The Microsoft Defender app is typically installed along with Microsoft 365 apps (previously known as Office 365 apps). However, at times, the app may go missing or fail to appear.
This guide shows you how to download and install the Microsoft Defender app on a Windows 11 PC.
What is the Microsoft Defender app?
Microsoft Defender is a security app designed to help users stay safe online with web protection and malware protection. In addition to the Windows operating system, the Defender app is also available for macOS, iOS, and Android.
In simple words, the Microsoft Defender app can help you find malware in files and apps so that malware does not steal your personal data.
Is the Microsoft Defender app free to use?
As of writing this article in July 2025, the Defender app is not free. It’s offered with Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscriptions. So, only users with Microsoft 365 Personal or Family subscriptions can use the Microsoft Defender app.
The following are the two easy ways to install Microsoft Defender on a Windows 11 PC.
IMPORTANT: Please note that the Microsoft Defender app is different from the Windows Defender antivirus program, which is part of the Windows Security app. The Microsoft Defender app can be installed and used alongside the built-in Windows Security app without any issues.
Method 1 of 2
Download and install the Microsoft Defender app on a Windows 11 PC
Step 1: Visit this page of the Microsoft Store in a web browser of your choice.
Step 2: Once the Store page is open, click the View in Store button to open the official Microsoft Defender app’s official page in the Store app.
Step 3: Finally, click the “Get” or “Install” button to download and install the Microsoft Defender app on your Windows 11 PC.
Step 4: You may now launch the Defender app. If asked to sign in, please use the same Microsoft account that you use to sign in or subscribe to the Microsoft 365 Personal or Family plan.
Method 2 of 2
Download and install the Microsoft Defender app in Windows 11
Step 1: Visit this link in a web browser of your choice.
Step 2: Click the Download button to download the Microsoft Defender app installer.
Step 3: Go to the Downloads folder to see recently downloaded files (including the Defender app installer) and then double-click on it to open the Microsoft Defender page in the Microsoft Store app.
Step 4: You can now click the “Get” or “Install” button to download and install the Defender app.
Leave a Reply