HomeWinBuzzer NewsWindows Defender to Become Microsoft Defender Through Windows 10 20H1

Windows Defender to Become Microsoft Defender Through Windows 10 20H1

The Microsoft Defender branding is finally replacing Windows Defender, a year after it was first used for Mac computers.

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's rebranding of its service is almost complete as the switch to gathers pace. For the upcoming May 2019 Update (Version 2004), Windows Defender is being rebranded as Microsoft Defender.

This switch has happened relatively quietly through the development cycle. That makes sense considering Microsoft first embarked on this rebranding in March 2019 when Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) because Microsoft Defender ATP.

Microsoft originally made the name change when Defender first became available on Apple's Mac. It made little sense calling it Windows on Apple's platform. There are also plans to expand Defender ATP to Android, making its rebranding make more sense.

Windows Defender ATP was launched in 2016 and is aimed at enterprise customers on Windows 10. The service provides an early barrier against cyberattacks, detecting and dealing with incoming threats on enterprise networks.

Updated Branding

Of course, ATP is just one part of the Windows Defender service, but it signaled a change from Microsoft.

As the new branding is becoming well known outside of Windows, it seems Microsoft has decided to repackage the whole Defender ecosystem under the moniker.

Certainly, the company has been working towards this outcome. As Windows Latest reports, Windows Defender Offline Scan and other tools have already been switched to the new branding.

As mentioned, the change is likely to go live as part of Windows 10 May 2020 Update. The latest Windows refresh should land next month. Once the change is made, I presume Microsoft will retroactively change branding of Defender across older builds.

Luke Jones
Luke Jones
Luke has been writing about all things tech for more than five years. He is following Microsoft closely to bring you the latest news about Windows, Office, Azure, Skype, HoloLens and all the rest of their products.

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