Hot Take Microsoft Defender will be Installed Automatically on many Windows devices

[upnorth]

Installation of Microsoft 365 applications on Windows devices will soon include the automatic installation of Microsoft Defender on these devices. The standalone security application will also be pushed to devices via updates.

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. An update for these applications may also install the Microsoft Defender app on devices on which it is not installed on yet.

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. Look for it in the Start Menu and make sure to sign in to activate your protections". A Microsoft support document confirms the plan. There, Microsoft explains that " the Microsoft Defender app will be included in the Microsoft 365 installer" starting in late February 2023. The Microsoft Defender app will be installed automatically as part of the installation of Microsoft 365 on Windows 10 and 11 devices. Additionally, Microsoft Defender will be pushed as an update to devices that have Microsoft 365 apps installed already.

It is still required to sign-in to the application, once it is installed on the device.

Microsoft Defender will be installed automatically on many Windows devices - gHacks Tech News

Installation of Microsoft 365 applications on Windows devices will soon include the automatic installation of Microsoft Defender on these devices.

www.ghacks.net

 

[zkSnark]

If we are using third-party AVs, do we need Defender on Windows 11? Can it be uninstalled completely? What are the pros and cons of keeping Defender along with other AVs?

 

[TairikuOkami]

I was actually considering subcribing to Microsoft 365 for office/onedrive, but MS has decided it for me, it is not an option anymore.

What are the pros and cons of keeping Defender along with other AVs?

Pros: Defender kicks in ASAP, if 3rd party AV gets disabled by malware.
Cons: Defender is running with 3rd party AV, it can cause some issues.

Can it be uninstalled completely?

Simply disabling it's services will do, for now. I would not recommend removing it's files, they can be used by OS and system guard, it might result in system instability and BSOD.

 

[pxxb1]

If we are using third-party AVs, do we need Defender on Windows 11? Can it be uninstalled completely? What are the pros and cons of keeping Defender along with other AVs?

To summarize it: it can be uninstalled completely - when kept, it can function as a second opinion scanner. If removed, you can not install it manually, but it usually gets reinstalled by Ms at a later time. Your Pc will probably run a bit faster and smoother if removed.

 

[Pat MacKnife]

I have a third party AV , so WD is automaticly disabled, but also use MS office 365 (my daughter at school got 5 licenses to use at home) ....
I don't want WD av !!

 

[ForgottenSeer 98186]

Does anybody bother to read anything carefully? Plus this is old news announced in early 2022.

The article is as click-bait as it gets - deliberately mis-stating in the title what exactly will be installed: Microsoft Defender App - which is NOT Microsoft Defender antivirus. It can be argued that the title of the article is designed to create outrage by mis-stating the facts - to make people think that Microsoft Defender antivirus will be deliberately forced onto their systems.

For a much more accurate description of what Microsoft is installing and how it will behave on Android and iOS (e.g. iPad - not MacBooks), read this article and the official Microsoft Defender App support page:

Microsoft Defender launches on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android

Microsoft 365 subscribers get a new security dashboard.

www.theverge.com

Getting started with Microsoft Defender - Microsoft Support

Learn about getting started with the new Microsoft Defender on your personal devices including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.

support.microsoft.com

Here is what gets installed, what it does (not fully explained - " protection against phishing and unsafe network connections from websites, emails, and apps"), and why Microsoft thinks it is value-added: Get Microsoft Defender from the Microsoft Store



Other resources to unravel Microsoft's dodgy marketing of "Microsoft Defender app for...":

Microsoft Defender: Antivirus - Apps on Google Play

Everyday online security in one app. Safeguard your identity and your data

play.google.com

‎Microsoft Defender: Security

‎Microsoft Defender is an online security app for your personal life[1]and work [2]. Use Microsoft Defender for individuals[1] at home and on the go to stay safer online. Defender is an easy-to-use app that helps keep you and your family one step ahead of threats. Microsoft Defender for...

apps.apple.com

@zkSnark @pxxb1 @TairikuOkami @Pat MacKnife

 

[cofer123]

The article is as click-bait as it gets - deliberately mis-stating in the title what exactly will be installed: Microsoft Defender App - which is NOT Microsoft Defender antivirus. It can be argued that the title of the article is designed to create outrage by mis-stating the facts - to make people think that Microsoft Defender antivirus will be deliberately forced onto their systems.

gHacks has, for the past months, shifted to click-bait strategy in basically every news article they post. It has become increasingly difficult to find useful information there.

 

[ForgottenSeer 98186]

gHacks has, for the past months, shifted to click-bait strategy in basically every news article they post. It has become increasingly difficult to find useful information there.

It is not just gHacks. Virtually the entirety of software and security news industry rely upon click-bait tactics. Webpage clicks matter a lot in terms of revenues. It is a numbers game. The more visits, the more revenue and profit generated.

The other thing is that "reporters" copy-pasta other sources. One article title that is deliberately crafted to incite outrage is good to copy.

 

[wat0114]

Click-bait or not, MS is still forcing the installation of an app many users will not have asked for, nor want. And btw, from the The Verge article linked a few posts above:

This is just the start. 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.

**my underlining added for emphasis.

 

[Ink]

I was actually considering subcribing to Microsoft 365 for office/onedrive, but MS has decided it for me, it is not an option anymore.

In terms of cloud storage, Google One offers the best value. Google Docs is OK. No comment for Apple productivity apps. Local HDD storage is relatively inexpensive.

	M365 Basic	Google One	Google One	iCloud+	iCloud+
Cloud storage	100GB	100GB	200GB	50GB	200GB
Email	Ad-free	-	-	-	-
Users	1	Up to 5	Up to 5	Up to 5	Up to 5
Support	Yes	Yes	Yes	-	-
Other benefits	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Price	$20 p/a	$20 p/a	$30 p/a	$12 ($1 per month)	$36 ($3 per month)

Related: Update - Microsoft 365 Basic 100GB of OneDrive space (but no Office) for $2