antivirus app, component of Windows Vista and later
Microsoft Defender for Linux: Who gets it?: Microsoft is extending Defender for Endpoint to Linux desktops. The public preview brings the protection ...
pcgameshardware.de/Linux-Software-26761/News/Microsoft-Defender-Linux-Desktops-Unterstuetzung-Vorschau-Lizenz-1556472/
Windows Defender now works in Linux, because why not: Microsoft believes Linux systems also need a corporate-oriented security solution such as Defender ...
techspot.com/news/114240-windows-defender-now-works-linux-because-why-not.html
Computerworld Oct 16
October Patch Tuesday: 1,408 CVEs, 1 exploited flaw and a SharePoint surprise: Microsoft just shipped 1,408 vulnerabilities in one month, and a SharePoint flaw ...
computerworld.com/article/4236627/october-patch-tuesday-1408-cves-1-exploited-flaw-and-a-sharepoint-surprise.html
Tiny11 Builder makes it easier than ever to create a debloated Windows 11 ISO
tiny11builder: Download tiny11builder - Create lightweight Windows 11 installation images by removing unnecessary apps and components.
techspot.com/downloads/7792-tiny11builder.html
New Windows Defender zero-day blocks Microsoft antivirus updates: Over the weekend, security researcher Abdelhamid Naceri (also known as Nightmare Eclipse) ...
bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/new-windows-defender-zero-day-blocks-microsoft-antivirus-updates/
Zero-day exploit keeps Microsoft Defender outdated: A new zero-day exploit prevents Microsoft Defender from updating its protection data ...
winfuture.de/news,161467.html
iTorrents.org Compromised To Spread Windows Malware, Kaspersky Says: The 'MovieReaper' malware has infected hundreds of users, according to antivirus provider ...
uk.pcmag.com/security/167377/itorrentsorg-compromised-to-spread-windows-malware-kaspersky-says
Antivirus test 2026: Windows Defender loses top score, eight antivirus scanners achieve 18/18
pcgameshardware.de/Sicherheit-Thema-229955/Specials/Antivirusprogramm-Test-2026-Virenschutz-Windows-11-1553421/
Key FactsEight Antivirus Products Score 18 Points in AV-TEST
Sep 11, 2026 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: pcgameshardware.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: pcgameshardware.de
- AV-TEST assessed 16 security solutions for private Windows 11 users during May and June 2026.
- Eight products achieved the maximum score, including free Avast Free Antivirus and AVG Antivirus Free plus six paid suites.
- Microsoft Defender scored 17.5 points; protection and usability each received six, while performance received 5.5 points.
- During installations of frequently used programs, Defender slowed standard PCs by 60 percent and high-end PCs by 51 percent.
techpowerup.com Sep 19
PSA: Windows is Reporting Fake "Defender Antivirus Turned Off" Warnings
techpowerup.com/352799/psa-windows-is-reporting-fake-defender-antivirus-turned-off-warnings
The Best Way To Check Your PC For Malware: If you suspect malware, Windows Defender is a good place to start. But if it's not enough, there are plenty of other ...
engadget.com/2257817/best-way-check-pc-malware/
Microsoft fixes bug behind ‘Defender Antivirus is turned off’ alerts: Microsoft has resolved a known issue that causes incorrect alerts warning that Defender ...
bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/microsoft-fixes-bug-behind-defender-antivirus-is-turned-off-alerts/
New Defender update ends constant false virus protection messages: A faulty security alert from Defender has caused uncertainty for many Windows users in recent ...
winfuture.de/news,161387.html
Windows 11 is warning people that Defender Antivirus has been turned off, but don't worry, says Microsoft
xda-developers.com/windows-11-is-warning-people-that-defender-antivirus-has-been-turned-off-but-dont-worry-says-microsoft/
Microsoft Defender: Fresh Zero-Day Exploit Bypasses Latest Patch: Just one day after Microsoft's September Patch Tuesday, a new zero-day vulnerability in ...
winfuture.de/news,161185.html
My doorbell rings on my PC instead of my phone, and it's all thanks to Home Assistant
xda-developers.com/doorbell-rings-on-pc-instead-of-phone-thanks-to-home-assistant/
MSNightmare drops ShieldCrash zero-day after Windows 11 patch: A new skeleton proof-of-concept demonstrates an arbitrary file read as SYSTEM on fully updated ...
neowin.net/news/msnightmare-drops-shieldcrash-zero-day-after-windows-11-patch/
dlvr.it Sep 01
Next bus to Altrincham delayed by Windows Defender: Or possibly 'AI', it's hard to tell behind the firewall warning
theregister.com/offbeat/2026/09/01/next-bus-to-altrincham-delayed-by-windows-defender/5293289
VLC sometimes takes 30 seconds to start under Windows 11: VLC can sometimes take an unusually long time to start on the first launch under Windows 11 ...
pcgameshardware.de/Windows-Software-277633/News/Win-11-Defender-VLC-Start-verzoegert-1551457/
Key FactsVideoLAN suspects Defender behind delayed VLC starts on Windows 11
Aug 19, 2026 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: pcgameshardware.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: pcgameshardware.de
- User reports describe waits of roughly 10 to more than 30 seconds when launching VLC or opening an MP3 file for the first time, while later launches may be faster.
- According to VideoLAN, Microsoft Defender may quarantine the plugins.dat file after a Windows 11 update, forcing VLC to rescan its plug-ins; Microsoft has not confirmed this.
- The findings are inconsistent: Tom's Hardware and PCGH could not reproduce the delay, while Windows Central measured about five seconds initially and less than one second after excluding VLC from Defender scans.
- VideoLAN cites reinstalling VLC or rebuilding the plug-in cache as possible approaches, while several reports found that excluding VLC reduced startup times but weakened the antivirus scanner’s protection.
Virus protection allegedly off: Microsoft Defender displays false warning message - | Golem.de
golem.de/news/virenschutz-angeblich-aus-microsoft-defender-spielt-falsche-warnmeldung-aus-2608-212431.html
Microsoft asks users to ignore 'Antivirus is turned off' errors: Microsoft asked customers this week to ignore incorrect alerts that Defender Antivirus ...
bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/microsoft-asks-users-to-ignore-antivirus-is-turned-off-errors/
Safe Link malfunctions: Defender classifies harmless Google links as malware: Microsoft Defender is suddenly hunting harmless Google links instead of viruses and ...
winfuture.de/news,161034.html
Windows Update Side Effects: Mouse Problems and False Anti-Malware Warnings: Windows and Defender updates are causing mouse problems and leading to false ...
heise.de/news/Windows-Update-Nebenwirkungen-Mausprobleme-und-falsche-Anti-Malware-Warnungen-11434809.html
dlvr.it Sep 01
Windows 11 misses the pointer while Defender cries wolf: August 27 update reportedly scrambles cursor customizations as bogus antivirus alerts spread
theregister.com/os-platforms/2026/09/01/windows-11-misses-the-pointer-while-defender-cries-wolf/5293602
Computerworld Sep 01
Windows bug incorrectly tells users that Microsoft Defender Antivirus is turned off
computerworld.com/article/4216582/windows-bug-incorrectly-tells-users-that-microsoft-defender-antivirus-is-turned-off.html
Windows 11 without antivirus protection? What this warning means - | and how you should react
t3n.de/news/windows-11-virenschutz-defender-meldung-popup-1760780/
"Defender disabled" false alarms are currently unsettling Windows users: After a Microsoft Defender update, Windows users are receiving persistent false messages ...
winfuture.de/news,160969.html
Microsoft totally breaks Windows Defender virus scans in trying to fix a 0-day flaw
neowin.net/news/microsoft-totally-breaks-windows-defender-virus-scans-in-trying-to-fix-a-0-day-flaw/
Microsoft fixes known issue causing Windows Defender crashes: Microsoft has resolved a bug that caused Windows Defender to crash after a recent security update ...
bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/microsoft-fixes-known-issue-causing-windows-defender-crashes/
Microsoft Defender as a Target: Custom Driver is a Security Risk: Researchers from Check Point Research demonstrated at the Black Hat security conference how ...
winfuture.de/news,160793.html
A Windows Defender bug is making VLC take 30 seconds to open an MP3 file: Is VLC media player taking tens of seconds to load an MP3 file just because open-source ...
techspot.com/news/113491-windows-defender-bug-making-vlc-take-30-seconds.html
After Criticism of Slow Player: VLC Developers Blame Windows: When the VLC player takes over 30 seconds to play a simple MP3 file, it’s a major source of ...
winfuture.de/news,160632.html
Windows Defender: Microsoft botches update, cripples virus scanner: Microsoft actually wanted to close a security vulnerability, but a recent update now appears ...
winfuture.de/news,160716.html
Disgruntled security researcher just dropped another Windows zero-day, right on schedule
techspot.com/news/113477-disgruntled-security-researcher-dropped-another-windows-zero-day.html
Microsoft Scrambles To Patch ShieldBreak Zero-Day Flaw In Windows Defender: The Nightmare-Eclipse and Microsoft saga continues with another major Windows ...
hothardware.com/news/microsoft-scrambles-to-patch-shieldbreak-zero-day-flaw-in-windows-defender
Windows ISO Update: Fresh Defender Packages for New Installations: Microsoft is closing a critical security vulnerability directly during Windows installation ...
winfuture.de/news,160639.html
"High-quality update" is coming: Microsoft reacts to Defender exploit Shieldbreak - | Golem.de
golem.de/news/high-quality-update-kommt-microsoft-reagiert-auf-defender-exploit-shieldbreak-2608-211996.html
CISA: Microsoft SharePoint flaw now exploited in ransomware attacks: CISA confirmed today that ransomware gangs have begun abusing a high-severity Microsoft ...
bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/cisa-microsoft-sharepoint-flaw-now-exploited-in-ransomware-attacks/
New Microsoft Defender update can let hackers totally fill your Windows 11 PC disk space
neowin.net/news/new-microsoft-defender-update-can-let-hackers-totally-fill-your-windows-11-pc-disk-space/
Key FactsMicrosoft Defender Patch Triggers Extreme Disk Usage
Jul 14, 2026 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: neowin.net
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: neowin.net
- A recent update to Microsoft Defender's Malware Protection Engine fixes a privilege escalation flaw but can cause full disk exhaustion.
- The issue arises because cached Zone.Identifier alternate data streams lack enforced size limits, enabling excessive disk consumption.
- Attackers exploit a malicious SMB server to deliver oversized files that Defender caches indefinitely, leading to disk space depletion.
- This vulnerability is confirmed on Windows 11 25H2 and Windows Server 2025, with ongoing research into potential WebDAV exploitation.
How I free up Windows disk space and shred sensitive data for free with open-source BleachBit
zdnet.com/article/bleachbit-free-windows-utility-free-up-disk-space/
After the Break-In: What Attackers Do Once They're Already Inside: Attackers rarely stop after gaining initial access. Huntress analyzes a real-world ...
bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/after-the-break-in-what-attackers-do-once-theyre-already-inside/
Microsoft's patch for a Windows Defender 0-day may have created a new attack path
techspot.com/news/113076-microsoft-patch-windows-defender-0-day-may-have.html
CISA warns admins to patch actively exploited SharePoint flaws: The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) warned Tuesday that attackers ...
bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/cisa-warns-admins-to-patch-actively-exploited-sharepoint-flaws/
RoguePlanet: Microsoft patches zero-day vulnerability in Defender: Microsoft has closed a security vulnerability in its Microsoft Defender antivirus software ...
winfuture.de/news,159877.html
Update against Rogueplanet: Microsoft reacts to dangerous Defender exploit - | Golem.de
golem.de/news/update-gegen-rogueplanet-microsoft-reagiert-auf-gefaehrlichen-defender-exploit-2607-210674.html
Windows Defender 'BlueHammer' vulnerability now exploited as part of malware campaigns — CISA issues warning despite patch release on April 14
tomshardware.com/tech-industry/cyber-security/windows-defender-bluehammer-vulnerability-now-exploited-as-part-of-malware-campaigns-cisa-issues-warning-despite-patch-release-on-april-14
Microsoft's BlueHammer vulnerability is being exploited by ransomware: The US security agency CISA is warning of the active exploitation of a vulnerability ...
winfuture.de/news,159704.html
Avast One Free Review: Top-Tier Antivirus and a Wealth of Free Security Tools: Avast One Free combines excellent malware protection, cross-platform support ...
pcmag.com/reviews/avast-one-free
dlvr.it Jun 11
Nightmare Eclipse drops claimed BitLocker bypass for Microsoft Windows: Another day, another Windows exploit code
theregister.com/security/2026/06/11/nightmare-eclipse-drops-claimed-bitlocker-bypass-for-microsoft-windows/5254371
"Race" continues: Microsoft is working on a fix for the zero-day vulnerability: Microsoft is working on a security patch for a zero-day vulnerability in ...
winfuture.de/news,159411.html
RoguePlanet: Nightmare Eclipse shows zero day in Microsoft Defender: The security researcher behind the pseudonym "Nightmare Eclipse" is causing a stir with the ...
winfuture.de/news,159235.html
Nightmare Eclipse claims to have found another BitLocker vulnerability: Security researcher "Nightmare Eclipse" has struck again, publishing information about a ...
winfuture.de/news,159287.html
Is Windows Defender really sufficient? Microsoft removes a security promise: Microsoft has quietly removed a blog post stating that Windows Defender offers ...
t3n.de/news/windows-defender-sicherheitsversprechen-fragen-1746402/
Microsoft making much needed change to Windows 11, 10 Patch Tuesday security updates
neowin.net/news/microsoft-making-much-needed-change-to-windows-11-10-patch-tuesday-security-updates/
Viruses and malware: How do you protect yourselves, have you been affected, and how did it happen?
computerbase.de/news/apps/viren-und-malware-wie-schuetzt-ihr-euch-wart-ihr-betroffen-und-wie-kam-es-dazu.97613/
Windows 11 antivirus: Microsoft deletes post about Defender benefits: Microsoft entfernte einen Beitrag zu den Sicherheitsfunktionen von Windows 11 kommentarlos ...
winfuture.de/news,159085.html
Microsoft Defender now automatically isolates hacked devices: Microsoft is getting serious about attack detection: Defender will automatically isolate ...
winfuture.de/news,158929.html
Microsoft quietly nuked its controversial blog claiming Defender is all you need: It's a good option, but it's not the only one.
xda-developers.com/microsoft-quietly-nuked-its-controversial-blog-claiming-defender-is-all-you-need/
Microsoft released new Defender update for Windows 11, 10, Server ISO installations
neowin.net/news/microsoft-released-new-defender-update-for-windows-11-10-server-iso-installations/
Computerworld Jun 02
Windows 11 Smart App Control explained: After an update, Microsoft's app gatekeeping feature is more flexible but still lacks granular controls.
computerworld.com/article/4043925/windows-11-smart-app-control-explained.html
Defender update causes trouble: Print spooler malfunctions on Windows: Following a Defender update, numerous Windows users are struggling with malfunctioning ...
winfuture.de/news,159017.html
Fake downloads of popular PC utilities are quietly installing crypto miners on enthusiast PCs
techspot.com/news/112587-fake-downloads-popular-pc-utilities-quietly-installing-crypto.html
Microsoft warns of new Defender zero-days exploited in attacks: On Wednesday, Microsoft started rolling out security patches for two Defender vulnerabilities ...
bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/microsoft-warns-of-new-defender-zero-days-exploited-in-attacks/
dlvr.it May 19
Windows Firewall stands between you and greasy delight: You don't really want that entering your system, do you?
theregister.com/oses/2026/05/19/windows-firewall-stands-between-you-and-greasy-delight/5241050
Microsoft warns: Hackers attack Windows users via vulnerabilities in Defender - | Golem.de
golem.de/news/microsoft-warnt-hacker-attackieren-windows-nutzer-ueber-luecken-im-defender-2605-208918.html
Microsoft recently stated that Microsoft Defender Antivirus is typically enough on its own when it comes to PC protection and that installing 3rd-party ... Show more
Another update glitch: Microsoft Defender deletes important certificates: Following an update in late April, Microsoft Defender is sounding the alarm worldwide ...
winfuture.de/news,158482.html
After a row with Microsoft: Researcher leaks zero-day exploit for BitLocker - | Golem.de
golem.de/news/nach-zoff-mit-microsoft-forscher-leakt-zero-day-exploit-fuer-bitlocker-2605-208630.html
YellowKey Tool Bypasses Windows 11 BitLocker Using Only a USB Stick: Nightmare-Eclipse, the researcher known for disclosing three recent Windows Defender ...
hothardware.com/news/yellowkey-tool-bypasses-windows-11-bitlocker-using-only-a-usb-stick
Key FactsUSB-Based Backdoor Breaches BitLocker Encryption
May 14, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: tomshardware.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: tomshardware.com
- The YellowKey zero-day exploit allows complete access to BitLocker-encrypted drives by copying files to a USB stick and rebooting into recovery mode.
- The exploit’s files vanish from the USB after use, suggesting a concealed backdoor that raises serious security and political concerns.
- YellowKey affects Windows Server 2022 and 2025 but not Windows 10, and it can bypass TPM-and-PIN configurations.
- Another exploit, GreenPlasma, enables local privilege escalation to system-level access, posing significant risks especially to server systems.
could have made some insane cash selling this, but no amount of money will stand between me and my determination against Microsoft.— Chaotic Eclipse (Nightmare-Eclipse) – regarding the YellowKey zero-day exploit and their stance against Microsoft.
How I made my Windows 11 widgets truly useful: 8 simple tweaks to try before you hide them
zdnet.com/article/control-customize-widgets-windows-11/
Antivirus test 2026: These virus scanners achieve the top rating: The AV-Test Institute has published new results from its ongoing 2026 antivirus test ...
pcgameshardware.de/Sicherheit-Thema-229955/Tests/Antivirusprogramm-2026-Virenschutz-Windows-11-1530271/
Microsoft Says Defender Antivirus Is Good Enough. I Say Nope: Microsoft claims Windows Defender is all the protection you need. The evidence from real-world ...
uk.pcmag.com/antivirus/164665/microsoft-says-defender-antivirus-is-good-enough-i-say-nope
These 5 critical Windows Defender settings are off by default - turn them on ASAP
zdnet.com/article/critical-windows-defender-settings-off-by-defaullt-how-to-enable/
Windows 11 increasingly displays malware warnings: What's behind the Cerdigent message
t3n.de/news/windows-11-malware-warnung-cerdigent-1740888/
WindowsCentral Apr 22
Microsoft says Windows 11’s built-in 'Defender' antivirus is "usually sufficient" for most PC users: "I haven't used a 3rd party ...
windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/microsoft-says-windows-11s-built-in-defender-antivirus-is-usually-sufficient-for-most-pc-users
New Microsoft Defender “RedSun” zero-day PoC grants SYSTEM privileges: A researcher known as "Chaotic Eclipse" has published a proof-of-concept exploit ...
bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/new-microsoft-defender-redsun-zero-day-poc-grants-system-privileges/
Infosec This Week: AI Accountability Slips, Windows Defender Turns Attacker, and... Someone Tracked a Warship
pcmag.com/news/infosec-this-week-ai-accountability-slips-windows-defender-turns-attacker
Researchers warn Microsoft Defender vulnerability is already being exploited: A security researcher known as Chaotic Eclipse recently disclosed a vulnerability ...
techspot.com/news/112099-researchers-warn-microsoft-defender-vulnerability-already-exploited.html
Rejected By Microsoft, 3 Defender Zero-Days Are Now Actively Exploited: Hell hath no fury like a cyber security researcher scorned.
hothardware.com/news/angry-researcher-drops-a-windows-defender-zero-day-after-microsoft-rejects-bug-report
