Download Microsoft Defender for Windows, Android, iOS and macOS

Microsoft has released public stable version of its new “Microsoft Defender” app for Windows 10, Windows 11, Google Android smartphones, iOS and macOS. In this article, we are going to discuss everything you need to know about this new app.

What is Microsoft Defender App for Windows and Android OS?

Microsoft Defender is a new app released by Microsoft to protect computers and mobile phones. If you are aware of Windows Defender or Windows Security tools which come bundled with Windows, you can consider Microsoft Defender as a cross-platform edition of Windows Defender.

Microsoft Defender app will help users in making their devices secure and protecting them from malicious threats. It provides a centralized dashboard to allow users to manage online security of their devices (Windows PC, Android smartphones, iPhones and Mac) in a single place. You’ll get real-time notifications, tips to improve your device security and instructions to prevent suspicious and malicious attacks.

Which Operating Systems are Supported by Microsoft Defender App?

You can download and install Microsoft Defender in Windows 10 or Windows 11 operating systems in your computer. If you have a Google Android smartphone, you can also install Microsoft Defender in your mobile phone. Apple devices (iOS, macOS) are also supported by Microsoft Defender.

What is the Difference between Microsoft Defender and Windows Defender?

Windows 10 and Windows 11 already come with built-in Windows Security tool which is an advanced and revamped version of Windows Defender tool present in old Windows versions. So basically Windows Defender, the good ol’ Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) and Windows Security are similar tools which have been rebranded over times.

The new Microsoft Defender app is quite similar to Windows Security (or Windows Defender) tool present in Windows 10 and Windows 11 devices. So if you are already using Windows Security app in your Windows device, you might not need the new Microsoft Defender app.

But you can install Microsoft Defender app in your Android smartphone and Apple devices to improve your phone security.

Is Microsoft Defender Free for Download and Use?

At the moment, Microsoft Defender is free but according to official description of the tool, it’ll require a Microsoft 365 Family or Personal subscription in future.

So the current Preview version is free for download and installation but when the final stable version will be released in future, it might require a paid subscription.

How to Download Microsoft Defender in Windows and Android Smartphones?

Microsoft Defender is available on Microsoft Store, Google Play Store and Apple App Store for download. You can download and install it using following link:

Download Microsoft Defender for Windows, Android, iOS and macOS

Other Important Things to Note about Microsoft Defender App

Following are some important things to remember before start using Microsoft Defender app:

• Microsoft Defender requires a Microsoft Account (Hotmail, Outlook, etc email ID) to be able to use it.
• Microsoft Defender can be used in up to 4 devices using same Microsoft Account ID.
• Currently Microsoft Defender is under testing phase and the available version is a preview version and not the final version. Final stable version will be released in coming months.
• Microsoft Defender on Android phones requires permission to access “Accessibility Services” as it’ll run as an always-on service.
• The official description of Microsoft Defender mentions that the app and service is only available in United States but we were able to install and use it in India without any restriction.
• If you are planning to install Microsoft Defender in your Windows 10 PC, you’ll need version 19041.0 or higher of Windows 10 installed. You can check the Windows 10 version installed in your PC using winver command as mentioned here.

Also Check:

[Windows 10 Tip] Remove “Windows Defender Security Center” Icon from Taskbar Notification Area