The automatic installation affects Windows devices only, according to Microsoft's email: 'The Defender app will soon be automatically added to your Windows 10 or Windows 11 device during a routine update of your Microsoft 365 apps.

An update for these applications may also install the Microsoft Defender app on devices on which it is not installed on yet. Microsoft is sending out emails to Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscribers currently that informs them about the automatic installation of the Microsoft Defender application when Microsoft 365 apps are installed. Automatic installation of Microsoft Defender on Windows devices Microsoft notes that the standalone Defender app works alongside non-Microsoft antimalware products on Windows. It includes Microsoft Defender Antivirus, an antivirus tool that helps protect you against viruses, ransomware, and other malware.'īoth Microsoft Defender products include anti-malware and web protection functions. 'Windows Security, formerly known as Windows Defender Security Center, is an app built into Windows 10 or 11 that helps keep your PC more secure. Microsoft Defender is included in a Microsoft 365 Family or Personal subscription and works on your phone (Android or iOS), PC, and Mac.' 'Microsoft Defender is a security app that helps people and families stay safer online with malware protection, web protection, real-time security notifications, and security tips. Microsoft describes the two products in the following way: The central dashboard may be used to manage devices with Microsoft Defender installed, including Family devices. Microsoft Defender is also available for Android, iOS and Mac systems. The latter option is provided by Experian and only available for subscribers in the United States. The three main features of Microsoft Defender for Microsoft 365 subscribers are that it adds a central dashboard for user devices, adds safety tools for family members, and includes identity theft monitoring. Microsoft 365 subscribers could install the app from the Microsoft Store to use the extra features that if offers. Up until now, installation of Microsoft Defender was optional. There is the built-in Windows security application Microsoft Defender Antivirus and the Microsoft Defender app, which is available for Microsoft 365 subscribers. Microsoft maintains two Microsoft Defender products for Windows currently.

Windows 11 defender