--- title: Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Reviews meta_title: 'Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Reviews 2026: Details, Pricing, & Features | G2' meta_description: Filter 313 reviews by the users' company size, role or industry to find out how Microsoft Defender for Endpoint works for a business like yours. aggregate_rating: rating_value: 4.4 review_count: 313 scale: '5' date_modified: '2026-11-02' parent_category: name: Endpoint Protection url: https://www.g2.com/categories/endpoint-protection ---

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Pros and Cons: Top 5 Advantages and Disadvantages

Quick AI Summary Based on G2 Reviews

Generated from real user reviews

Users value the ease of onboarding with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, benefiting from quick integration and user-friendly design. (20 mentions)
Users value the real-time threat detection and prevention capabilities of Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, enhancing overall security. (18 mentions)
Users appreciate the real-time threat protection of Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, ensuring seamless security against intruders. (17 mentions)
Users value the real-time threat protection provided by Microsoft Defender, ensuring robust security against intruders and vulnerabilities. (15 mentions)
Users value the real-time threat protection offered by Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, enhancing security effortlessly. (14 mentions)
Users face compatibility issues with Linux and older Windows versions, leading to frustration and limited functionality. (8 mentions)
Users find the complexity of managing security policies a challenging aspect of Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. (8 mentions)
Users face difficult configuration challenges with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, struggling with navigating multiple management portals efficiently. (7 mentions)
Users find configuration and troubleshooting challenging in complex environments, requiring better guidance and intuitive navigation. (7 mentions)
Users find a lack of clarity in navigating multiple portals for effective policy creation in Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. (7 mentions)

5 Pros or Advantages of Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

1. Ease of Use
Users value the ease of onboarding with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, benefiting from quick integration and user-friendly design.
See 20 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Verified User
A

Verified User

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

4.5/5

"Great Endpoint Manager for Windows"

What do you like about Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?

Ease of configuration and management integrates natively with Windows with no additional agent

Naresh C.
NC

Naresh C.

4.0/5

"Unified Protection, Limited Integration"

What do you like about Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?

I appreciate the deep integration of Microsoft Defender for Endpoint with the Microsoft ecosystem. This integration enhances its automated response ca

2. Threat Detection
Users value the real-time threat detection and prevention capabilities of Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, enhancing overall security.
See 18 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Verified User
A

Verified User

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

2.5/5

"Room to Improve"

What do you like about Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?

What I like best about Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is its strong integration with the Microsoft ecosystem and its visibility. It provides actionab

Muhammad A.
MA

Muhammad A.

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"Deep Microsoft 365/Azure Integration with In-Depth Telemetry and Automated Response"

What do you like about Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?

We like that Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is tightly integrated with Microsoft 365, Azure, and Defender XDR. For organizations already running a su

3. Security
Users appreciate the real-time threat protection of Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, ensuring seamless security against intruders.
See 17 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Muhammad A.
MA

Muhammad A.

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"Deep Microsoft 365/Azure Integration with In-Depth Telemetry and Automated Response"

What do you like about Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?

We like that Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is tightly integrated with Microsoft 365, Azure, and Defender XDR. For organizations already running a su

AN

Aarti N.

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"Effortless Management and Robust Threat Protection"

What do you like about Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?

It's easy to manage across our organization, it offers strong protection against malware and cyber threats with advanced threat detection.

4. Protection
Users value the real-time threat protection provided by Microsoft Defender, ensuring robust security against intruders and vulnerabilities.
See 15 mentions

See Related User Reviews

AN

Aarti N.

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"Effortless Management and Robust Threat Protection"

What do you like about Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?

It's easy to manage across our organization, it offers strong protection against malware and cyber threats with advanced threat detection.

Verified User
I

Verified User

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"Edr Defender review"

What do you like about Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?

Detect vulnerability at each point of your endpoint

5. Cybersecurity Protection
Users value the real-time threat protection offered by Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, enhancing security effortlessly.
See 14 mentions

See Related User Reviews

AN

Aarti N.

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"Effortless Management and Robust Threat Protection"

What do you like about Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?

It's easy to manage across our organization, it offers strong protection against malware and cyber threats with advanced threat detection.

Verified User
A

Verified User

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"Endpoint security solution that includes EDR, ASR, Email Security and more"

What do you like about Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?

We use Microsoft Defender for Endpoint on a very large deployment and most of the endpoints were previously running Cortex XDR. Defender provides high

5 Cons or Disadvantages of Microsoft Defender for Endpoint

1. Compatibility Issues
Users face compatibility issues with Linux and older Windows versions, leading to frustration and limited functionality.
See 8 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Naresh C.
NC

Naresh C.

4.0/5

"Unified Protection, Limited Integration"

What do you dislike about Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?

I find challenges with third-party integration on non-Microsoft platforms. Additionally, the licensing complexity and limitations in centralized manag

Waqas F.
WF

Waqas F.

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"Microsoft Defender - Most preferred for Endpoint users"

What do you dislike about Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?

Too many notifications which makes it dislikable and also if you are using any linux based system you will not able to configure it with full support.

2. Complexity
Users find the complexity of managing security policies a challenging aspect of Microsoft Defender for Endpoint.
See 8 mentions

See Related User Reviews

AN

Aarti N.

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"Effortless Management and Robust Threat Protection"

What do you dislike about Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?

The setup and configuration can be complex, especially for new users. Otherwise it's all good.

Verified User
A

Verified User

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"Endpoint security solution that includes EDR, ASR, Email Security and more"

What do you dislike about Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?

It takes a lot of training and constant learning, managing the security policies for all protection modules is a complex process. There is no Linux su

3. Difficult Configuration
Users face difficult configuration challenges with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, struggling with navigating multiple management portals efficiently.
See 7 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Verified User
A

Verified User

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

4.5/5

"Great Endpoint Manager for Windows"

What do you dislike about Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?

some of the polocies are difficult to configured

Verified User
A

Verified User

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

2.5/5

"Room to Improve"

What do you dislike about Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?

In more complex environments, advanced configuration and troubleshooting is less intuitive and certain features require navigating multiple portals or

4. Improvements Needed
Users find configuration and troubleshooting challenging in complex environments, requiring better guidance and intuitive navigation.
See 7 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Verified User
A

Verified User

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

2.5/5

"Room to Improve"

What do you dislike about Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?

In more complex environments, advanced configuration and troubleshooting is less intuitive and certain features require navigating multiple portals or

Naresh C.
NC

Naresh C.

4.0/5

"Unified Protection, Limited Integration"

What do you dislike about Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?

I find challenges with third-party integration on non-Microsoft platforms. Additionally, the licensing complexity and limitations in centralized manag

5. Lack of Clarity
Users find a lack of clarity in navigating multiple portals for effective policy creation in Microsoft Defender for Endpoint.
See 7 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Verified User
A

Verified User

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

2.5/5

"Room to Improve"

What do you dislike about Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?

In more complex environments, advanced configuration and troubleshooting is less intuitive and certain features require navigating multiple portals or

Verified User
U

Verified User

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

3.0/5

"Industry leading endpoint protection capabilities"

What do you dislike about Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?

Incidents are often lackluster with details. Additional context pulled into the incidents would be nice

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Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Reviews (313)

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Reviews

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Reviews (313)

View 3 Video Reviews
4.4
313 reviews
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Verified User in Hospital & Health Care
AH
Verified User in Hospital & Health Care
Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)
Originally submitted 2/8/2024
"Review for MDE"
4.5/5
What do you like best about Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?

Admin Console Silent installation and uninstallation feature are very good. Alert dashboard is also appreciable. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?

Defender doesn't show any alert to user desk. So if by any chance we skip an alert, that will be the reason for a blunder. Few applications are slowing down and causing the OS to corrupt. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

SK
Shazad K.
Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)
"Microsoft Defender for Endpoint free if you have the right Microsoft license"
2/5
What do you like best about Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?

We were already on Microsoft 365 plan so the Microsoft Defender for Endpoint was already included at no additional cost Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?

The reporting features were far behind competing products and remote installation policies did not work well and machines had to be manually checked. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Manuel H.
MH
Manuel H.
CTO
Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)
Originally submitted 7/27/2023
"Endpoint security improved with Microsoft Defender"
5/5
What do you like best about Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?

Easy to deploy.

Better user experience.

Does not affect desktop performance.

Easy to operate. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?

Increased dependency on a single provider, in this case Microsoft. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Verified User in Pharmaceuticals
UP
Verified User in Pharmaceuticals
Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)
"My experience about the Microsoft defender"
4/5
What do you like best about Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?

It's very useful for the protection of the system against advanced persistent threats and helps to maintain the data integrity of the organisation so that we can come up with quality products. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?

Complex to understand. It's having limitations for tailoring and formatting reports. It's should be user friendly. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Aravind J.
AJ
Aravind J.
DevOps Engineer
Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)
"Defender Benefits"
3.5/5
What do you like best about Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?

Threat Intelligence: The solution leverages Microsoft's vast threat intelligence network, which gathers data from billions of endpoints worldwide

Integration with Microsoft Security Products: Microsoft Defender for Endpoint integrates well with other Microsoft security products, such as Azure Sentinel (cloud-native SIEM), Microsoft Defender for Identity (formerly Azure ATP), and Microsoft Cloud App Security.

Automated Investigation and Remediation: The solution includes automated investigation and remediation capabilities, which can significantly reduce the workload on security teams. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?

Limited Third-Party Integration: While Microsoft Defender for Endpoint integrates well with other Microsoft security products, it may have limited integration options with third-party security solutions

Resource Utilization: Some users have reported that Microsoft Defender for Endpoint can consume significant system resources, especially during system scans or real-time protection. This can potentially impact system performance, especially on older or less powerful machines.

Limited Support for Legacy Systems: Microsoft Defender for Endpoint's advanced features and capabilities may not be fully compatible with older or legacy operating systems. Organizations with a mix of modern and outdated systems may face challenges in achieving comprehensive security coverage across their entire infrastructure. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

MOHAMED D.
MD
MOHAMED D.
IT Security Engineer
Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)
Originally submitted 6/9/2023
"An easy tool from Microsoft to manage threat, Vulnerability and Compliance of the endpoints."
4.5/5
What do you like best about Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?

Vulnerability management is one of my favorite features in Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. The exposure score, the score for devices, and the recommendations in the dashboard are very useful. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?

The evaluation and tutorial tab is my least helpful feature of Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. Because I felt like it is not well organized as in any third-party tutorials available on the internet. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Rahul C.
RC
Rahul C.
Mahatma Gandhi National Fellow
Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
"Very good experience"
4/5
What do you like best about Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?

Provides advanced threat protection and Integrated Security. I like it because of Cloud-powered advanced analytics and reporting. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?

No major downside I have observed. It is getting regular updates. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Verified User in Computer Software
AC
Verified User in Computer Software
Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
"Useful addition to desktop protection suite"
3.5/5
What do you like best about Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?

The basics are included in most M365 plans and every Windows machine (with a business license) comes with it preinstalled. Also, there are now versions for Mac and mobile Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?

The real competitive features only come at the higher M365 plan levels which are out of reach for many small and medium sized businesses so it's often used along side other tools. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Amy C.
AC
Amy C.
SDR/BDR Manager at Centage
Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)
"Microsoft Defender"
4.5/5
What do you like best about Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?

Defender picks up on phishing emails and has caught malicious PDFs that have come through Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?

Microsoft Defender can miss certain potentially malicious emails that come through and has not marked things malicious that I know are bad. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Vijay T.
VT
Vijay T.
Deputy Manager
Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)
"A well improved product within the last few years"
4/5
What do you like best about Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?

Integration capabilities, user friendly interface, reporting and others Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Microsoft Defender for Endpoint?

Exception configuration requires lot of effort, more granularity within the policy will make it helpful Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
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