Over the past few years, Microsoft's antivirus tools for Windows have changed and upgraded.

The Microsoft Defender has been used for a lot of things, and now it can be used for iPhones and Android. But you may have wondered, what exactly does it do?

In June 2022, Microsoft Defender became a cross-platform app, but it is not the same as an antivirus tool that you may have encountered. The scope of what Microsoft Defender does has changed a lot. 

What is Microsoft Defender

Microsoft Defender has one of the most convoluted histories as far as Microsoft services go. It was a rebranded version of a tool named Microsoft AntiSpware, which was launched together with Windows XP back in 2005, according to HowtoGeek. 

In late 2005, Microsoft AntiSpyware was renamed Windows Defender. It was the second beta of the tool, but it is the first one with the Defender name. It was a basic antispyware suite of tools but Microsoft removed some of the tools from the first beta. 

Also Read: Microsoft Is Giving macOS The Windows Defender Treatment

Then in 2006, Windows Defender left beta and became a pre-installed one on Windows Vista and Windows 7 as the default antispyware tool. 

In Windows 8, it got antivirus components, replacing Microsoft Security Essentials for Windows. Now, it is the default antispyware and antivirus tool in Windows, according to GSMArena. 

There are a lot of tools that are previously linked to Windows Defenders, and they are now found under the Windows Security settings.

Microsoft Defender for Android and iPhone

Microsoft Defender is now a two-pronged suite of tools as it has antispyware components and antivirus components. These components are baked into Windows. 

There is also the cross-platform component, which is available for iPhone and Android, as well as macOS and Windows. 

Although Microsoft offers Windows Defender for Endpoint software that has antivirus on macOS and Linux, this version is for organizations and not meant for consumers. 

The cross-platform Microsoft Defender app is like a dashboard that allows you to keep an eye on the security of all of your devices. 

You can check the security of your laptop from your phone. It also works with the existing antivirus software on the device to give you information about your device's protection. 

However, on some platforms, the tool can act as an antivirus itself. The Android app can scan for any malicious apps and scan links for phishing, but it can't be done on iPhones. The apps can also scan for network traffic, according to Wired. 

There is one catch with Microsoft Defender though, you will need a Microsoft 365 subscription to use the dashboard app. It is included with the Microsoft 365 Personal and Family plans. 

You do not need antivirus on your Android device, but Microsoft Defender is a great choice if you already use it on Windows. 

Microsoft Defender for Android and iPhone is not needed for some people. Those platforms already have their own tools to keep your phone safe. 

Android phones have Google Play Protect, while iPhones have Gatekeeper and Protect. 

With that being said, if you a Microsoft 365 subscription, it is free and there is no harm in using it to keep tabs on your devices.  

Related Article: Windows Users Beware: Update Stops Microsoft Defender for Endpoint to Start for SOME

This article is owned by Tech Times

Written by Sophie Webster