# ESET PROTECT vs Windows 10/11 Hardening Script: side-by-side comparison (2026) [ESET PROTECT](https://cybersectools.com/tools/eset-protect) is a commercial [endpoint protection platform](https://cybersectools.com/categories/epp) solution by [Lockbits](https://cybersectools.com/companies/lockbits). [Windows 10/11 Hardening Script](https://cybersectools.com/tools/windows-1011-hardening-script) is a free [endpoint protection platform](https://cybersectools.com/categories/epp) solution. Features, integrations, deployment and the company behind each one, side by side. ## Side-by-side comparison | | ESET PROTECT | Windows 10/11 Hardening Script | |---|---|---| | Pricing model | Commercial | Free | | Category | Endpoint Protection Platform | Endpoint Protection Platform | | Verified | No | No | | Deployment type | Hybrid | On-Premises | | Company size fit | SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | Startup, SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | | GitHub stars | – | 134 | | Last commit | – | Apr 2025 | | Company | Lockbits | – | | Headquarters | – | – | ### Use cases and capabilities | | ESET PROTECT | Windows 10/11 Hardening Script | |---|---|---| | Ransomware Prevention | Yes | – | | Sandbox | Yes | – | | Encryption | Yes | – | | Botnet | Yes | – | | Network Protection | Yes | – | | Windows Security | Yes | Yes | | Zero Day | Yes | – | | Rootkit | Yes | – | | Windows | – | Yes | ### Core features **ESET PROTECT** 10 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them. **Windows 10/11 Hardening Script** No features listed. ## Which one fits you Based on what each listing shows: deployment, company size, price and open source. - [ESET PROTECT](https://cybersectools.com/tools/eset-protect) fits if you need both cloud and on-premises options. - [Windows 10/11 Hardening Script](https://cybersectools.com/tools/windows-1011-hardening-script) fits if you need to run it on your own servers, you are a startup, you need a free product and you want an open-source product. ## ESET PROTECT vs Windows 10/11 Hardening Script FAQ Common questions when comparing ESET PROTECT vs Windows 10/11 Hardening Script for endpoint protection platform. ### What is the difference between ESET PROTECT and Windows 10/11 Hardening Script? **ESET PROTECT**: Multi-tier endpoint protection platform with EDR, sandboxing. Built by Lockbits. **Windows 10/11 Hardening Script**: Enhances Windows OS security through system modifications and settings adjustments. The table above shows where their features, integrations, deployment and company size fit differ. ### Who makes ESET PROTECT and Windows 10/11 Hardening Script? **ESET PROTECT** is made by Lockbits. **Windows 10/11 Hardening Script** is open-source with 134 GitHub stars. The vendor behind a product decides its roadmap, support, and longevity, so check each company's profile before you commit. ### Is ESET PROTECT a good alternative to Windows 10/11 Hardening Script? Often, yes. ESET PROTECT and Windows 10/11 Hardening Script are both Endpoint Protection Platform products, and both cover Windows Security. Key differences: ESET PROTECT is Commercial while Windows 10/11 Hardening Script is Free, Windows 10/11 Hardening Script is open-source. Use the table above to see where features, deployment and company size fit differ. ## Related comparisons - [ESET PROTECT vs Bkav Pro](https://cybersectools.com/compare/bkav-pro-vs-eset-protect) - [ESET PROTECT vs Cyemptive ZeroStrike](https://cybersectools.com/compare/cyemptive-zerostrike-vs-eset-protect) - [ESET PROTECT vs OnSystem Logic OnSystem Defender](https://cybersectools.com/compare/eset-protect-vs-onsystem-logic-onsystem-defender) - [Windows 10/11 Hardening Script vs Bkav Pro](https://cybersectools.com/compare/bkav-pro-vs-windows-1011-hardening-script) - [Windows 10/11 Hardening Script vs Cyemptive ZeroStrike](https://cybersectools.com/compare/cyemptive-zerostrike-vs-windows-1011-hardening-script) - [Windows 10/11 Hardening Script vs OnSystem Logic OnSystem Defender](https://cybersectools.com/compare/onsystem-logic-onsystem-defender-vs-windows-1011-hardening-script) ## Alternatives to each - [See all ESET PROTECT alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/eset-protect) - [See all Windows 10/11 Hardening Script alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/windows-1011-hardening-script) --- Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/eset-protect-vs-windows-1011-hardening-script For AI agents: each product above has its own Markdown page (add .md to its URL, for example https://cybersectools.com/tools/eset-protect.md). Every CybersecTools shortlist is listed at https://cybersectools.com/shortlists.md. More on ESET PROTECT and Windows 10/11 Hardening Script: funding, momentum, hiring and news, plus the full product and company record, are available through the Mandos MCP Server (paid plans), which connects to AI assistants: https://mandos.io/mcp?utm_source=cybersectools.com&utm_medium=compare-md