
Enterprise administrators can also push updates to devices in their network. In Windows 10, select Check for updates in the Windows Security Virus & threat protection screen to check for the latest updates. That means that when you install the Microsoft 365 apps on your Windows device, the Microsoft Defender app will automatically be installed for you along with the other apps,” Microsoft explained in a support document. Microsoft Defender Antivirus and other Microsoft antimalware solutions provide a way to manually trigger an update. “Starting in late February of 2023, the Microsoft Defender app will be included in the Microsoft 365 installer. Over the weekend, some users reported that Microsoft quietly began automatic installations of the Defender app on Windows 10 and Windows 11 devices. This means it was up to Microsoft 365 subscribers to download and install it from the Microsoft Store. Up until now, the Microsoft Defender app worked as a complement to the built-in antivirus protection on Windows PCs. The app can continuously scan new and existing security threats and provides real-time security alerts and tips to protect each device. It provides a central hub for managing and monitoring the security status of all devices linked with a Microsoft account. Microsoft launched its new cross-platform Defender app for consumers with Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscription in June 2022. The company is sending out emails to inform Microsoft 365 subscribers that the app will now be automatically installed while installing or updating Microsoft 365 apps.

Microsoft has started force-installing its Microsoft Defender for individuals app on Windows 10 and Windows 11 PCs. Disable Windows Defender in Windows 11 Only way is to permanently disable it, see my answer here, it can be restored easily if necessary>.
