Which Windows application is designed to protect devices from malware?

Windows Defender is specifically designed to protect devices from malware by providing real-time protection against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software. It operates as an integrated feature in Windows operating systems, actively scanning files and applications for threats and enabling users to conduct on-demand scans for further reassurance.

This application not only helps to detect and remove malware but also offers features like cloud-based protection, which leverages data from millions of users to stay updated on the latest threats and malware signatures. Additionally, it can help in preventing malicious software from installing or executing on the device, making it an essential component of a comprehensive security strategy for Windows users.

The other options serve different purposes: Task Manager is used for monitoring and managing running processes and performance, System Restore helps in recovering the system to a previous state in case of issues, and Windows Firewall is focused on filtering network traffic and blocking unauthorized access to the device rather than directly combating malware. Each of these plays an important role in overall system security but does not specifically address malware protection in the way that Windows Defender does.