AV-TEST Product Review and Certification Report – Nov-Dec/2021

During November and December 2021 we continuously evaluated 20 home user security products using their default settings. We always used the most current publicly-available version of all products for the testing. They were allowed to update themselves at any time and query their in-the-cloud services. We focused on realistic test scenarios and challenged the products against real-world threats. Products had to demonstrate their capabilities using all components and protection layers.

certified

Defender Antivirus (Consumer)

Version4.18
PlatformWindows 10 Professional (English), (64-Bit)
Report211616
DateNov-Dec/2021

Protection

Protection against malware infections
(such as viruses, worms or Trojan horses)
More information

Industry averageIndustry averageNovember December
Protection against 0-day malware attacks, inclusive of web and e-mail threats (Real-World Testing) 330 samples used 99.4%99.5%100%
Detection of widespread and prevalent malware discovered in the last 4 weeks (the AV-TEST reference set) 18,870 samples used 100%100%100%
Protection Score 6.0/6.0

Performance

Average influence of the product on computer speed in daily usage
More information

Industry averageIndustry averageStandard PC Industry averageIndustry averageHigh end PC
Slowing-down when launching popular websites 50 websites visited 20%7%16%4%
Slower download of frequently-used applications 20 downloaded files 2%3%1%0%
Slower launch of standard software applications 30 test cases applied 8%6%7%8%
Slower installation of frequently-used applications 20 installed applications 17%24%12%18%
Slower copying of files, locally and in a network 10,154 files copied 2%1%3%2%
Performance Score 6.0/6.0

Usability

Impact of the security software on the usability of the whole computer
(lower values indicate better results)
More information

Industry averageIndustry averageNovember December
False warnings or blockages when visiting websites 500 samples used 0 0 0
False detections of legitimate software as malware during a system scan 2,135,862 samples used 2 0 0
False warnings concerning certain actions carried out whilst installing and using legitimate software 19 samples used 0 1
False blockages of certain actions carried out whilst installing and using legitimate software 19 samples used 0 0
Usability Score 6.0/6.0

Evaluation based on a point system

All products can achieve a maximum of 6 points each in the three categories of protection, performance and usability. This means 18 points are the best possible test result.
At 10 points or higher, a product is awarded the AV-TEST seal of approval.
At 17.5 points or higher, AV-TEST also issues the "TOP PRODUCT" award. Additional details ›

   

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All tested manufacturers – listed by year/month