“Starting in late February of 2023, the Microsoft Defender app will be included in the Microsoft 365 installer.

Over the weekend, some users reported that Microsoft quietly began automatic installations of the Defender app on Windows 10 and Windows 11 devices. This means it was up to Microsoft 365 subscribers to download and install it from the Microsoft Store. Up until now, the Microsoft Defender app worked as a complement to the built-in antivirus protection on Windows PCs. The app can continuously scan new and existing security threats and provides real-time security alerts and tips to protect each device. It provides a central hub for managing and monitoring the security status of all devices linked with a Microsoft account. Microsoft launched its new cross-platform Defender app for consumers with Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscription in June 2022. The company is sending out emails to inform Microsoft 365 subscribers that the app will now be automatically installed while installing or updating Microsoft 365 apps. Microsoft has started force-installing its Microsoft Defender for individuals app on Windows 10 and Windows 11 PCs.

Windows 11 microsoft defender