Microsoft Defender Windows antivirus could soon protect all your personal devices
New version of Microsoft Defender Windows antivirus is available to try now
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Microsofthas announced it is testing a new version of its Windowsantivirusplatform for home users.
The new version ofMicrosoft Defenderwas included as part of theWindows 11Insider Preview Build 22572,now availablein the Dev Channel.
The update brings with it a host of improvements, largely geared towards making it easier to manage the security of multiple devices - fromlaptopstotabletsandsmartphones- from a single place.
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Microosft Defender
Initially only available in the US, the new Microsoft Defender version will be available to users across Windows (covering bothWindows 10and 11), Android and iOS.
Microsoft was keen to highlight the ability to view and manage your online security across all your devices via a single central dashboard, although it adds that this feature is only available in the Windows app for now.
The service can be used across five different devices per user, with the system offering safety alerts and recommendations concerning any potential issues.
Once signed in, the app makes it possible to view the security status of any and all devices linked to that account. This can include a number of personal devices, but also devices owned by family members.
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The company also mentioned themalwareand phishing protections on your mobile devices, a welcome addition for users who may use the same device for work and personal usage to take advantage of newhybrid workingtrends. Malware protection is available on Android devices for now due toApple’s own services already being present on iPhones.
Is Microsoft Defender good enough for your PC – or do you need a better free antivirus?> >Windows 11 Pro will soon force you to make a Microsoft account>Microsoft Defender now offers protection across Azure, AWS and Google Cloud
The news comes just weeks after Microsoft appeared to release thelatest edition of Defenderearly, with users able to take advantage of an unexpected free trial.
The company also recently revealed a new security feature forWindows 11calledSmart App Controlthat, once enabled, will prevent untrusted or potentially dangerous applications from being installed on your computer.
In addition to infecting your device with viruses, these potentially unwanted apps may slow down your device, randomly show ads, change the preferred search engine in your browser, install other software and more.
Mike Moore is Deputy Editor at TechRadar Pro. He has worked as a B2B and B2C tech journalist for nearly a decade, including at one of the UK’s leading national newspapers and fellow Future title ITProPortal, and when he’s not keeping track of all the latest enterprise and workplace trends, can most likely be found watching, following or taking part in some kind of sport.
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