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University Systems

Microsoft Defender

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is Microsoft's endpoint protection software. It provides protection from viruses, network intrusion, and other cyber threats. It's mandatory on all UVic-owned computers, and free for UVic computers other than servers.

Details

Type
Microsoft 365 app
For
UVic-owned devices
Cost
Free
Platform
Windows, Mac, Linux

Manual installation

Computers that University Systems manages will have Defender installed and updated automatically. If you manage your own UVic-owned computer, you'll need to install it yourself or contact IT support for help. Admin or root access is required.

  1. Download the Windows onboarding package (8 KB zip file).
  2. Make sure your device meets the requirements for Microsoft Defender for Endpoint for Windows.
  3. Follow the instructions to onboard your Windows device using a local script. Skip step 1; you've already downloaded the onboarding package.

  1. Download the installer package for macOS (348 MB pkg file).
  2. Make sure your device meets the system requirements for Microsoft Defender for Endpoint for Mac.
  3. Follow the instructions to manually install the application on macOS. In step 1, you'll need to open the package you downloaded (Install MSDE.pkg) rather than wdav.pkg.
  4. Continue following the instructions to allow Full Disk Access.

The default settings are recommended. Real-time scanning, cloud-delivered protection, and automatic updates should all be enabled. Potentially unwanted applications should be blocked.

Restrictions & limitations

  • Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is only licensed for use on endpoints. Any device that people use to connect to the Internet can be an endpoint, but servers aren't. We can purchase licenses for security software for servers separately.
  • It's also only licensed to use on UVic computers, not personal devices.
  • We don't currently support Defender for iPhone, iPad and Android devices.

Personal computers

While UVic's Defender license doesn't cover personal computers, we recommend that you use security software on them. There are many free and affordable options. Wikipedia has a thorough comparison of antivirus products. Here are some personal recommendations from University Systems staff: 

Windows

Mac

Linux

Get help now

Contact IT support to:

  • get help installing Defender for Endpoint on a self-managed UVic computer
  • troubleshoot problems with Defender
  • report a security problem that Defender has warned you of
  • report a file that you believe is being falsely reported as malicious
  • get advice if your UVic device doesn't meet the system requirements
Get help