You can now use Microsoft Defender Preview on Windows and Android

If you live in the United States, you now have access to the full functionality of Microsoft Defender Preview on your Windows and Android devices. As the app undergoes more rigorous testing, we expect it to make its way to the rest of the market. 

Windows Defender has been Micorosft’s resident anti-virus since the launch of Windows 8. Defender launched in a similar capacity for use on Android devices under the name Microsoft Defender ATP, but it was mainly aimed at businesses. The new app lets you take control of digital security across your devices, provided they connect with the same Microsoft account. 

The Microsoft Defender Preview app is not a replacement for Windows Defender on PC but rather a companion app, much like the Microsoft Phone Companion. The new UI might filter into future updates of Windows Defender or eventually replace the built-in utility. However, we are still in the early days of Defender Preview being available. 

There are some functions we’d like to see on Android, but at the very least, Microsoft Defender Preview can alert you to any potentially malicious content you’ve installed. With cyber security under more of a threat than ever, it’s always preferable to have an extra layer of protection or at least better real-time access to pertinent information regarding the security of your devices. 

We expect the app to undergo minor changes, fine-tuning it to widespread use across Android devices. Check out our article on Windows Defender’s next-gen features to get up to speed with the latest news on the Microsoft productivity front.