What is Microsoft Defender for Endpoint? Explaining its features and how to improve security

In recent years, cyber attacks have become increasingly sophisticated and complex, making endpoints such as PCs, smartphones, and servers more likely to become entry points for threats.

This creates a strong demand for enhanced endpoint security.

In this article, we will introduce “Defender for Endpoint” provided by Microsoft, one of the solutions that helps strengthen endpoint security.

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is an endpoint security solution that protects corporate IT assets from increasingly sophisticated and ingenious cyber attacks.

If you would like to know what features Defender for Endpoint has and whether there are any concerns about its implementation, please read on.

What is Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint (MDE) is a comprehensive endpoint security solution that protects endpoints such as network-connected PCs and servers from a variety of cyber attacks.

A major feature of Defender for Endpoint is that it combines the security functions of “EPP” and “EDR.”

EPP plays a role in preventing threats such as malware from infiltrating endpoints.

On the other hand, EDR can quickly detect threats even if they are allowed to penetrate, and take measures such as investigating the scope of the impact and containing them.

By combining these two functions, you can consistently implement proactive and reactive responses to cyber threats, strengthening the security of your entire endpoints.

Windows comes standard with a security feature called “Microsoft Defender Antivirus” (formerly Windows Defender).

This is a free security feature that provides basic malware protection.

Meanwhile, Defender for Endpoint is an advanced, paid endpoint security solution for businesses that builds on Microsoft Defender Antivirus and adds EDR functionality, vulnerability management, and expert threat analysis services.

In other words, Defender for Endpoint extends the antivirus functionality that comes standard with Windows into a comprehensive security platform required in corporate environments.

Key features of Defender for Endpoint

We will introduce the main features of Defender for Endpoint.

By linking these functions together, it will become possible to respond to sophisticated and complex cyber attacks.

Let’s take a closer look at each feature.

Vulnerability Management

The “Vulnerability Management” feature continuously visualizes and detects vulnerabilities in the operating systems and applications running on endpoints, prioritizing them according to risk level.

This makes it possible to focus on weaknesses that are most likely to be exploited by attackers, rather than addressing all vulnerabilities uniformly.

As a result, security measures such as patch application and configuration changes can be carried out efficiently and in a planned manner.

Reducing the attack surface

Defender for Endpoint includes an “attack surface reduction” feature that minimizes the area on your endpoints that is likely to be the starting point for attacks.

For example, by blocking macro execution in specific applications or controlling the use of USB devices, it is possible to reduce the risk of malware infection or unauthorized intrusion attacks.

Next Generation Protection

Defender for Endpoint leverages machine learning, AI, and big data analytics to block not only known malware, but also unknown malware and zero-day attacks in real time.

It is said that one million pieces of malware are created every day, making it difficult to adequately protect against them using conventional pattern matching methods.

That’s why next-generation protection that can block unknown threats in real time, even those just created by attackers, is so important.

Endpoint Detection and Response

By continuously monitoring operation logs and process behavior on endpoints, suspicious activity and signs of attack can be detected early.

In addition, when an incident occurs, we visualize the flow of the attack and the intrusion route, and collect detailed investigative information to identify the scope of the impact.

This allows us to quickly identify the cause of the incident and take appropriate measures to contain it and recover quickly.

Automated Investigation and Response (AIR)

Defender for Endpoint uses AI to automatically investigate detected threats and automatically isolate affected files and processes, as well as remediate malicious changes.

This will significantly reduce the response burden on security personnel and is also expected to speed up incident response.

Microsoft Defender Expert Tracker

Microsoft Defender Expert Pursuit is a service in which a team of Microsoft security experts proactively analyzes data collected from a customer’s environment to look for signs of advanced attacks.

It identifies threats and anomalous behavior that would be difficult for your own security team to detect on its own, and provides specific alerts and recommended actions.

Defender for Endpoint pricing plans

Defender for Endpoint has two main standalone plans: “Plan 1” and “Plan 2.” (Plans that can be used and subscribed to individually.)

Here is an overview of each plan.

Please note that this article contains information current as of January 2026. Please check the official website for the latest information.

Defender for Endpoint Plan 1 Overview

Plan 1 is primarily focused on EPP (next-generation protection, attack surface reduction, etc.) features.

This license is for businesses that want to strengthen their basic malware protection and focus on preventing attacks.

Please note that Microsoft 365 E3 and A3 licenses include features equivalent to this plan.

Defender for Endpoint Plan 2 Overview

Plan 2 is a top-tier standalone plan that includes all the features of Plan 1 plus advanced features including EDR, vulnerability management, automated investigation and remediation, and post-breach response.

It is suitable for companies that want to take comprehensive measures against cyber attacks that assume intrusion, such as zero-day attacks.

Microsoft 365 E5 and A5 licenses include all Plan 2 features.

Major features included in each plan

Licenses included in Microsoft 365 E5 etc.

Defender for Endpoint features are also included in certain Microsoft 365 plans.

In particular, Microsoft 365 E5 and A5 include all the features of Plan 2.

By using it in conjunction with licenses such as Office 365 or Windows Enterprise, you may be able to achieve more cost-effective security measures than if you were to implement security features individually.

The benefits of Defender for Endpoint

By deploying Defender for Endpoint, you can expect the following benefits:

If you are a company or organization considering implementing Defender for Endpoint, please read this article.

Seamless integration with Microsoft products

A major benefit of Defender for Endpoint is its ability to integrate smoothly with other Microsoft products.

For example, by combining it with Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD), you can apply conditional access to specific devices and users and control access according to risk.

In addition, by linking with Microsoft Sentinel (SIEM), more advanced threat analysis and visualization can be performed.

This facilitates centralization and automation of security operations.

Advanced threat detection and rapid response capabilities

Defender for Endpoint has the advantage of being able to utilize threat intelligence collected and analyzed by Microsoft, giving it extremely high threat detection capabilities.

Furthermore, analysis using machine learning and AI makes it possible to quickly detect not only known malware, but also unknown threats and sophisticated attack methods.

In addition, by utilizing functions that automate the entire process from post-detection investigation to containment and repair, the time required to respond to an incident can be significantly reduced, which also helps prevent damage from spreading.

Improved operational management efficiency and cost reduction

Defender for Endpoint allows you to centrally manage various security features from a single management console called the Microsoft Defender XDR Portal.

This eliminates the need to install and operate multiple security products individually, and is expected to significantly reduce management efforts.

As a result, not only is the operational burden on security personnel reduced, but license and management costs are also reduced compared to deploying multiple products, leading to more efficient security operations.

Disadvantages and points to note about Defender for Endpoint

While Defender for Endpoint offers many benefits, there are also some things to keep in mind when implementing and operating it.

When considering implementation, it is important to understand not only the benefits but also the points to be aware of.

Limited functionality on some operating systems

Defender for Endpoint supports multiple operating systems, including not only Windows but also macOS and Linux, but the features provided vary depending on the operating system.

In particular, advanced features such as EDR, automatic investigation, and repair are most comprehensive in Windows environments, and some features may not be available on other operating systems.

For example, there are the following functional differences:

Therefore, before implementing it, it is important to check the support range and functional differences for the OS used by your company.

Specialized knowledge is required for installation and operation

Defender for Endpoint is a highly feature-rich and sophisticated product that requires specialized security knowledge to get the most out of its features.

In particular, in order to properly analyze EDR alerts and conduct threat hunting, it is necessary to understand attack methods and have knowledge of log analysis.

If your company does not have security personnel, you should also consider using partner companies or management services that can support implementation and operation.

The cost burden may be large

Defender for Endpoint provides advanced endpoint protection on its own, but to fully utilize all of its features, you will need to purchase a higher-level license.

In particular, if you use MDR (Managed Detection and Response), which includes 24/7 monitoring and advanced incident response, you will need a Microsoft 365 E5 license, which will be relatively expensive.

For companies that already have a Microsoft 365 E5 contract, the benefit is that they can use advanced security features while keeping additional costs down. However, if you do not have an E5 license, new license fees will be incurred, which could be a significant financial burden.

Therefore, when considering introducing Defender for Endpoint, it is important to determine in advance not just the product price, but also the total cost based on the required licensing system and your company’s usage pattern.

Companies that should consider Defender for Endpoint

Finally, we will introduce the characteristics of companies that would benefit most from the implementation of Defender for Endpoint.

If this applies to your company or organization, please consider adopting this system.

Companies using Microsoft 365 company-wide

Companies that already have Microsoft 365 E3 or E5 subscriptions may be able to get Defender for Endpoint at little or no additional cost.

Because it provides integrated security in conjunction with Office applications and the ID management platform Microsoft Entra ID, it is highly compatible with companies that build IT environments centered around Microsoft products.

Companies that want to efficiently implement advanced security measures

Defender for Endpoint, which includes EDR and vulnerability management, is a strong choice for companies looking to strengthen their defenses against advanced threats that traditional antivirus software cannot prevent, such as ransomware and targeted attacks.

As mentioned above, Defender for Endpoint covers everything from proactive to reactive responses on a single platform, allowing for efficient operation without the need to combine multiple products.

Companies with a shortage of security personnel

Analyzing and responding to security incidents requires specialized knowledge and experience, but many companies are facing the challenge of a shortage of security personnel.

By taking advantage of Defender for Endpoint’s automated investigation and remediation capabilities and a service that allows Microsoft experts to perform threat hunting on your behalf, you can reduce the burden on your security team and make up for the shortage of personnel.