Microsoft Defender Antivirus is available in Windows 10 and Windows 11, and in versions of Windows Server.
Microsoft Defender Antivirus is a major component of your next-generation protection in Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. This protection brings together machine learning, big-data analysis, in-depth threat resistance research, and the Microsoft cloud infrastructure to protect devices (or endpoints) in your organization. Microsoft Defender Antivirus is built into Windows, and it works with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint to provide protection on your device and in the cloud.
Compatibility with other antivirus products
If you’re using a non-Microsoft antivirus/antimalware product on your device, you might be able to run Microsoft Defender Antivirus in passive mode alongside the non-Microsoft antivirus solution. It depends on the operating system used and whether your device is onboarded to Defender for Endpoint. To learn more, see Microsoft Defender Antivirus compatibility.
Comparing active mode, passive mode, and disabled mode
The following table describes what to expect when Microsoft Defender Antivirus is in active mode, passive mode, or disabled.
| Mode | What happens |
|---|---|
| Active mode | In active mode, Microsoft Defender Antivirus is used as the primary antivirus app on the device. Files are scanned, threats are remediated, and detected threats are listed in your organization’s security reports and in your Windows Security app. |
| Passive mode | In passive mode, Microsoft Defender Antivirus is not used as the primary antivirus app on the device. Files are scanned, and detected threats are reported, but threats are not remediated by Microsoft Defender Antivirus.
IMPORTANT: Microsoft Defender Antivirus can run in passive mode only on endpoints that are onboarded to Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. See Requirements for Microsoft Defender Antivirus to run in passive mode. |
| Disabled or uninstalled | When disabled or uninstalled, Microsoft Defender Antivirus is not used. Files are not scanned, and threats are not remediated. In general, we do not recommend disabling or uninstalling Microsoft Defender Antivirus. |
To learn more, see Microsoft Defender Antivirus compatibility.
Check the state of Microsoft Defender Antivirus on your device
If you want to check the state of Microsoft Defender Antivirus on your device, you can use one of several methods, such as the Windows Security app or Windows PowerShell.
Use the Windows Security app to check status of Microsoft Defender Antivirus
- On your Windows device, select the Start menu, and begin typing
Security. Then open the Windows Security app in the results. - Select Virus & threat protection.
- Under Virus & threat protection settings, choose Manage settings.
You’ll see the name of your antivirus/antimalware solution on the settings page.
Use PowerShell to check status of Microsoft Defender Antivirus
- Select the Start menu, and begin typing
PowerShell. Then open Windows PowerShell in the results. - Type
Get-MpComputerStatus. - In the list of results, look at the AMRunningMode row.
- Normal means Microsoft Defender Antivirus is running in active mode.
- Passive mode means Microsoft Defender Antivirus running, but is not the primary antivirus/antimalware product on your device. Passive mode is only available for devices that are onboarded to Microsoft Defender for Endpoint and that meet certain requirements. To learn more, see Requirements for Microsoft Defender Antivirus to run in passive mode.
- EDR Block Mode means Microsoft Defender Antivirus is running and Endpoint detection and response (EDR) in block mode, a capability in Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, is enabled.
- SxS Passive Mode means Microsoft Defender Antivirus is running alongside another antivirus/antimalware product, and limited periodic scanning is used.
Tip
To learn more about the Get-MpComputerStatus PowerShell cmdlet, see the reference article Get-MpComputerStatus.
Get your antivirus/antimalware platform updates
It’s important to keep Microsoft Defender Antivirus, or any antivirus/antimalware solution, up to date. Microsoft releases regular updates to help ensure that your devices have the latest technology to protect against new malware and attack techniques. To learn more, see Manage Microsoft Defender Antivirus updates and apply baselines.