Microsoft Defender Question

Yes, Microsoft Defender (formerly known as Windows Defender) provides protection even when using a browser other than Microsoft Edge. Microsoft Defender is integrated into Windows operating systems, including Windows 11 Home, and provides real-time protection against various types of threats such as viruses, malware, and ransomware.
Microsoft Defender uses a combination of signature-based detection, behavior monitoring, and cloud-based protection to identify and block threats. It scans files and websites in real-time, and it also includes features like firewall management, network protection, and browser extension protection.
While Microsoft Edge does offer additional security features such as SmartScreen filtering and Application Guard, using a different browser does not diminish the overall protection offered by Microsoft Defender.
However, it's important to keep in mind that no antivirus solution can offer 100% protection against all threats. It's a good practice to maintain safe browsing habits, keep your operating system and software up to date, and enable additional security features offered by your chosen browser to further enhance your protection.
If you have any concerns about the effectiveness of Microsoft Defender, you can always consider running additional security software alongside it.