Windows Defender Chrome extension

Microsoft releases Windows Defender Browser Protection extension for Google Chrome

Microsoft made an antivirus scanner for Google Chrome, even though the browser already has one.

Microsoft is bringing its Windows Defender antivirus technology in a form of extension to Google Chrome. The extension is called “Windows Defender Browser Protection,” and it features a list of malicious sites, which if you try to load will be immediately blocked in Chrome.

The purpose of the extension is to add an extra layer of protection to further prevent malware from infecting your device, hackers hijacking your data, and to stop phishing email attacks.

Although Google already provides some sort of antivirus in its browser, which for the most part is good, Microsoft bringing its own scanner looks a little unnecessary. However, the company says that its Windows Defender Browser Protection extension is 12 percent more effective than Chrome and 29 percent more effective than Mozilla Firefox.

Windows Defender Browser Protection extension
Windows Defender Browser Protection extension

If you need the extra protection, you can download the extension now from the Chrome Web Store. After installing Windows Defender, there’s nothing else you need to do, a new icon will appear next to the address bar that you can use to disable or re-enable the extension.

What do you think about Windows Defender on Chrome? Tell us in the comments.

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.