Microsoft Defender

Microsoft Defender is a fully featured antivirus application that has replaced the Microsoft Security Essentials software solution in Windows 8, becoming the primary antivirus app offered by Microsoft to all users of Windows 10 and Windows 11 as part of the premium Microsoft 365 subscription.

Microsoft 365 Family Plan:

• Online protection for up to 6 people, up to 5 devices per person at the same time
• Identity theft monitoring and support
• Antivirus and anti-phishing protection
• Continuous monitoring
• Real-time alerts
• Security tips

This app originally started its life in 2005 as the upgraded version of the GIANT AntiSpyware app that was purchased by Microsoft a year earlier. During its long presence on the market, it went through several stages of transformation, offering comprehensive antivirus, antispyware, and antimalware protection to users of Windows XP and all future Windows OS releases. By the time Windows 10 arrived, it was renamed into Windows 365 Defender Antivirus became a part of the Windows Defender Security Center management dashboard, and was later decoupled into a standalone app.

Overview

Today, Microsoft 365 Defender is fully integrated into Windows 365 subscription offerings, providing extensive security measures to users at home, school, and work, without compromises or a complicated interface. It features built-in support for safeguarding users' identities or personal data. Its enterprise-grade security monitoring service can safeguard against threats for both local users and the devices of their family members.
 
Microsoft Defender can be deployed on any modern Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC by visiting its official Windows Store page, an official app page on Microsoft.com, or by simply logging into your Microsoft account and locating the Services & Subscriptions section that lists all currently available subscription apps for download. Once installed, users are welcomed to a streamlined dashboard from which they can manage all aspects of their security. This includes a security history listing, the current security status of your PC, and the status of all connected devices (other desktop or laptop PCs, Macs, and iOS/Android mobile devices).

Stay protected with Windows Security

Windows 10 and Windows 11 come with built-in protection called Windows Security, ensuring that your device is safeguarded from the moment you start Windows. This comprehensive security solution offers continuous scanning for malware, viruses, and various security threats. With real-time protection and automatic updates, Windows Security keeps your device secure and protected against emerging threats.

Microsoft Defender for individuals includes the features below.

A dashboard that allows you to:

• Monitor your online security status in a single, centralized view.
• See your and your family's devices in one place.
• Add or remove devices.

Protection across your devices that:

• Provides malware protection.
• Continuously scans for new and existing threats.
• Gives you control over what is scanned by enabling you to identify apps and files that you consider safe.

Safety alerts and recommendations include:

• Real-time alerts about changes to your security status.
• Recommendations to help keep your data and devices secure.
• Tips that help improve your overall security.

(NEW!) Identity theft monitoring that:

• Alerts you if your personal information is compromised online.
• Provides specialist recommendation support, anytime, day or night.
• Includes restoration services if active identity theft is found, anytime, day or night.
• Allows family organizers to view their family’s identity monitoring.
• Offers up to $1 million of restoration insurance.

The app often performs automatic updates of new virus definitions and can even use advanced algorithms to detect completely new malicious software threats that were not yet cataloged by Microsoft antivirus definition updates. As a bonus, the app will also recommend various actions, tips, and real-time alerts that can help users of all knowledge levels to stay safer online.

Microsoft 365 Defender is one of the cornerstones of Windows 365 subscriptions, offering all Windows 10 and Windows 11 users access to top-of-the-line antivirus and personal identity protection. In addition to Windows PCs, Windows Defender is also available for Mac, Android, and iOS. Businesses of all sizes can build defenses against online threats via Microsoft Defender for Business.

FAQ

What is Microsoft Defender for Individuals?
Microsoft Defender for Individuals is a dedicated security application that offers cross-device protection for individuals and families. It helps safeguard data, devices, and online activities by providing features such as malware protection, real-time security notifications, security tips, and identity theft monitoring.

Is Microsoft Defender for Individuals integrated into the Windows operating system?
No, the program is a standalone app that can be downloaded from Apple, Google, and Microsoft app stores. It is also available as a direct download for Mac and can be accessed via the web portal. While it extends the device protection offered by Windows Security, it is not built directly into the Windows operating system. It can be used to enhance security on devices running Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.

What is the difference between Microsoft Defender for individuals and Windows Security?
Microsoft Defender for Individuals is a new app designed to provide comprehensive security across multiple devices. It features a user-friendly interface with a streamlined dashboard, security notifications, tips, and identity theft monitoring. It offers device protection for iPhones, iPads, Android devices, PCs, and Macs. The app can be downloaded from app stores or the Microsoft Defender web portal. To use Microsoft Defender, a Microsoft 365 Personal or Family subscription is required.

On the other hand, Windows Security, previously known as Windows Defender Security Center, is the built-in security solution found on Windows PCs. It offers device and data protection, including Microsoft Defender Antivirus software, which defends against viruses, ransomware, trojans, and other malware. However, it may not be active if a non-Microsoft antivirus is being used.

Does Microsoft Defender for Individuals provide the same level of protection across all devices and platforms?
It offers anti-malware protection for Android and macOS devices and web protection for Android and iOS. Identity theft monitoring is available on Android, macOS, Windows, iOS, and through the Microsoft Defender web portal. On Windows devices, anti-malware and web protection are provided by Windows Security.

How is Microsoft Defender for Individuals different from Microsoft Family Safety?
Microsoft Defender for Individuals and Microsoft Family Safety are separate applications developed by Microsoft, each serving distinct security and safety purposes.

The app is primarily focused on providing security features, including malware protection, security notifications, tips, identity theft monitoring, support, and insurance.

On the other hand, Microsoft Family Safety is designed to empower families with tools for digital and physical safety. It offers features like screen time limits, content filters, online activity reports, and location sharing to help families manage and ensure the safety of their members.

What are the different versions of Microsoft Defender?

Microsoft 365 Defender
Experience unparalleled threat intelligence and automated defense against the most advanced attacks through a comprehensive extended detection and response (XDR) solution.

Microsoft Defender for Cloud
Identify vulnerabilities in your cloud setup, bolster the overall security of your environment, and safeguard workloads across multi-cloud and hybrid environments from evolving threats using XDR capabilities.

Microsoft Defender for Business
Enhance security measures with enterprise-grade endpoint protection tailored for small and medium-sized businesses, offering affordability and user-friendly functionality.

Microsoft Defender for Individuals
Safeguard yourself and your family online with a user-friendly application that provides comprehensive security protection.

Alternatives

Malwarebytes Premium: Scan your device today and see why millions trust Malwarebytes to keep them protected.

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus: Protection against viruses & anti-spyware without slowing down your PC.

ESET NOD32 Antivirus: Manage and maximize your digital security with ESET!

Total AV: Get Total Protection From Viruses, Malware & Online Threats!

Norton AntiVirus Plus: An award-winning antivirus software that helps protect against hackers and viruses.

Pricing

Microsoft 365 Personal - $6.99 /month

• 1 TB (1000 GB) cloud storage
• Online protection for 1 person, up to 5 devices at the same time
• Identity theft monitoring, support, and identity theft insurance
• Antivirus and anti-phishing protection
• Expert guidance, real-time notifications, and alerts

Microsoft 365 Family - $9.99 /month

• Up to 6 TB cloud storage (1 TB per person)
• Online protection for up to 6 people, up to 5 devices per person at the same time
• Identity theft monitoring, support, and identity theft insurance
• Antivirus and anti-phishing protection
• Expert guidance, real-time notifications, and alerts

System Requirements

OS: Windows 10 version 19041.0 or higher. The app is not currently supported on ARM-based devices.

PROS

• Robust Protection Against Malicious Software
• PC Optimization Tools
• Password Vault
• VPN (Virtual Private Network) Integration
• Compatibility with Windows 10 and 11
• 24/7 Customer Support

CONS

• Limited availability of additional security tools compared to comprehensive security suites

Conclusion

All in all, Microsoft Defender software provides robust protection against various forms of malware, offers PC optimization tools, includes a password vault, integrates a VPN, and is compatible with both Windows 10 and 11. With its comprehensive features and reliable customer support, it is an excellent choice for Windows users looking for enhanced security and system performance.

Note: 30-day trial version (Signup Required).