This topic describes how to install, configure, update, and use Defender for Endpoint on Mac.
Caution
Running other third-party endpoint protection products alongside Microsoft Defender for Endpoint on Mac is likely to lead to performance problems and unpredictable side effects. If non-Microsoft endpoint protection is an absolute requirement in your environment, you can still safely take advantage of Defender for Endpoint on Mac EDR functionality after configuring the antivirus functionality to run in Passive mode.
If you have any feedback that you would like to share, submit it by opening Microsoft Defender for Endpoint on Mac on your device and navigating to Help > Send feedback.
To get the latest features, including preview capabilities (such as endpoint detection and response for your Mac devices), configure your macOS device running Microsoft Defender for Endpoint to be a Beta channel (formerly Insider-Fast) device.
How to install Microsoft Defender for Endpoint on Mac
Prerequisites
A Defender for Endpoint subscription and access to the Microsoft Defender portal
Beginner-level experience in macOS and BASH scripting
Administrative privileges on the device (in case of manual deployment)
Installation instructions
There are several methods and deployment tools that you can use to install and configure Defender for Endpoint on Mac.
After you've enabled the service, you might need to configure your network or firewall to allow outbound connections between it and your endpoints.
Licensing requirements
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint on Mac requires one of the following Microsoft Volume Licensing offers:
Microsoft 365 E5
Microsoft 365 E5 Security
Microsoft 365 A5
Windows 10 Enterprise E5
Microsoft 365 Business Premium
Windows 11 Enterprise E5
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint P2 (included in Microsoft 365 E5 and E5 Security)
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint P1 (included in Microsoft 365 E3)
Note
Eligible licensed users may use Microsoft Defender for Endpoint on up to five concurrent devices.
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is also available for purchase from a Cloud Solution Provider (CSP). When purchased via a CSP, it does not require Microsoft Volume Licensing offers listed.
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint can connect through a proxy server by using the following methods:
Proxy autoconfig (PAC)
Web Proxy Autodiscovery Protocol (WPAD)
Manual static proxy configuration
If a proxy or firewall is blocking anonymous traffic, make sure that anonymous traffic is permitted in the previously listed URLs.
Warning
Authenticated proxies are not supported. Ensure that only PAC, WPAD, or a static proxy is being used.
SSL inspection and intercepting proxies are also not supported for security reasons. Configure an exception for SSL inspection and your proxy server to directly pass through data from Microsoft Defender for Endpoint on macOS to the relevant URLs without interception. Adding your interception certificate to the global store will not allow for interception.
Test network connectivity
To test that a connection isn't blocked, open https://x.cp.wd.microsoft.com/api/report and https://cdn.x.cp.wd.microsoft.com/ping in a browser.
If you prefer the command line, you can also check the connection by running the following command in Terminal:
The output from this command should be similar to the following:
OK https://x.cp.wd.microsoft.com/api/report
OK https://cdn.x.cp.wd.microsoft.com/ping
Caution
We recommend that you keep System Integrity Protection (SIP) enabled on client devices. SIP is a built-in macOS security feature that prevents low-level tampering with the OS, and is enabled by default.
Once Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is installed, connectivity can be validated by running the following command in Terminal:
mdatp connectivity test
How to update Microsoft Defender for Endpoint on Mac
Microsoft regularly publishes software updates to improve performance, security, and to deliver new features. To update Microsoft Defender for Endpoint on Mac, a program named Microsoft AutoUpdate (MAU) is used. To learn more, see Deploy updates for Microsoft Defender for Endpoint on Mac.
How to configure Microsoft Defender for Endpoint on Mac
Learn about Microsoft Defender for Endpoint and its key capabilities, such as threat and vulnerability management, attack surface reduction, automated investigation and remediation, endpoint detection and response, and more.
Plan and execute an endpoint deployment strategy, using essential elements of modern management, co-management approaches, and Microsoft Intune integration.