In a recent survey dated 2025-10-21, 60.5% of respondents indicated a preference for Windows Defender as their primary antivirus solution. This shift highlights the effectiveness of Microsoft's built-in security suite, which includes features like the Malware Removal Tool, Secure Boot, and BitLocker.
Survey Results and Preferences
The poll, collecting responses from 34,316 participants, demonstrates a significant trend toward built-in security solutions. Only 15.7% reported having no antivirus software installed at all, while 24% opted for third-party options. Among these, Bitdefender leads with 6.1%, followed by Avast at 2.9% and AVG at 1%. Paid solutions, such as Norton and McAfee, account for 1.9% and 0.7%, respectively.
Impact of Built-In Security
Microsoft's enhancements to PC security systems markedly influence these preferences. By integrating features like TPM-based root of trust and Virtualization-based Security, the company has fortified its endpoint protection strategy, making built-in options more attractive to users compared to subscription-based antivirus solutions.
