Let’s clear up the confusion, show you how to access it, and explain why no official download link exists. Unlike third-party antivirus software (like Norton, McAfee, or Avast), Microsoft Defender is an integrated component of Windows 10, including the 64-bit version. It installs automatically with the operating system and updates itself via Windows Update.

Have questions? Still not sure if Defender is active on your 64-bit system? Drop a comment below!

If you’ve landed on this page searching for a “download link” for Microsoft Defender (formerly Windows Defender) on a 64-bit version of Windows 10, you might be surprised by the answer.