Microsoft Defender has been putting up some solid results lately, and now you can enjoy its coverage on more devices than ever before. The Redmond giant has brought its antivirus to solution to Android, macOS, and iOS devices, so you can stay safe no matter what you use.
Microsoft Defender's Debut on Competitor Devices
The news broke on the Microsoft Security blog as the company rolls out its antivirus solution to more devices than ever. In a post stating that the company is "making the world a safer place with Microsoft Defender for individuals," Microsoft runs down what's required for this new app.
The company calls it "Microsoft Defender for individuals," likely to differentiate it from the business-oriented plan that Microsoft already offers. And while it's staying free for Windows users, you'll need a Microsoft 365 Personal or Family subscriber to take advantage of the Android, macOS, or iOS version of Microsoft Defender.
At the time of writing, a Microsoft 365 Personal plan is $6.99 a month, or $69.99 a year.
Microsoft is keen to show off the features that come with the Microsoft Defender app:
- Manage your security protections and view security protections for everyone in your family, from a single easy-to-use, centralized dashboard.
- View your existing antivirus protection (such as Norton or McAfee). Defender recognizes these protections within the dashboard.
- Extend Windows device protections to iOS, Android, and macOS devices for cross-platform malware protection on the devices you and your family use the most.
- Receive instant security alerts, resolution strategies, and expert tips to help keep your data and devices secure.
The app is available to download right now. Just head to the Microsoft Defender page, scroll down, and click the download link for your desired device.
Will People Open Their Wallets for Microsoft Defender?
Microsoft Defender has performed well in tests, but a huge part of its appeal is that it's free. This is an app that comes ready to go with every modern Windows PC and gives the user enough defense to protect themselves from general threats without lifting a finger or spending a cent.
So what happens when you then introduce a monthly fee to access Microsoft Defender? Suddenly, things get a little rocky.
By putting an entry fee on Microsoft Defender, the company immediately puts itself under scrutiny against the best free antivirus programs out there. And given the sheer number of good, free antivirus apps for Android, alongside all the free security suites for macOS, Microsoft has a huge battle ahead of it if it wants people to subscribe to 365 and get Defender.
Paying for Security in a Free Antivirus World: Will It Work?
Microsoft Defender has definitely improved over the years, but will people willingly pay for it over using a free solution? We'll have to see what happens, but the odds don't seem to be in Microsoft's favor.