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Windows Defender:
- Original name for the built-in security feature in Windows operating systems.
- Initially, it was a basic anti-spyware tool and later evolved into a full-fledged antivirus solution.
- As Windows security tools advanced, Windows Defender became a more comprehensive antivirus and firewall product.
- Legacy name: In modern Windows versions, this name is mostly phased out.
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Microsoft Defender:
- The new, broader name for the family of security products provided by Microsoft.
- It includes not only Microsoft Defender Antivirus (formerly known as Windows Defender) but also Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, a full suite of enterprise-level security tools.
- Cross-platform: It now covers not just Windows but also macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
- Reflects a shift from a product focused solely on personal PCs (Windows) to a suite of tools designed for broader enterprise-level security.
In summary, Windows Defender refers to the older, Windows-only antivirus, while Microsoft Defender represents the evolved, multi-platform security solution with additional features for enterprise environments.