The AV tool neatly integrates with other Windows features to offer more comprehensive security. Microsoft Defender provides basic but helpful protection against malware, ransomware, and other threats.

Lacks the advanced features found in third-party products.

Tends toward false positives, especially with SmartScreen.

Microsoft 365 subscribers who live outside the United States or use just a single device find little value in the application.

It remains to be seen how many Windows users will actually sign-in to the app and start using it. Microsoft Defender will soon be installed on millions of Windows 10 and 11 devices thanks to the automatic installation of the application. It is still required to sign-in to the application, once it is installed on the device.Īutomatic installation of apps on user devices is always problematic, especially if users do not get a say in the matter. Additionally, Microsoft Defender will be pushed as an update to devices that have Microsoft 365 apps installed already. The Microsoft Defender app will be installed automatically as part of the installation of Microsoft 365 on Windows 10 and 11 devices.

There, Microsoft explains that ' the Microsoft Defender app will be included in the Microsoft 365 installer' starting in late February 2023. Look for it in the Start Menu and make sure to sign in to activate your protections'.Ī Microsoft support document confirms the plan. The automatic installation affects Windows devices only, according to Microsoft's email: 'The Defender app will soon be automatically added to your Windows 10 or Windows 11 device during a routine update of your Microsoft 365 apps.

Ms windows defender