Still on Windows 10? Here's what Microsoft Defender can and can't do for you

"You probably know by now that 10-year-old Windows 10 is no longer supported. Microsoft won't provide bug fixes, security patches, or other important updates to defend these PCs against new vulnerabilities. However, if you're still running Windows 10, the good news is Microsoft Defender will still protect your computer against viruses and other threats. Protected by Defender In a Tuesday blog post spotted by the folks at Neowin, Microsoft explained how Defender in its different incarnations will continue to work as expected in Windows 10."

"Here, though, Microsoft is speaking of Defender for Endpoint, which is a paid product used by enterprise and business customers. A support page for this software shows that it does support legacy versions of Windows -- not just Windows 10, but also Windows 7 Pro and Enterprise with Service Pack 1, Windows 8.1 Pro and Enterprise, and Windows Server 2008 R2 with SP1."

"OK, fine. But what if you're using a personal PC without a Defender for Endpoint subscription? In this case, the built-in Defender Antivirus tool will also continue to work normally in Windows 10. Microsoft will even provide regular updates for this integrated security through October 2028. Whichever version of Defender you use, your Windows 10 PC will at least be protected from existing and new viruses and other threats that pop up."

Windows 10 no longer receives general support such as bug fixes and feature updates, but Microsoft Defender will continue providing protection on those systems. Defender for Endpoint, the enterprise paid product, supports legacy operating systems including Windows 7 Pro and Enterprise with SP1, Windows 8.1 Pro and Enterprise, and Windows Server 2008 R2 with SP1. The built-in Microsoft Defender Antivirus on personal Windows 10 PCs will continue functioning and will receive regular security updates through October 2028. Defender will provide detection and protection against existing and new threats, which is important for systems that do not run third‑party security products. Microsoft still recommends Windows 11 for receiving the newest security patches.

Read at ZDNET