The software can scan your system for known malware signatures, but it can also monitor your software for signs of an infection. This is a refreshing offering when you consider this is free to use and is as, if not more, capable than the paid services.
Unlike a lot of the free software out there, this won't try to get you to sign up to a paid service, continually pestering you or using ads. You don't have to think about it or worry about it slowing you down or eating through your battery.
That means it's far less effort than the competition since it just works. As such, Windows Defender works away quietly in the background keeping your system safe.