The new Windows Defender app (from MS Store)

BrianInEngland · Jul 8, 2022

I've been using this for a while, on both Windows 11 and my Samsung Android. It's useful for Android as it provides malware protection. For Windows it shows an overview of protection and any security issues with my devices.

Today I tried to open the app and got a message that I need to sign in. After signing in I got a message that to use the app I need a Microsoft 365 subscription - which I already have (MS Office apps installed on PC, 1TB OneDrive, family sharing all active).

Neither the PC app nor the Android one will now work with my valid account

dbartenstein · Jul 8, 2022

BrianInEngland said:
I've been using this for a while, on both Windows 11 and my Samsung Android. It's useful for Android as it provides malware protection. For Windows it shows an overview of protection and any security issues with my devices.

Today I tried to open the app and got a message that I need to sign in. After signing in I got a message that to use the app I need a Microsoft 365 subscription - which I already have (MS Office apps installed on PC, 1TB OneDrive, family sharing all active).

Neither the PC app nor the Android one will now work with my valid account

Interesting. I'm seeing this. I use Malwarebytes, which automatically turns off Windows Defender every time it updates, so I just leave Windows Defender off. I'm wondering if Microsoft Defender is even worth having on-board.

BrianInEngland · Jul 8, 2022

dbartenstein said:
Interesting. I'm seeing this. I use Malwarebytes, which automatically turns off Windows Defender every time it updates, so I just leave Windows Defender off. I'm wondering if Microsoft Defender is even worth having on-board.

View attachment 33374

Probably not worth having unless they fix it! It will only work if you're using Windows Defender but that was ok for me, unless it will work with my 365 sub again it's pointless. I've uninstalled both the PC and phone apps.

This is all I get since this morning (both on phone and PC). Can confirm that 365 sub is active.

Ten Forward · Jul 8, 2022

Same issue here.

Valid Microsoft 365 Family subscription. Both Windows app and Android app telling me since this morning I need a subscription...

This is not a good start.

I like the app because it allows me to check the security status of devices of people I'm sharing Office with. Mainly my dad.

And because it adds some basic protection to Android that I previously paid for, like Kaspersky for Android or Bitdefender.

BrianInEngland · Jul 8, 2022

Ten Forward said:
Same issue here.

Valid Microsoft 365 Family subscription. Both Windows app and Android app telling me since this morning I need a subscription...

This is not a good start.

I like the app because it allows me to check the security status of devices of people I'm sharing Office with. Mainly my dad.

And because it adds some basic protection to Android that I previously paid for, like Kaspersky for Android or Bitdefender.

Maybe just a server-side bug. I did find the Windows app would ask me to sign in again occasionally, but always worked with my 365 account. Not today

bikemanI7 · Jul 8, 2022

Yeah Same here not working at all today, and I have Microsoft 365 Family Plan active, and activated, Stuck so far on Checking for License on Windows 11 Desktop

BrianInEngland · Jul 8, 2022

bikemanI7 said:
Yeah Same here not working at all today, and I have Microsoft 365 Family Plan active, and activated, Stuck so far on Checking for License on Windows 11 Desktop

Yes, mine just doing that too. At least it's not just me! Hopefully MS will fix it soon

Brink · Jul 8, 2022

Just for more info:

Introducing Microsoft Defender: A new Microsoft 365 online security app for you and your family | Microsoft 365 Blog

We are excited to announce the general availability of Microsoft Defender for individuals—a new security app designed to keep individuals and families safer online. Available for Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscribers starting today, Microsoft Defender helps simplify your online security...

www.microsoft.com

Microsoft Defender for Individuals | Microsoft 365

Use Microsoft Defender for individuals as your personal defense against online threats and easily manage your family’s online security.

www.microsoft.com

bikemanI7 · Jul 8, 2022

All i get is See Plans or Sign in With Different Account on mine lol--Despite i have Active MS Office 365 account. Same for Phone as well---Guess either wait or i'll eventually uninstall this, and just stick with Built in Defender, and forget on the Dashboard aspect, Despite it was nice to keep tabs on Android Phone and Gaming Laptop Machine as well

BrianInEngland · Jul 8, 2022

bikemanI7 said:
All i get is See Plans or Sign in With Different Account on mine lol--Despite i have Active MS Office 365 account. Same for Phone as well---Guess either wait or i'll eventually uninstall this, and just stick with Built in Defender, and forget on the Dashboard aspect, Despite it was nice to keep tabs on Android Phone and Gaming Laptop Machine as well

Yes it looks like everyone is having the same issue, probably something at MS's end

Wynona · Jul 8, 2022

Hey, guys . . .

Would one of you file Feedback on this issue and post a link here?

I'm going to get the new Defender and see what happens here. If it does the same for me, I'd like to add myself to the Feedback.

Mark Phelps · Jul 8, 2022

dbartenstein said:
Interesting. I'm seeing this. I use Malwarebytes, which automatically turns off Windows Defender every time it updates, so I just leave Windows Defender off. I'm wondering if Microsoft Defender is even worth having on-board.

View attachment 33374

Unfortunately, in my case, even though I am using MBAM Premium, it did NOT shut off Defender. I had to do that using registry settings. Then, MBAM suddenly switched to the FREE version, and nagged me constantly about updating it. I opened a support ticked with the vendor and we eventually fixed it, and NOW, it disabled Defender automatically, like it should. But I had to download their Support tool and use it to both clean and reinstall MBAM. They were insistent that I needed BOTH MBAM and Defender as they told me neither alone was enough.

Ten Forward · Jul 9, 2022

The issue has been solved on my end. Windows and Android app have returned to normal.

bikemanI7 · Jul 9, 2022

Same Here appears Windows Desktop, and Windows 10 Laptop back to normal and Android App definitely back to normal

dbartenstein · Jul 9, 2022

Ten Forward said:
The issue has been solved on my end. Windows and Android app have returned to normal.

Yup, same here.

Ten Forward · Jul 10, 2022

Does anyone else regularly get status unknown for a device? My own pc is Windows 11 Pro and if I check its status via the Android app, it is regularly listed as status unknown.

Also, ony that same pc, I just had to log in again...

bikemanI7 · Jul 10, 2022

Usually I get Unknown when a Device is offline, usually my Laptop though---Desktop is usually on 24/7--usually says Protected for Main Gaming Windows 11 Computer, Laptop does show as Unknown, but that machine is currently shutdown, and not online at moment

Ten Forward · Jul 11, 2022

I think you're right. I think it has to do with online status or sleep mode. But then, wouldn't it make more sense to just say offline instead of unknown.

Right now I have a device with status Not fully protected / action required. But it's not telling me what the problem is. It's an older Surface used by my dad. I think he may have turned it on briefly, not long enough for some overdue updates to install. That's info I'd like to see in the app...