Microsoft Defender Variant

Question

Hello,

When we installing windows server or windows workstation, the windows defender is included and this is free of cost.

Also when we have office365 subscription there are windows defender also and this is paid version.

So what different between free and pain version?

Also in the cloud environment there are Defender for Cloud to protect the virtual machine. Are this cloud version only for monitoring security posture or can do scanning the virtual machine from any viruses like Microsoft defender which installed on the Operating System?

Answer 1

Hello,

 

Thank you for posting in Q&A forum.

There are some differences between Free and Paid Microsoft Defender

Free Microsoft Defender:

1.Provides basic antivirus protection, malware detection, and removal.

2.There are only basic security features without extra functionalities.

Paid Microsoft Defender:

1.Enhanced Features: Includes additional features like monitoring the security status of other devices, receiving timely alerts, and taking recommended actions to improve online security.

2.Can be installed on Android and iOS devices.

3.Offers more thorough security management and insights across devices.

For Microsoft Defender for cloud, you can find details below:

REF: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/defender-for-cloud/defender-for-cloud-planning-and-operations-guide

REF: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/defender-for-cloud/defender-for-cloud-introduction

 

I hope the information above is helpful.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to let us know.

 

Best regards，

Jill Zhou

 

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Answer 2

Hi @Handian Sudianto

Thank you for posting this in Microsoft Q&A.

Microsoft Defender Antivirus is installed and functional on Windows Server by default. It is a free built-in antivirus that comes installed on Windows Server 2016 and 2019. It provides basic antivirus and anti-malware protection. It includes real-time protection, cloud-based protection, and some basic features for system scanning and threat detection.

For more information: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoftdefenderatpblog/defending-windows-server-2012-r2-and-2016/2783292

Microsoft Defender is a free antivirus software that comes pre-installed with Windows. However, there is also a paid version called Microsoft Defender for Individuals, which is available as part of a paid subscription to the Microsoft 365 cloud-based office service. Office 365 includes anti-malware, anti-spam, anti-phishing protection, safe links, and safe attachments. The paid version provides a more robust security posture, especially for organizations that require centralized management and advanced threat protection.

For your reference: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/defender-office-365/trial-user-guide-defender-for-office-365

Defender for Cloud is a cloud-based security solution that provides advanced threat protection for virtual machines in the cloud. It includes features such as antivirus and anti-malware protection, network protection, and identity and access management. Defender for Cloud is designed to protect against a wide range of threats, including viruses, malware, and other types of attacks.

Hope this helps. Do let us know if you any further queries.

Thanks,

Navya.

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