Microsoft Defender vs Defender for Endpoint: Which Do You Need?

Clients often ask if they are protected against viruses and malware. We recommend all clients with PCs or Macs purchase Microsoft 365 Business Premium. This includes enhanced protection when compared to the bundled version which is included with Windows 11.

Defender for Endpoint is also available as part of Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Plan 1, or the Microsoft 365 E5 Security addon, typically added to e.g. Office 365 E3 subscriptions.

This article compares the two versions.

Microsoft Defender (Windows 11 / Unmanaged PCs)

This is the default antivirus and antimalware solution built into Windows 11 and comes at no extra cost.

• Protection Type: Next-generation antivirus and real-time protection against malware, ransomware, and phishing.
• Management: Local only; no centralized control or visibility across devices.
• Updates: Receives regular signature and platform updates via Windows Update.
• Reporting: Basic local logs; no centralized dashboard.
• Integration: Limited integration with other Microsoft security tools.
• Ideal For: Personal use or small setups without IT oversight.

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint (Microsoft 365 Business Premium)

This is a cloud-powered enterprise-grade security platform designed for businesses.

• Protection Type: Includes next-gen antivirus plus endpoint detection and response (EDR), threat and vulnerability management, and automated investigation and remediation.
• Management: Centralized via Microsoft 365 Defender portal; supports policy enforcement, device health monitoring, and threat response.
• Updates: Managed via Intune or other tools; supports configuration baselines and compliance policies.
• Reporting: Rich dashboards, alerts, and analytics across all onboarded devices.
• Integration: Deep integration with Microsoft 365 services like Intune, Entra ID, Defender for Office 365, and Purview.
• Ideal For: SMBs and enterprises needing layered security, visibility, and control over endpoints.

Feature Comparison

Feature	Microsoft Defender	Defender for Endpoint
Antivirus & Antimalware	✅ Basic	✅ Advanced + AI-powered
Endpoint Detection & Response	❌	✅
Threat & Vulnerability Mgmt	❌	✅
Centralized Management	❌	✅
Automated Investigation	❌	✅
Integration with Microsoft 365	❌	✅
Device Health Monitoring	❌	✅
Ideal Use Case	Personal / Unmanaged	Business / Managed

If you’re running a small business or managing multiple devices, Defender for Endpoint offers a serious upgrade in visibility, control, and protection, so we recommend this for all our customers.

Pricing & Licensing

Product	Licensing	Approx. Cost (per user/month)
Microsoft Defender (built-in)	Included with Windows 11	Free
Defender for Endpoint Plan 1	Microsoft 365 Business Premium / E3 add-on	~$2-3 (add-on)
Defender for Endpoint Plan 2	Microsoft 365 E5 / E5 Security add-on	~$5-7 (add-on)

For most small to medium businesses, Microsoft 365 Business Premium is the most cost-effective way to get Defender for Endpoint Plan 1 alongside Office apps, Exchange, Teams, and Intune.

Not sure which protection level is right for you? Contact Cloudrun for a free security assessment and licensing review.

Branding Note

In 2024, Microsoft rebranded many security products under the “Microsoft Defender” umbrella. What was previously called “Microsoft Defender for Endpoint” is now part of the unified Microsoft Defender portfolio. You may also see it referred to as Defender for Business (the SMB-focused SKU included in Business Premium). The core capabilities remain the same regardless of the name.