🛠️ By Qwen, Senior IT Specialist
📅 Last Updated: June 16, 2025
If you’re trying to decide between Windows Defender (now called Microsoft Defender Antivirus) and Malwarebytes, you’re not alone.
Both are popular security tools, but they serve different purposes — and in many cases, using both together gives you layered protection that’s more effective than either one alone.
In this guide, I’ll show you:
- 🧩 The core differences between Windows Defender and Malwarebytes
- 🛡️ How each tool works under the hood
- 🤝 When to use one or both together
- ❌ Common misconceptions and pitfalls
- ✅ My expert recommendations for home users, businesses, and advanced users
Let’s dive in!
⚠️ Quick Summary: Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Windows Defender (Microsoft Defender) | Malwarebytes |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Built-in antivirus + anti-spyware | Anti-malware (not full antivirus) |
| Real-time Protection | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (in Premium version) |
| Ransomware Protection | ✅ Yes | ✅ Enhanced with modules like “Ransomware Protection” |
| Exploit Protection | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Cloud-based Detection | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Behavior Monitoring | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| System Impact | Low | Very low |
| Cost | Free (built-in), Premium available | Free & Premium versions |
| Best For | Primary real-time protection | Second layer / on-demand scanning |
🧱 Core Functionality Explained
🟦 Microsoft Defender (Built into Windows 10/11)
- Integrated with Windows since Windows 8.1, now known as Microsoft Defender Antivirus
- Provides real-time protection against viruses, spyware, ransomware, and other threats
- Uses cloud-based intelligence (Microsoft Defender SmartScreen)
- Includes features like:
- Exploit Guard
- Network protection
- Controlled folder access (anti-ransomware)
- Attack surface reduction
It’s a full-featured antivirus solution that comes pre-installed and is constantly updated by Microsoft.
🟥 Malwarebytes
- Originally designed as an on-demand scanner for removing stubborn malware
- Now offers real-time protection in its Premium version
- Excels at detecting zero-day threats, adware, potentially unwanted programs (PUPs), and malvertising
- Often used as a second opinion scanner or removal tool
- Has a strong reputation for cleaning up what other AVs miss
Malwarebytes is not a traditional antivirus — it focuses on malicious behavior detection rather than signature-based scanning alone.
🤝 Should You Use Both Together?
Yes — and here’s why:
| Scenario | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| 👨💻 Home User | Use Microsoft Defender as your primary AV, and run Malwarebytes Free periodically |
| 🏢 Business User | Use Microsoft Defender for Office & Endpoint and add Malwarebytes Endpoint Security for extra coverage |
| 💻 Power User | Run Malwarebytes Premium alongside Defender for dual-layer protection |
| 🛠️ Troubleshooting | Boot into Safe Mode and scan with Malwarebytes if Defender misses something |
⚠️ If you install Malwarebytes Premium, Defender will automatically disable itself — this is normal. You can switch back anytime.
🔍 Detection Capabilities Compared
| Threat Type | Defender | Malwarebytes |
|---|---|---|
| Viruses | ✅ Strong | Limited |
| Spyware | ✅ Strong | ✅ Strong |
| Adware | ✅ Moderate | ✅ Excellent |
| PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs) | ❌ Poor | ✅ Excellent |
| Zero-Day Malware | ✅ Good | ✅ Excellent |
| Ransomware | ✅ Strong | ✅ Strong |
| Rootkits | ✅ Moderate | ✅ Strong |
| Behavioral Detection | ✅ Good | ✅ Excellent |
| Cloud-Based Intelligence | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
In independent lab tests (e.g., AV-Test, VirusTotal), Malwarebytes often scores higher in malware removal, while Defender excels in performance and integration.
⚙️ Interface & Usability
| Feature | Microsoft Defender | Malwarebytes |
|---|---|---|
| UI Design | Clean, modern, minimal | More detailed, feature-rich |
| Scanning Options | Quick / Full / Custom scans | Quick / Full / Custom / Flash scans |
| Quarantine Management | Basic | Advanced |
| Notifications | Minimal | Frequent (customizable) |
| Settings Depth | Standard | High |
| Ease of Use | Easy | Slightly steeper learning curve |
Defender is better suited for casual users who want set-it-and-forget-it protection.
Malwarebytes is great for power users who want more control over scanning and threat handling.
📈 Performance Impact
| Metric | Defender | Malwarebytes |
|---|---|---|
| CPU Usage | Low | Very low |
| RAM Usage | Moderate | Light |
| Background Impact | Minimal | Almost none |
| Scan Speed | Fast | Slightly slower due to deeper checks |
Both are lightweight and suitable for most systems. On older PCs, Malwarebytes may offer smoother performance during scans.
🧪 Independent Test Results (as of 2025)
| Lab | Defender Score | Malwarebytes Score |
|---|---|---|
| AV-Test (Germany) | 6/6 | 6/6 |
| AV-Comparatives | 98% detection | 99.3% detection |
| VirusTotal Top Scanner | #4–6 | #1–3 |
| Malware Removal Tests | Good | Excellent |
| False Positive Rate | Very Low | Very Low |
Both are excellent choices — but Malwarebytes has a slight edge in malware-specific detection.
🧰 Bonus: Tools Included
Microsoft Defender Features:
- SmartScreen Filter (blocks phishing & malicious downloads)
- Controlled Folder Access (anti-ransomware)
- Network protection
- Cloud-based protection
- Device security (kernel isolation)
- App & browser control
Malwarebytes Features:
- Real-time protection
- Ransomware protection
- Browser guard
- Exploit mitigation
- Scheduled scanning
- USB drive scanning
- Malicious website blocking
Malwarebytes adds some unique tools like Browser Guard and USB scanning, which are handy for travelers and remote workers.
📊 Final Comparison Table
| Feature | Microsoft Defender | Malwarebytes |
|---|---|---|
| Real-time Protection | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (Premium) |
| On-demand Scanning | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Anti-Ransomware | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Anti-Phishing | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Parental Controls | ❌ | ✅ (with Premium) |
| Anti-Exploit | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Cloud Protection | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Performance Impact | Low | Very low |
| Price | Free (built-in) | Free & Premium ($40+/year) |
| Ideal Use Case | Primary AV | Secondary scanner or real-time addition |
❌ Common Misconceptions
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| ❌ Defender is weak or outdated | ✅ It’s one of the best free AVs and passes all major tests |
| ❌ Malwarebytes is a full antivirus | ✅ It was originally on-demand only; Premium adds real-time |
| ❌ Running both causes conflicts | ✅ Works fine when done right (Defender + MB Free) |
| ❌ You don’t need any AV if you’re careful | ✅ Social engineering and zero-days make AV essential |
| ❌ Free versions are enough for everyone | ✅ Most users benefit from upgrading to Premium for real-time protection |
✅ Final Thoughts – From an IT Expert
As a senior IT specialist managing both enterprise and personal devices, I recommend the following:
For Home Users:
- Stick with Microsoft Defender as your main antivirus
- Run Malwarebytes Free once a week for deep scans
For Power Users & Remote Workers:
- Use Malwarebytes Premium alongside Defender (switch Defender off if needed)
- Enable browser guard and ransomware protection
For Businesses:
- Use Microsoft Defender for Office & Endpoint for full management
- Add Malwarebytes Endpoint Protection & Response for layered defense
🔧 Pro Tip: Always keep your system updated. Even the best antivirus can’t protect unpatched software.
📌 Need help setting up a secure workstation, choosing the right AV bundle, or automating endpoint protection across your network? Let me know!
💬 Stay protected. Stay informed.