MicroNugget: Does Windows Defender Suck?

In this video, Anthony Sequeira covers how Windows Defender performs with a badly infected Windows 8.1 machine. Defender is commonly criticized as being ineffective against adware, malware, and spyware. Anthony puts this to the test to see if this feature can be redeemed and, if so, how it can be optimized for performance.

Windows Defender is often criticized for being ineffective against adware, malware, and spyware. We want to know whether this reputation is well-deserved or not, so Anthony has configured a virtual machine to test this out. In the video, he walks through some common interactions consumers would have on Windows 8.1, downloading quite a bit of adware and spyware. He runs Windows Defender through its paces, then scrubs the machine for any remaining malware and compares the results with what he can obtain through a free anti-spyware tool. After watching this video, you’ll know whether Defender is just misunderstood or something that truly belongs in the garbage can.

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[RicUltima]

I think it's time for Joel to do a Windows 10 destruction

[brsrkr]

The tabs that are already open or the toolbars that were installed were not removed because: A) They were not malicious, just tool bars. B) Browser settings changed by the malicious software is strictly browser settings. How can you expect an anti-virus to revert those setting? At what point would it know which settings the malicious program had changed and which settings you had manually changed? No anti-virus out there would of removed the toolbar or changed the browsers initial startup pages back to their The program isn't actually installed. It only shows in the programs and features window because the folder still exists but the actual threat (the process itself) has been removed, so what's the problem? The adware wasn't removed (if it even is adware, just going by what you're suggesting) because you are using an Anti-malware program to remove adware, Windows Defender does not claim to an all-in-one tool.
I can't believe i'm actually defending Windows Defender here but when you see such a bias one sided video you have to speak up...

[carloscharles]

why did you hit "quarantine" rather than "remove" when windows defender asked what action to take with the adware?

[MagikGimp]

We have to differentiate between malware and crapware here. Software that gives you toolbars, ads etc. is not malicious it's just a pain. Something that comes with an uninstaller right there is not malicious.
The majority of security software comes with browser add-ons, sometimes changes homepages, can damage the registry, has confusing popups and often removes things you didn't want removed or stops system features e.g. buttons on the keyboard from working so I'm sorry but to criticise Defender for leaving alone software that isn't malware is just poor 'reviewing'.

[calzonetrash]

I just use it to clean any thing that seems shady on my PC. I only go to safe websites, and it got rid of my adware. Would it still be ok for me?

[Machariel]

I use Windows Defender (W8.1) as my real-time detection software simply because it's there, it doesn't get in the way, it's genuinely free and light weight. But I also have Malwarebytes (free version) and once in a while I run a full scan and if I download a file I'm not sure is safe I might use Malwarebytes to check those files.

[Cdudeminecraft]

Where do you download Super Anti Spyware?

[Falconwing]

I'd give a 6/10. It eliminates the adware (spyware still there) but it gives you enough to have some time to get something like Norton

[joeytrevino]

Does Windows Defender work the same as AVG?

[mbond]

This is interesting for me since I recently removed Avast and replaced it with Windows Defender however would be interested to see how Avast would deal with that situation. I've connected to client machines before and found they have Windows defender installed and numerous crapware toolbars in IE. Unfortunately as you've proven, a Windows proprietary antivirus not as good of a concept as it seems for end users.

[stephenmartinez]

I'm in partial defense of windows defender: the software that was left, windows probably considered it to be genuine software. And it may be to a point. Sometimes the line between malicious, and non malicious adware is very thin or blurred. To me, it's classified as unwanted software and not necessarily malicious. If it's all listed under change or uninstall programs, and you're able to remove it all from there- then it's not so malicious in my opinion. The adware it detected and removed WAS however malicious adware, since it blocked you from changing back your home page and blocked certain windows features.

[willcamick]

*sigh* If you had Restarted your Computer you would have seen that it has all been removed. After every Windows Defender scan you should restart your computer.

[MrShaun]

I had these same issues couple months ago. A real nightmare. Although my laptop is still not the same, I can at least deal with it more now after getting most of the issues fixed.

[geldersetrucker]

When I had ad viruses on my laptop (I did not know that I had them), I did do a system restore, after that I didnt get ads anymore.

[Effortless]

when i get a virus on my pc defender did not deleted it... just pop up shit on
my dekstop, karpesky resolve the rpoblem

[Stealthycybertaco]

Been using antispyware since I was in middle school! (I'm 27 right now yeet)

[lent]

How about a Nugget on downloading shareware utilities from CNet's download.com?  Finding the actual download link without falling victim to the ads and download tools would be helpful for many users.  Also, how to recognize and avoid trojans in your mail.  Just had a client infect themselves with CryptoLocker.  300 GB on a network share also.  Fun, wow!

[NoahNobody]

I use AVG antivirus and CCleaner from PiriForm.

[Ethan-iroi]

So we should download that SuperAntiSpyware?

[joeytrevino]

WOW! I scanned my laptop using Windows Defender and it didn't find NO Threats!