Microsoft’s new cross-platform Defender app for individuals is officially launching today. The app has been available in preview in the US for a couple of months, and it’s now available on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android with a Microsoft 365 Personal or Family subscription.
On Windows, this new Microsoft Defender app works as a central hub for managing and monitoring security protections for all devices used in your family. It works as a complement to the built-in Microsoft Defender antivirus on Windows PCs, but it can also recognize third-party antivirus solutions from Norton, MacAfee, and other companies.
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The desktop app can also continuously scan for new and existing threats and provide real-time security notifications and security tips for keeping all of your devices secure. In some cases, the Microsoft Defender app will redirect users to the built-in Windows Security app on Windows 10 and Windows 11 to do certain tasks such as running a manual scan.
On Android devices, the Microsoft Defender app can protect users from malware and phishing attacks. On iOS, though, Microsoft Defender can only offer anti-phishing protection because Apple already makes sure that all apps on the App Store are sandboxed and free of known malware.
Microsoft Defender for individuals leverages the same Microsoft Defender for Endpoint technology that Microsoft uses to protect commercial customers from malware. “As we look forward, we will continue to bring more protections together under a single dashboard, including features like identity theft protection and secure online connection,” said Vasu Jakkal, CVP of Microsoft Security. You can download the Microsoft Defender app for individuals on this page.