Microsoft is now force-installing the Microsoft Defender for Individuals software when putting in or updating the Microsoft 365 apps.
It was first unveiled for Windows 11 Insiders in March 2022 and has been obtainable for patrons with Personal or Family subscriptions since June 2022.
However, beginning earlier this month, it can even be routinely put in when first working the Microsoft 365 installer or after the subsequent replace, as noticed by WindowsNewest.
“Starting in late February of 2023, the Microsoft Defender app will probably be included within the Microsoft 365 installer,” the corporate says in a assist doc up to date final week.
“That signifies that once you set up the Microsoft 365 apps in your Windows machine, the Microsoft Defender app will routinely be put in for you together with the opposite apps.
“If you might have an lively Microsoft 365 subscription and have already put in the Microsoft 365 apps, then the Microsoft Defender app will probably be routinely put in for you with the subsequent replace.”
While the corporate emailed some Microsoft 365 prospects to tell them of the change, in keeping with Neowin, some customers have been nonetheless shocked to see it put in with out seemingly no warning on their computer systems.
Unlike Microsoft Defender Antivirus, which is a Windows part, Defender for Individuals is now a standalone Microsoft 365 app that works as a central dashboard that helps monitor Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android cellular and desktop units.
It additionally offers security alerts and suggestions, similar to real-time warnings about machine safety modifications, in addition to solutions on conserving your knowledge and units safe.
Microsoft says the malware safety function is simply obtainable on Windows, macOS, and Android telephones. In distinction, internet safety is accessible on iOS and Android telephones (on Windows, internet safety is supplied by the built-in Windows Security answer).
“Once downloaded, the Microsoft Defender app extends the machine safety already built-in to Windows Security, past your PC, to your mac, iOS, and Android units,” Microsoft explains.
The Microsoft Defender app shouldn’t be at present obtainable in all Microsoft 365 areas. You can discover a record of all areas the place it isn’t obtainable by going right here.