Microsoft’s practice of including Microsoft Defender with Windows has been cleared of any anti-competitive wrongdoing by the Competition Commission of India (CCI), which dismissed allegations that the tech giant unfairly restricted third-party antivirus developers.
An anonymous complainant had accused Microsoft of leveraging its dominant position in the operating system market to squeeze out competition by pre-installing and activating Defender on all Windows devices since Windows 10’s launch in 2015. The complaint argued that this put third-party antivirus developers at a disadvantage, forcing them to join Microsoft’s Virus Initiative (MVI) program to ensure compatibility.
Among the chief concerns raised:
- Developers had to sign what was described as a one-sided agreement to access Microsoft’s Antimalware APIs.
- Entry into the Windows ecosystem was limited to Microsoft Store listings, sideloading, or OEM agreements.
- Third-party antivirus programs could not function optimally unless set as the system default, with key features otherwise restricted.
Microsoft, in its defense, maintained that Defender is a core part of Windows, provided at no extra charge, and that users remain free to install alternative antivirus software. It also emphasized that Defender automatically disables itself when another antivirus program is set as the default, ensuring fair competition.
After reviewing the claims, the CCI found no evidence of restrictive practices, coercion, or unfair conditions. The commission noted that third-party antivirus providers continue to thrive despite Defender’s presence, with major industry players such as Norton, McAfee, and Bitdefender still active in the market. It also rejected claims that Microsoft’s practices hinder technical development, citing ongoing cybersecurity advancements.
With no clear proof of Microsoft engaging in exclusionary behavior, the CCI ruled there was no contravention of competition law and dismissed the case, affirming that users retain full control over their software choices.
