Microsoft Defender Preview is now available on Windows 10 and 11

Microsoft is preparing a new security app for Windows 10 and 11. This is the preview of Microsoft Defender, let’s see what it does.

First things first, the app does not replace the default antivirus that exists on your PC. That’s because it’s called Windows Security, not Microsoft Defender or Windows Defender, although you may be referring to it as such. Therefore, the new application is essentially a companion program that complements the current program, it is something like a panel, so to speak.

What is Microsoft Defender Preview?

The app, first discovered by lumia ornaments, has an interface that is divided into three panels. The left panel shows some tips to educate users on how to stay safe online. The center pane is called This Device and has a text label that takes you to a screen with device security information. It tells you when the last threat scan was run on the computer, the number of files that were scanned, and the number of threats that were found.

For more details, click the Security History button on the home page to view alerts and history of all threats that were detected on the system.

The “This device” screen in Microsoft Defender Preview allows you to check if all security components are working properly on your system, such as virus and threat protection, updates, ransomware protection. It also allows you to view your security history. Settings can only be changed from the Windows Security app.

Back on the app’s home page, the bottom of the center panel lists other devices you’ve connected to the account. Speaking of which, you can add other devices using the section on the right of the screen, the app gives you a link to install it on other devices including mobile phones and tablets via this URL.

Once they are connected to your account, the app will allow you to view the security information of all your devices (including those of your family), remotely through its interface. Let’s say Windows Security detected malware on one of the computers, it will show up in the “Other devices” pane in Microsoft Defender Preview. But you’ll still have to run a scan or take action through the Windows Security app manually, at least that’s how I understand it.

According to its Store description, Microsoft Defender Preview will display real-time notifications for alerts. The fine print in the store listing is where things get interesting. Let me quote it for you,

“No subscription required for Microsoft Defender preview. Going forward, Microsoft Defender will require a Microsoft 365 family or personal subscription.”

This clearly suggests that the app will not be free for users, although I wonder if there will be other limitations.

Download the Microsoft Defender preview app from the Microsoft Store. (credit). There are a couple of caveats here, for one, you need to have a US IP address, just to log into the program. I used ProtonVPN (free), but you can use any VPN. You’ll need to use it to log in to the app, every time you restart your computer, which is annoying. But this is a preview version, so such restrictions are to be expected. The other requirement is that your computer must be running Windows 10 version 19041.0 or higher to run the app. The system requirements listed in the Store say that the app is compatible with x64/x86 systems and the Xbox console.

Although Microsoft Defender Preview is available for download, it has not been officially announced yet. It’s likely to be featured in this week’s Windows 11 Insider Preview. I’d advise waiting for the announcement, before diving in to test the program, but it seems to work fine, even on Windows 11 stable.

Microsoft Defender Preview looks like a good app, and the endpoint-like experience is sure to come in handy for users who want to manage the security of their not-so-tech-savvy family members’ computers remotely.

What do you think of the application?

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