In short
- Microsoft Defender comes free with Windows 10 and 11 and protects in real time.
- When you uninstall Norton, Windows turns Defender on automatically.
- Norton’s VPN and passwords can be replaced for free with Proton VPN and Bitwarden.
It’s for you if…
- You use a Windows 10 or 11 PC at home or for studying.
- You pay for Norton every year and want to stop without being left unprotected.
- You would rather not see pop-ups asking you to upgrade your subscription.
Better pick something else if…
- You want a single package with antivirus, VPN, passwords and parental controls for the whole family.
- You mostly use Mac or Android and want the same antivirus on every device.
- Your employer or school requires a specific antivirus.
From Norton 360 to Microsoft Defender: equivalents
| Norton 360 | Microsoft Defender |
|---|---|
| Real-time antivirus | Microsoft Defender Virus & threat protection |
| Smart Firewall | Windows Firewall & network protection |
| Ransomware protection | Controlled folder access |
| Web protection (Safe Web) | SmartScreen, under App & browser control |
| Secure VPN | Proton VPN (free, no data limit) |
| Password manager | Bitwarden (free, unlimited passwords) |
| Cloud backup | OneDrive (5 GB free) or the cloud you already use |
| Data breach alerts (Dark Web Monitoring) | Check your email on Have I Been Pwned |
Step by step
Save what you keep in Norton
If you use Norton’s password manager, export your passwords to a file first. If you used its cloud backup, restore your files and save them on your computer or in another cloud.
Turn off automatic renewal
Sign in to your Norton account and turn off automatic renewal so you aren’t charged again.
Uninstall Norton
In Windows 11, go to Settings › Apps › Installed apps, find Norton and uninstall it. If you run into problems, Norton has an official tool to remove it completely. Then restart your computer.
Check that Defender is on
Open Windows Security from the Start menu and go to Virus & threat protection: real-time protection should be on. Run a quick scan to make sure.
Turn on the extra protection
In Windows Security, turn on reputation-based protection (under App & browser control) and Controlled folder access, which protects your documents from ransomware.
Replace the VPN and passwords
Install Proton VPN if you used Norton’s VPN and import your passwords into Bitwarden. Then delete the exported file, because it stores your passwords unencrypted.
Keep Windows up to date
Leave Windows Update on: Defender updates with it, and most attacks exploit flaws that have already been fixed.
Files and formats
Norton’s password manager lets you export your data to a file that you can then import into Bitwarden or another manager. Export before uninstalling Norton and delete the file after importing it, because it contains your passwords unencrypted.
What you won’t find
- Defender doesn’t include a VPN or a password manager: you need separate apps, although free ones exist.
- On Mac there is no free Microsoft Defender for home users; macOS has its own built-in protection (XProtect and Gatekeeper).
- It doesn’t alert you to dark web leaks of your data like Norton does; you can check your email for free on Have I Been Pwned.
Tips
- Don’t install two antivirus programs at once: they get in each other’s way and slow your computer down.
- Use a browser with protection against dangerous websites turned on (SmartScreen in Edge or Safe Browsing in Chrome).
- If you suspect an infection, run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan or check your computer with free Malwarebytes.
- Turn on two-step verification for your email and important accounts: it protects you more than any antivirus.
Frequently asked questions
Is Microsoft Defender enough?
For most Windows users, yes: it scores well in independent lab tests, protects in real time and updates itself with Windows.
Do I have to turn Defender on manually?
Usually not: when you uninstall Norton, Windows turns Microsoft Defender on automatically. Check it in Windows Security.
What if Norton has already renewed my subscription?
Turn off automatic renewal in your Norton account and check its refund policy: if the renewal is recent, you may be able to get your money back.
Independent: we have no commercial relationship, sponsorship or affiliation with Norton 360 or with these alternatives, and nobody pays us to recommend them. Links go to their official websites and are not affiliate links; the site is funded only by Google AdSense ads, which don't influence the selection. Learn more.
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