Latest Antivirus Tests For Windows Defender (WD) AntiMalware

Microsoft Windows Defender (WD) for Windows 10, the free embedded anti-virus/anti-malware, continues to score top marks against the paid AVs. The latest tests from independent test websites:

1) AV-Comparatives:
The latest 2021 (Feb.-May) AV-C Real-World Protection tests did not include WD because of some technical glitches. However the most recent test in the last quarter of 2020 awarded WD its highest "Advanced Plus" rank.
https://www.av-comparatives.org/tests/real-world-protection-test-july-october-2020/

2) SE Labs:
In its latest Q2 tests for 2021 (April-June) WD had a perfect 100% accuracy score in detecting malware, and was awarded top ranking.
https://selabs.uk/reports/home-anti-malware-protection-2021-q2/

3) AV-Test:
The May-June, 2021 test for Windows 10 found a 100% accuracy detecting zero day malware (n=282), and no false positives.
https://www.av-test.org/en/antivirus/home-windows/windows-10/june-2021/

I post these results for the benefit of users who feel the need to protect their PCs with paid security programs/suites. I have not seen independent tests that consistently indicate superior protection from paid security programs in years.

Windows Defender is not the only free security solution I would recommend, but I believe it is the simplest solution.

As always, YMMV.