring and, in supported scenarios, credit monitoring, expert recommendations, restoration support, and identity theft insurance.

    Another consideration is that you generally should not run Norton and Microsoft Defender's real-time antivirus protection simultaneously. Microsoft recommends avoiding multiple real-time antivirus or antispyware products because they can reduce performance and cause installation or update problems. If switching from Norton to Defender, uninstall Norton first so that Defender can resume providing real-time protection.

    So if your primary goal is strong malware protection on a Windows PC, Microsoft Defender is likely enough and eliminates the need for an annual antivirus subscription. If you have Microsoft 365 Personal or Family, the Microsoft Defender app provides additional personal and family security features.

    If the above response helps answer your question, remember to "Accept Answer" so that others in the community facing similar issues can easily find the solution. Your contribution is highly appreciated.

    hth

    Marcin

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  2. AI answer

    2026-09-02T01:53:24.86+00:00

    For most home use, Microsoft Defender is enough, and an additional third-party antivirus is generally not necessary.

    What Defender includes depends on which "Defender" is meant:

    • Windows Security / Microsoft Defender Antivirus is built into Windows 10 and 11 and provides real-time protection against viruses, ransomware, spyware, and other malware.
    • Microsoft Defender app is included with Microsoft 365 Personal or Family and adds cross-device protection features such as malware protection, web protection, real-time security notifications, and security tips across Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.

    Compared with Norton:

    • For core antivirus protection, Microsoft Defender is generally sufficient for a typical home PC.
    • Microsoft recommends not running another antivirus or antispyware product at the same time as Windows Defender because multiple real-time security products can affect performance and can cause install or update errors such as 0x80070643.
    • Microsoft Defender for individuals also includes identity theft monitoring for Microsoft 365 Personal/Family subscribers, with credit monitoring, expert recommendations, restoration support, and identity theft insurance in supported scenarios.

    About the extra Norton-style features mentioned:

    • The context supports identity theft monitoring and related protection features in Microsoft Defender for individuals.
    • The context does not show Microsoft Defender including driver cleanup or password monitor as equivalent built-in features.
    • The privacy protection (VPN) feature in Microsoft Defender for individuals is being removed, with end of support on February 28, 2025. Device protection, identity theft monitoring, and credit monitoring continue.

    Practical takeaway:

    1. If the goal is strong built-in malware protection on Windows, Defender is enough for most home users.
    2. If a Microsoft 365 Personal or Family subscription is active, the Microsoft Defender app adds broader personal/family protection features.
    3. If specific extras such as driver cleanup or a password monitoring feature are the deciding factor, the available information here does not show Defender matching Norton feature-for-feature.
    4. If switching, avoid keeping Norton and Defender real-time protection active together. Uninstall the previous security software first.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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