Microsoft Defender app now available for download (preview)

You can now try out the Microsoft Defender app to manage the security for all your devices in a centralized dashboard.

Microsoft Defender app for Windows 11
Microsoft Defender app for Windows 11
  • Microsoft Defender app for Windows 11 and Windows 10 is now ready as a preview.
  • The app offers a centralized dashboard to manage the security of all your device.
  • The Microsoft Defender app manages Windows as well as macOS, iPhone, and Android devices.
  • The app is free for now, but it’ll require a subscription after it’s generally available.

Microsoft gets closer to the general availability of its new “Microsoft Defender” app for Windows 11 (via @ALumia_Italia), a new security product designed to protect Windows devices as well as phones (Android and iPhone) and macOS computers.

See also this video walking you through the new security app from Microsoft at the Pureinfotech YouTube channel.

The company has been working on this product for a number of months, and it’s now available as a preview through the Microsoft Store for users in the United States.

No, Microsoft is not planning to charge you money for the “Microsoft Defender Antivirus” that comes built into Windows 11 and Windows 10. That will remain as it’s today. The “Microsoft Defender” app is a new offering meant to provide a unified dashboard to manage your online security for a family of devices, including Windows 11, Windows 10, macOS, iPhone, and Android devices, connected with the same Microsoft account.

Microsoft Defender dashboard
Microsoft Defender dashboard

The app will offer real-time notifications, security tips, and recommended steps to protect your devices from hackers and malicious code.

Microsoft Defender scan history
Microsoft Defender scan history

In addition, you will be able to add or remove devices and view malware protection across all your devices (up to four).

Microsoft Defender other devices
Microsoft Defender other devices

These are the features, according to the Store listing:

  • A centralized view to manage and monitor your online security status.
  • See your devices in one place.
  • Easily add or remove devices.
  • Easily view your malware protection for you and your family
  • Get continuous protection with antivirus scans that check for harmful apps already on your phone and computer, and new apps.
  • Control what is scanned by identifying trusted apps and files that you consider safe.
  • Stay up to date about changes to your security status with real-time alerts.
  • Get recommended actions for greater data, computer, and phone protection.
  • Take advantage of security tips about how to stay safer online.

The preview is available without a subscription using a Microsoft account, but this is only for the preview since it will be part of the Microsoft 365 Family and Personal offering.

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].