Everyday online security with Microsoft Defender

What is Microsoft Defender for individuals?

Microsoft Defender for individuals is a cross-device security app^1,3 that helps individuals and families protect their data and devices, and stay safer online with malware protection⁵ real-time security notifications, security tips, and identity theft monitoring²

Where is Microsoft Defender for individuals available?

Microsoft Defender for individuals is available where Microsoft 365 is sold with a few exceptions.
Identity theft monitoring is only available in the United States and United States territories.

What features will be available within Microsoft Defender for individuals?

Microsoft Defender for individuals includes the features below.
A dashboard whare you can:

• Monitor your online security status in a single, centralized view.
• See your and your family’s devices in one place¹
• Add or remove devices³

Protection across your devices that:

• Helps prevent and detect malware⁵
• Continuously scans for new and existing threats.
• Gives you control over what is scanned by enabling you to identify apps and files that  you consider safe

Safety alerts and recommendations including:

• Real-time alerts about changes to your security status.
• Recommendations to help keep your data and devices secure.
• Tips that help improve your overall digital security.

 Identity theft monitoring² that:

• Alerts you if your personal information is compromised online
• Provides specialist recommendation support, anytime, day or night.
• Includes restoration services if an active identity theft is found, anytime, day or night.
• Enable family organizers to view their family’s identity monitoring⁶
• Offers up to $1 million of restoration insurance⁴

How do I get Microsoft Defender for individuals?
 

1. The Microsoft Defender for individuals app is available for download in the Microsoft Store, Apple App Store, and Google Play Store. Microsoft Defender for individuals is available for direct download for Mac here and can also be accessed from any connected device on the Microsoft Defender web portal at mydefender.microsoft.com.

2. A Microsoft 365 Personal or Family subscription is required. Sign into the app with your personal Microsoft account. Upon sign in, your personal account is validated for a Microsoft 365 subscription and access to Microsoft Defender for individuals is granted.
 

3. If you don't have a valid Microsoft 365 Personal or Family subscription, you can purchase a subscription in the app or here. 

What are the system requirements for Microsoft Defender for individuals?

• Windows: Windows 10 version 19041.0 or higher. Microsoft Defender for individuals is not currently supported on ARM-based devices.
• Mac: Intel Macs from Catalina 10.15+ upwards, Apple Silicon based Macs from 11.2.3+ upwards. Disk Space: 2GB.
• iPhone: Requires iOS 13.0 or later.
• Android: Requires Android OS 6.0 and up.

Is Microsoft Defender for individuals built into the Windows operating system?

No, Microsoft Defender for individuals is a new standalone Microsoft 365 app^1,3 that can be downloaded from Apple, Google, and Microsoft app stores, as a direct download on Mac, or accessible via the Microsoft Defender web portal. Once downloaded, the Microsoft Defender app extends the device protection already built-in to Windows Security, beyond your PC, to your mac, iOS, and Android devices.⁵

What is the difference between Microsoft Defender for individuals and Windows Security?

Microsoft Defender for individuals is a new cross-device app that helps individuals and families stay safer online.^1,3 Defender for individuals provides a simplified user interface with a streamlined dashboard, security notifications, tips, an identity theft monitoring ² Microsoft Defender for individuals also brings valuable device protection to iPhones and iPads, Android phones and tablets, PCs, and Macs.⁵ Defender for individuals is available in the Apple, Google, and Microsoft app stores, as a direct download for Mac, or accessible via the Microsoft Defender web portal. Defender requires a Microsoft 365 Personal or Family subscription to use.

Windows Security, formerly known as Windows Defender Security Center, is built-in security on Windows PCs to protect your device and data. Windows Security is pre-installed and automatically enabled. Windows Security includes Microsoft Defender Antivirus software that protects your Windows device and data against viruses, ransomware, trojans, and other malware unless a non-Microsoft Antivirus is active.

Is the same protection provided across all devices and platforms?

Microsoft Defender for individuals provides anti-malware protection on Android and macOS and web protection on Android and iOS. Identity theft monitoring² is available on Android, macOS, Windows, iOS, and within the Microsoft Defender web portal.

For Windows, anti-malware and web protection is provided by Windows Security.

What is the difference between Microsoft Defender for individuals and Microsoft Family Safety?

Microsoft Defender for individuals and Family Safety are two separate apps from Microsoft dedicated to security and safety.

Microsoft Defender is a security app^1,3 that helps individuals and families protect their devices and online identities through malware protection⁴, real-time notifications, security tips; and identity theft monitoring,² support, and insurance.⁴

The Microsoft Family Safety app helps empower families to build better habits with digital and physical safety features such as screen time limits, content filters, online activity reports, and location sharing⁹ which keeps track of family members’ whereabouts.  

Will Microsoft Defender for individuals work with my antivirus software such as Norton and McAfee?

Yes. Microsoft’s priority is to ensure your PC is protected, either with built-in Windows Security or a third-party antivirus solution. The Microsoft Defender app^1,3 works with Windows Security, as well as other third-party antivirus software. The Microsoft Defender for individuals dashboard provides an at-a-glance view of your device’s protection status,^3,5 including other antivirus solutions you may be using. To manage your security settings further, you can launch either your Windows or third-party security solution from within Microsoft Defender for individuals. Microsoft Defender for individuals does not replace Windows Security or third-party antivirus on your PC, instead it works with your active security software and allows you to extend that protection to your Mac, iOS,⁵ and Android devices, while still being able to view the status of each device on a single dashboard.

What is included in identity theft monitoring? How does it monitor my personal identity?

Identity theft monitoring² includes:

• Advanced online scanning for your identity and personal data (See “What information is monitored?” below).
• Alerts and recommendations when your personal data and identity is compromised.
• Specialist support, available anytime, day or night to help you restore your personal data and identity when compromises occur.
• Up to $1 million of identity theft insurance⁴ (See “Who is providing identity theft breach data and insurance? What will the insurance cover?” below).

Identity theft monitoring² helps to protect you by monitoring for data breaches online and alerting you if Microsoft Defender for individuals finds your personal information on the dark web. Microsoft Defender for individuals provides recommendations and support to enhance online safety, anytime day or night restoration support, and identity theft insurance.⁴

What information is monitored?

Identity theft monitoring² can search for personal information you provide such as the following:

User IDs, passwords, email addresses, first/middle/last names, date of birth, residential addresses, phone numbers, social security numbers, national IDs, driver’s license information, medical IDs/providers, mother’s maiden name, passport information, bank information, credit/debit card information, retail card numbers, and eBay/PayPal information.

Who is providing the identity theft breach data and insurance? What will the insurance cover?

Microsoft is partnering with Experian® to provide identity theft monitoring² and support within Microsoft Defender for individuals.

Up to USD 1 million insurance⁴ can help to cover the cost of identity restoration and expense reimbursement if your identity has been stolen. Up to USD 100,000⁴ of direct damages are covered as well, including cash recovery.

Can my family members get identity theft monitoring?

Yes, within the Microsoft 365 Family subscription, organizers within the family can add their own personal information for identity theft monitoring. Family organizers may also add the personal information of additional family members⁶ for identity monitoring² if permission is granted. (See question: What Microsoft 365 subscription option is best for me when using Microsoft Defender for individuals?)

If the family member is over the age of 13, the organizer will need the member’s consent to either manage or monitor their information. Family members over the age of 13 can change the organizer’s access at any time.

Who has access to my personal information?

Microsoft does not save or store your personal information when you use identity theft monitoring² and support. This information is stored and secured by Experian®. Your personal information will not be sold to a third party or used for purposes other than monitoring.

How do I get notified and what do I do if my information is found online?

If your personal information is compromised online, Microsoft Defender for individuals will alert you and provide guidance on how to take action to resolve the problem. If you are looking for further support, you can call an identity theft restoration expert to receive personalized recommendations or restoration support services.

How do I get help with Microsoft Defender for individuals?

Check out Microsoft Support for help in getting started. Visit Getting started with Microsoft Defender, or go to Help and Feedback in the Microsoft Defender app.

How do I share feedback? 

We encourage you to share feedback in the app by going to the Help and Feedback menu.

On Windows select the button near the top right of the window. On Android or iOS tap your account avatar at the top left to find Help and Feedback.