Explained: What is Microsoft Defender app and how it works

What is Microsoft’s Defender app?

Microsoft Defender is a cross-device security app that helps individuals and families protect their data and devices. The idea of the app is to keep users safer online with malware protection, real-time security notifications, and security tips.

What features does Microsoft Defender offer?

The Defender app comes with a dashboard that allows users to monitor their online security status in a single, centralised view. They can also see their individual and family’s devices in one place. The dashboard also allows users to add or remove devices. Furthermore, the Defender app claims to provide protection against malware as it continuously scans for new and existing threats. It also gives users control over what is scanned by enabling them to identify apps and files that they consider safe. Other features include real-time alerts about changes to your security status; recommendations to help keep your data and devices secure; and tips that help improve your overall security.

Where is Microsoft Defender app available and how can you use it?

It’s a cross-device app, which means it is available across operating systems. You can download the Microsoft Defender app for Windows in the Microsoft Store, iPhone users can download from the App Store, and for Android phone users from Google Play. It is also available for macOS. Users will need a Microsoft 365 Personal or Family subscription. If you have that, just sign into the app with your personal Microsoft account. Upon sign in, your personal account is validated for a Microsoft 365 subscription, and access to Microsoft Defender is granted.

Are there any system requirements for the Microsoft Defender app?

Yes, there are system requirements for the app. Do note that Microsoft Defender is not currently built into Windows. It is a standalone app that can be downloaded from Apple, Google, and Microsoft app stores.
Windows: Windows 10 version 19041.0 or higher. Defender is not currently supported on ARM-based devices.
• Mac: Intel Macs from Catalina 10.15+ upwards, Apple silicon-based devices from 11.2.3+ upwards. Disk Space: 2 GB
• iPhone: Requires iOS 13.0 or later.
• Android: Requires Android OS 6.0 and up.

How much does Microsoft 365 Personal or Family subscription cost?

The Microsoft 365 Personal subscription costs Rs 4,890 per year whereas the Family — for 2-6 people — subscription costs Rs 6,199.