EDR - Enable Microsoft Defender for Windows

In July of 2023 the Secure Computing standards for all university owned machines went live. The University standards now require Microsoft Defender with Defender for Endpoint as the recommended EDR software for university-owned Windows computers. As a result, any third-party antivirus applications must be removed and transitioned over to Microsoft Defender. See the Microsoft Defender for Windows to learn how to download and install EDR.

Use this tutorial to ensure Microsoft Defender is on and running.

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Step

Open the Windows Search and type in Windows Security. Then open the Windows Security settings.

Step

In the Windows Security settings, check if EDR is running on your computer:

  • Green check: An EDR program is present and running in your computer. Enabling of Windows Defender is not necessary as your computer is already protected by Windows Defender.
  • Yellow warning: An EDR program is present and running on your computer but may need additional features enabled or virus definitions updated.
  • No check or warning: No EDR present and Windows Defender is not enabled in your computer. Please proceed to next step to enable Windows Defender, to keep your personal computer safe.

Step

Select the Virus & Threat Protection settings.

Step

Select Manage Settings under Virus & Threat Protection settings.

Step

Move the Real-time Protection switch On and turn on any additional switches you are able.