Microsoft now forcibly installs the Microsoft Defender for Home app when installing or updating Microsoft 365 Apps.

It was first unveiled for Windows 11 Insiders in March 2022 and has been available for customers who have subscribed to a Personal or Family subscription since June 2022.

However, from the beginning of the month, it will also be installed automatically when Microsoft 365 installer is run for the first time or after the next update, as indicated by WindowsLatest.

“Starting in late February 2023, the Microsoft Defender app will be included in the Microsoft 365 installer,” the company said. said in an updated support document last week.

“This means that when you install Microsoft 365 Apps on your Windows device, the Microsoft Defender app will automatically be installed for you along with the other apps.

“If you have an active Microsoft 365 subscription and have already installed Microsoft 365 Apps, the Microsoft Defender app will be automatically installed for you with the next update.”

While the company emailed select Microsoft 365 customers notifying them of the change, according to Neowin, some users were still surprised to see it installed without seemingly any warning on their computers.

Contrary to Microsoft Defender Antiviruswhich is a Windows component, Defender of Individuals is now a standalone Microsoft 365 app that functions as a central dashboard for monitoring Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android desktop and mobile devices.

It also provides security alerts and recommendations, such as real-time warnings about device security changes, and suggestions to keep your data and devices safe.

Microsoft says the Malware Protection feature is only available on Windows, macOS, and Android phones. In contrast, web protection is available on iOS and Android phones (on Windows, web protection is provided by the built-in Windows security solution).

“Once downloaded, the Microsoft Defender app extends the device protection already built into Windows Security beyond your PC to your Mac, iOS, and Android devices,” Microsoft explain.

The Microsoft Defender app is currently not available in all Microsoft 365 regions. You can find a list of all areas where it is not available by going to here.