Microsoft Defender for Endpoint | Microsoft Security (2024)

FAQs

What is Microsoft Defender endpoint security? ›

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is an enterprise endpoint security platform designed to help enterprise networks prevent, detect, investigate, and respond to advanced threats. Note. Example endpoints may include laptops, phones, tablets, PCs, access points, routers, and firewalls.

Not only is Microsoft Defender Antivirus an excellent next-generation antivirus solution, but combined with other Defender for Endpoint capabilities, such as endpoint detection and response and automated investigation and remediation, you get better protection that's coordinated across products and services.

Bottom line: Is Microsoft Defender good? Yes, Microsoft Defender is a good security tool. While it might not have antivirus protection as its main focus, it does well in testing when confronted with viruses and malware. Its additional identity protection, as well as the Microsoft Office tools, increase its value.

When connected to the cloud, it's fed real-time intelligence from the Intelligent Security Graph. Microsoft Defender Antivirus can also stop threats based on their behaviors and process trees even when the threat has started execution. A common example of these kinds of attacks is fileless malware.

While Microsoft Defender Antivirus is a built-in software program designed to protect a single device, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, formerly known as Microsoft Defender Advanced Threat Protection, is an enterprise endpoint security platform designed to protect enterprise networks; it prevents, detects, investigates ...

Microsoft Defender for Office 365 is a cloud-based product offering protection against email threats and safeguarding files stored in the cloud. Microsoft Defender for Endpoint provides cybersecurity against malware, spyware and other malicious software.

In summary, Microsoft Defender is a sufficient protection solution for your devices, and you do not need to have another antivirus or antimalware software installed if you have it. And take note of Brian's post.

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Pricing Overview

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint has 2 pricing edition(s), from $2.50 to $5.20. A free trial of Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is also available.

Cons of Windows Defender:

False positives: As with all antivirus solutions, Windows Defender can sometimes flag legitimate software or files as being malicious, which is known as a false positive. This can result in important files being deleted or quarantined, which can cause problems for users.

Is Microsoft Defender better than McAfee? ›

5 answers. Hello there, Both antiviruses offer excellent protection against real-time malware attacks, phishing, and other online threats, but Microsoft Defender offers near-perfect protection, while McAfee protects you from 100% of threats online and offline.

It is generally not recommended to disable Windows Defender if you have another antivirus program like McAfee installed. Multiple antivirus programs running simultaneously can cause conflicts and performance issues on your computer.

Microsoft Defender Antivirus is free and is included in Windows, always on and always working to protect your PC against malware. Hackers and scammers sometimes use fake antimalware software to trick you into installing viruses or malware on your computer.

Everyday online security with Microsoft Defender

An easy-to-use security app for individuals and families that helps protect identities (US only), data, and devices from online threats. Available exclusively with a Microsoft 365 Personal or Family subscription.

Important security info

If you have another antivirus app installed and turned on, Microsoft Defender Antivirus will turn off automatically. If you uninstall the other app, Microsoft Defender Antivirus will turn back on automatically.

Disabling Microsoft Defender Antivirus should only be done after thoughtfully weighing the risks. If disabling it for a little while, reactivate it soon to stay safe. Keep informed about threats, update Windows and any other antivirus software you use.

The easiest way to check if Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is running is to open the Windows Security app. If you see the Microsoft Defender icon in the app, it means that the service is running.

Companies who don't want or need all that Microsoft 365 has to offer can opt to purchase Defender for Endpoint as a standalone product. Purchased that way, the product costs $3 per user for Plan 1 and $5.20 per user for Plan 2.