Windows 8 Users Dump the Built-in Defender, Go for Third-Party Anti-Virus Software

Windows 8 comes with Windows Defender installed by default, as Microsoft has made the old anti-spyware product a full-featured anti-virus with real-time protection and virus definition updates.

But a report conducted by OPSWAT shows that most Windows 8 users actually disable Windows Defender and go for a third-party security product, in most cases offered with a freeware license.

At this point, Avast! Free Antivirus has a 19.5 percent market share, according to August 2013 data, while Microsoft Security Essentials comes next with 18.3 percent. Windows Defender is way behind with 7.7 percent, followed by AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition and Avira Free Antivirus with 6.1 and 5.5 percent, respectively.

“A high proportion of Windows 8 users in this data set have opted to disable Windows Defender and, in most cases, have installed other antivirus products that are actively scanning their machines,” the study reveals.

“After further filtering, the antivirus product data shows that about 65% of Windows 8 users have an additional antivirus product (with real time protection enabled) on their machines.
http://news.softpedia.com/news/Wind...-Third-Party-Anti-Virus-Software-377532.shtml

 

If they're going to focus on Windows 8, they shouldn't show data outside of it. The conclusion makes it more of a comparison, but of course that doesn't sell.

 

Windows Defender IS MSE. Only difference is it is in the Windows8 package and enabled by default. Take a look at the UI. Bty - I only posted the article, I didn't write it or the byline. You might direct your issues to Bogdan Popa at Softpedia.
"Windows 8 comes with Windows Defender installed by default, as Microsoft has made the old anti-spyware product a full-featured anti-virus with real-time protection and virus definition updates.

But a report conducted by OPSWAT shows that most Windows 8 users actually disable Windows Defender and go for a third-party security product, in most cases offered with a freeware license."

 

No surprise there. Most are going to go with the names that have the most reputation and best reviews.

 

1. Some aren't aware of the new Defender
2. Some feel they're missing out on bells and whistles.
3. Some are just sticking to what they've been using previously (or they still have valid subscription left and it's a waste if they don't use it)
4. Some just buy a license out of courtesy for the friendly sales rep at the counter
5. Some got 'free' license from a 'gift bundle' from their purchase of a new machine
6. Avast marketing decision to go on a freemium model turns out to work great. Spread the love they say.

 

I haven't disabled Windows Defender from the beginning. It is perfectly integrated with the OS, has no FPs, and is extremely light in terms of resources. Used with IE10, it benefits from SmartScreen technology to further protect when browsing.

I would like to add though that I use Chrome + Sandboxie as I wouldn't trust ANY AV as my first defense, suspicious files are also scanned by Avira, MBAM, and HitmanPro on demand. Ever since I had Win 8 on one machine (April this year) I had no malware detection whatsoever.

 

I just disabled it because of my no-AV philosophy. Additionally, I also disabled SmartScreen since I don't feel comfortable to see explorer.exe having an internet connection. I mostly disconnect myself when installing programs anyway.

 

To be fair SmartScreen is now system-wide so it doesn't matter what browser you use.

Perfectly reasonable for a user of these forums, but I'd never disable it for an average joe user. It's perfect (and was probably directly designed) for them, not us.

 

huh? windows defender = mse? did i miss anything?
news told me that parts of mse are now in windows defender, the gui is metro/mse, the engine is wd.