For several months now, Microsoft has been developing a new security app for Windows 10 and 11 called Microsoft Defender, and its preview version is already available in the company’s app store. It should be noted right away that the new program does not replace the built-in Windows antivirus that runs in the system by default.
This is where users might get confused because the software giant now has an antivirus solution called Windows Security and a new utility called Microsoft Defender. Thus, the new application, in fact, is a program that complements the current Windows antivirus.
Microsoft Defender has a simple interface divided into three panels. The left side displays tips for users on how to surf the Internet safely. In the middle is the current device and a list of available gadgets connected to the account. Here, the user can get information about the security status of the device, including the date of the last scan, the number of files scanned, and detected threats.
Microsoft Defender allows you to check whether all security components in the operating system, such as protection against viruses and other threats, as well as program updates, are working properly. There is a security history to view all warnings found in the system. In the panel on the right, you can add a new device.
The application should work not only on computers, but also on mobile devices. Appropriate versions will appear on the Microsoft website. As soon as these devices are connected to the user account, all information about the security of gadgets will appear in the application. You can monitor remotely, but you still have to run the check manually on the device itself.
The most interesting thing is what is written under the description of the application in the Microsoft Store. It says that currently Microsoft Defender Preview does not require a subscription, but in the future you need to subscribe to Microsoft 365. It turns out that the new Defender will not be free.
The Microsoft Defender preview is currently available for download by US users (others must use a VPN). To install the program, you need Windows 10 version 19041.0 or higher.