--- title: "Microsoft Defender XDR Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra" description: "Is Microsoft Defender XDR the right Endpoint Detection and Response solution for you? Explore 62 verified user reviews from people in industries like yours to make a confident choice." source_url: "https://www.capterra.com/p/219687/Microsoft-365-Defender/reviews/" page_type: "reviews" language: "en" --- Microsoft Defender XDR 4.5 (62) [View alternatives](https://www.capterra.com/p/219687/Microsoft-365-Defender/alternatives/) Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/our-story/) * * * Last updated July 20th, 2026 # Reviews of Microsoft Defender XDR Ease of use 4.5 Customer Service 4.3 ## Pros and Cons in Reviews Bill L Vice President of Sales and OperationsInformation Technology and Services, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “Having everything covered such as endpoint, email, and cloud all in one place makes it much easier manage.“ February 2, 2026 Epeli T controllerCivic & Social Organization, 51 - 200 employeesUsed the software for: I used a free trial. “you better be very good in knowing things about computers like us but if you are a noob than you will find big problem“ July 8, 2026 Houcem H CISOFinancial Services, 501 - 1,000 employeesUsed the software for: 1-2 years. “Microsoft 365 Defender is a fully featured and extremely powerful security solution, baked directly by Microsoft to secure Microsoft products. “ September 10, 2024 Ahmad S marketing specialistMarketing and Advertising, 501 - 1,000 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “Notwithstanding, email is likewise the most productive assault vector that danger entertainers are effectively involving to target and think twice about clients with an end goal to break your association's security climate!“ February 1, 2022 TC Timothy C IT EngineerInformation Technology and Services, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: 6-12 months. “Comes together Microsoft Business Premium 365 which is good for small non-profit organization to leverage on.“ January 5, 2025 VH Viviana H clerical and inventoryNon-Profit Organization Management, Self-employedUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “Once I paid a one-year membership and, as I repeat, very unlimited and when I try to find better versions or other alternatives, we cannot help you with a message for your location.“ July 14, 2022 AD Ashok Kumar D Functional AnalystInformation Technology and Services, 10,001+ employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “By using AI & Machine learning helps in reducing the human efforts & saves time by automate the process.“ August 17, 2023 Sahil M Software DeveloperComputer Software, 10,001+ employeesUsed the software for: 6-12 months. “Something that I liked the least in this suite is the remediation management. Though it does pretty good work, it lacks some features.“ January 4, 2022 ## Showing most helpful reviews Showing 1-25 of 62 Reviews Sort by: Most Helpful Rating Company Size Reviewer's Role Length of Use Frequency of Use Epeli T. controller Civic & Social Organization Used the software for: I used a free trial ### "this software is for IT Guys" July 8, 2026 5.0 you better be very good in knowing things about computers like us but if you are a noob than you will find big problem Pros user interface was good and easy to use, neatly portrayed and understandable when using online on my laptop Cons long long long very long long time to setup just long , need improvement on this long long long setup time Review Source LV Leonardo V. Cyber Security Specialist Computer & Network Security Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Microsoft 365 Defender Secures your Endpoints, but..." February 9, 2024 5.0 Microsoft has improved its security solution for businesses a lot. I can say that Microsoft 365 Defender is a very good solution when it comes to staying only at Microsoft. But I do have to admit there are better solutions with better accuracy. Microsoft does have to improve its notification schema regarding end users. The costs for internal use are ok, but selling this to customers does not generate a lot of revenue. Other vendors generate more profit when selling their security solutions to customers. Pros \- The dashboard's simplicity - Detection and response - Automatic updating via Windows Updates Cons \- Technical knowledge - A lot of settings that also require some technical knowledge - Notifications on user level Alternatives considered [Intercept X Endpoint](https://www.capterra.com/p/151731/Sophos-Endpoint-Protection/) Reason for choosing Microsoft Defender XDR It works alongside with Sophos Intercept X Endpoint solution and does not generate any problems so far. Review Source TC Timothy C. IT Engineer Information Technology and Services Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Microsoft defender 365 - A good starting point" January 5, 2025 3.0 Since it is bundled with Microsoft Business Premium 365. Its a good starting point for non-profits Pros Comes together Microsoft Business Premium 365 which is good for small non-profit organization to leverage on. All in one security solution for non-profits. Cons Many false positives. Unable to detect and prevent zero-day ransomware attacks. Review Source Bill L. Vice President of Sales and Operations Information Technology and Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Security Services for a small business " February 2, 2026 5.0 We used it to cover a environment for 10 staff members that work in the office and remotely at home. Pros Microsoft Defender XDR provides visibility over the entire environment. Having everything covered such as endpoint, email, and cloud all in one place makes it much easier manage. Cons it was abit complex to set up and configure as it was overwhelming without the proper tuning. Additionally, some advanced features require higher-tier licensing, which cost more money. Review Source Stacy-Ann B. Student(Former Accounts Clerk) Education Management Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Microsoft 365 Defender - " Protection at its finest"" November 30, 2021 4.0 Microsoft 365 Defender has protected me a lot. I do not have to worry about downloading unsafe files or software, clicking unsafe links or getting malware. Microsoft 365 Defender promptly alerts me about any threats and suggests the actions that should be taken. Moreover, a detail analysis of the threats and their risk level are also provided to me. Furthermore, in my previous job as an Accounts Clerk, I had sensitive financial information about my company on a Desktop. Fortunately, I did not have to worry about the computer getting hacked because Microsoft 365 Defender provided malware protection and prevented me from clicking on unsafe links that could cause unauthorized persons to access the sensitive information. Pros I love that Microsoft 365 Defender is very easy to use. It is also very effective and efficient, which has provided me with protection at home and at work. When I am at home, I can surf the internet safely because I know that Microsoft 365 Defender is protecting me. I can click on emails, links, and visit pages without the fear of getting malware on my computer or getting hacked. At my previous workplace, Microsoft 365 Defender was used by many employees, including myself, because the Microsoft 365 Defender was very efficient in alerting us about any threats and what actions need to be taken to eliminate the threats. Cons Microsoft 365 Defender is a very good software. However, since Microsoft 365 Defender is running in the background, it can sometimes cause my computer to freeze or cause applications to crash. This makes me very frustrated. Additionally, the constant notifications can be a bit annoying. Nonetheless, Microsoft 365 Defender is doing what it does best, which is to protect the user and his/her device. Review Source Abirami D. Programmar Information Technology and Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Defend System with Microsoft Defender" July 24, 2023 5.0 Excellent Pros Continuous Monitoring the system, easy to useHave variety of scan options like quick scan and Full scan, where you can choose according to your time limitNotifies immediately whenever defender founds out any virus or abnormal activity Cons The full scan takes longer time to completes and it uses maximum power to complete the full scan Alternatives considered [Mcafee Total Protection](https://www.capterra.com/p/219069/Mcafee-Total-Protection/) Review Source Gideon A. Information Security Analyst Banking Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Microsoft 365 Defender" May 30, 2023 4.0 Pros Threat Intelligence and Analytics: Microsoft 365 Defender leverages Microsoft's extensive threat intelligence capabilities, including machine learning and AI algorithms, to detect and respond to advanced threats. It analyzes vast amounts of data to identify suspicious activities, malicious files, and potential security breaches, providing actionable insights and alerts to security teams. Cons False Positives and Overlapping Alerts: Like any security solution, Microsoft 365 Defender may generate false positive alerts or overlap with other security products. This can result in additional work for security teams in terms of investigating and filtering out false positives or managing redundant alerts. Review Source Beltran H. Accounts Receivables Lead Accounting Used the software for: 1-2 years ### " Microsoft 365 Defender pros vs cons " April 22, 2022 3.0 What I discovered maximum treasured in Microsoft 365 Defender is that it is capable of experimenting with emails and shielding customers from risky hyperlinks or attachments. I like it Pros This nice tool has carried out a first-rate task on the dashboard. The appearance withinside the incidents queue, you can notice the incidents indexed through severity, which permits the administrator to fast discover and take action. A short review is more capable of stopping threats. Cons There are a few fake positives and, in some instances, you could get inundated with alerts. Another feature to improve is hard to deactivate all functions when the user does no longer wants them. Reason for choosing Microsoft Defender XDR If you are a partner, you can test the products first before you implement them. Review Source Abid S. Manager Operations Banking Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Microsoft 365 Defender is the Best Security Solution" February 15, 2022 5.0 I am using Microsoft 365 Defender from last 3 years for security of my PC and it always protects from the malaware attacks, security threats and viruses. Microsoft 365 Defender always alerts me about possible threats and guide me what action should be taken to avoid malaware / virus attacks. Pros With the help Microsoft 365 Defender now i can easily surf internet without any security threats because it always provides me shield from virus attacks. Microsoft 365 Defender regularly updates and protect your computer from all kind cyber attacks. Some of their important features includes Malaware detection, continuous monitoring, blacklisting and root cause analysis. Cons There is no con in this amazing security solution the only thing which i face is that sometime my system gets little slow because of Microsoft 365 Defender is running in the background. Review Source Melokuhle M. Freelancer Broadcast Media Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Very simple microsoft 365 defender review" January 25, 2022 5.0 Microsoft defender is the very effective and most versatile software when it comes to eliminating threats and viruses in your computer system Pros With the microsoft 365 defender automatically prevent the threats including malware and spywares from happing in your system. It understand threats in the sytem and prevent them form reocurring again and again. View prioritized incidents in a single dashboard to reduce confusion, clutter, and alert fatigue. It hunts threats from a variety of domains and eliminate them before they cause furthure damages in your system. Cons The free trial for the defender is much smaller as com\[red to other significant anti-virus softwares. It makes the system to be much much slower when running in the background for a quick scan. Review Source kD kalo D. Owner Accounting Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Protector that meets generally my wellbeing and security needs" June 1, 2022 5.0 The main part I detest about this arrangement is, it just can be utilized with Windows working framework. Similar to a result of Microsoft, other working framework clients can't partake in the advantage of this lovely safeguard. Pros The constant highlights are not difficult to utilize. It is better against malware and chugs along as expected behind the scenes with practically no observable changes in the working. It fixes practically all dangers. It's the main programming I use for assurance and up until this point I never wanted to purchase extra infection security. It is routinely refreshed by Microsoft. Best thing about M365D is that it is a truely one umberal insurance against all dangers connected with Email, Endpoint and presently Identity security. Likewise gives great look at Threat and Vulnerability of your organization. Cons The main part I disdain about this arrangement is, it just can be utilized with Windows working framework. Similar to a result of Microsoft, other working framework clients can't partake in the advantage of this wonderful safeguard. Reason for choosing Microsoft Defender XDR That its all set when the permit is bought. It gives an exceptionally undeniable level safeguard against a few distinct assaults. The profound url checking is phenomenal. I value that you can accesse these highlights from a focal administrator account access with each and every piece of the M365 stage. Review Source ES Eric S. IT Manager Telecommunications Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Working with what you have but this time it makes sense" June 23, 2022 5.0 I recommend it more these days over the other antivirus solutions as I know I wont run into troubles with the operating system and some update not working correctly with it. Pros The software you know will work with Windows no matter the version and gets updated frequently. It will stop viruses and malware in its tracks and I have not had an issues for as long as I can remember. It will even detect problematic software before its installed. Cons It may not give you as much visibility into the virus and what its doing or give you updates on user pcs and how up to date it is but overall it does what needs to be done Reason for choosing Microsoft Defender XDR Price Switched from [Trellix Endpoint Security](https://www.capterra.com/p/151734/McAfee-Endpoint-Security/) Cheaper and better working with the OS Review Source AT Arun T. Business Analyst Information Technology and Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Be Safe & Secure with Microsoft 365 Defender" August 23, 2023 5.0 Pros Microsoft 365 defender continuously monitoring the system & immediately alert the user whenever it found threats/ malware. Email security helps in safeguard from phising mail, Malware & spam mails. We can also have option to allow the threats which was blocked by defender wrongly by mistake. It has seamless integration with Microsoft 365 services. Cons Integration with Non- Microsoft or third party services is challenging Review Source AK Andrew K. tech Computer Games Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Microsoft 365 Defender" March 30, 2022 5.0 easy and simple to use Pros simple to use and very up to date with function Cons the price can be a misleading thing. but then you see the name of microsoft and you just know the value you'll get Review Source JL Jerald L. OWNER Computer Software Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Microsoft 365 Defender, Defending?" January 26, 2022 4.0 Defender has advanced such a huge amount throughout the most recent years. It currently has implicit AI and is substantially more fit for halting dangers. It gives occurrence alarms and all your security data is in a solitary dashboard making location and remediation a lot simpler. Pros Gets the workplace deck. Identifies and reports any dubious records/Mail. Detection level is higher than different items. Cons Information recuperation and reinforcement functionalities can be improved. Reason for choosing Microsoft Defender XDR More dynamic, strong, great apparatus for the association is fundamentally founded on windows OS, Review Source JJ Joseph J. CRO Information Technology and Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Defender Plays Defense!" October 22, 2021 5.0 Overall amazing value for the money. Great product everyone should be using. Pros Microsoft Defender ATP really is one of the most unheard of but useful products from Microsoft on the security side of things. Inexpensive and catches most of if not all bad actors. Cons I would like to see Defender more proactively alert you to scans it is doing and the results. Review Source JJ Jonathan J. Certified Financial Planner Financial Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Microsoft Defender is a great for added protection" October 7, 2021 4.0 Microsoft Defender is great for an added layer of protection that helps with peace of mind. Pros Defender is a great malware and firewall that is included with Windows. I use it with other Anti-virus products for an added layer of protection. Cons Can sometimes forget it is on or running because there are not many notifications. Review Source AT Alan T. Service Director Financial Services Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Powerful, thorough and a bit unwieldy " August 28, 2022 4.0 Pros Vulnerability status for web browsing is shown per the version being used and when the browser updates, Defender updates as well. Effective blocks the majority of spam and phishing email attacks. Risk level attacks are practical and useful. Cons There seem to be to many false positives. Configuration is not that user friendly. Review Source RA Robert A. Cleaning associate Utilities Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Microsoft 365 defender" May 4, 2023 5.0 Pros It protects all the way around and I don't have to worry Cons There wasn't anything that I didn't like the user interface was great as well Review Source VR Verified Reviewer web e mobile developer Information Technology and Services Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Per i fan di Microsoft uno strumento utile per rilevare le minacce" February 27, 2023 4.0 Pros Sicuramente il vantaggio maggiore è quello di essere incluso in Microsoft 365.Ha molte funzioni di rilevamento e risposta degli endpoint ed un'eccellente gestione delle minacceBuona la documentazione. Cons Menu, interfaccia e configurazione confusionari e poco intuitivi. Review Source JIE Julius Ivann E. Communication Coordinator Broadcast Media Used the software for: I used a free trial ### "Microsoft 365 Defender is easy to use." February 25, 2022 4.0 This provides a secure environment for important emails, and other stuffs in the organization. Pros It offers so many unique tools to help monitor, secure, and test your environment. Cons This product does not make it possible to scan a specific folder. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer CISO Financial Services Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "A no brainer Enterprise-grade defense suite" September 10, 2024 5.0 Microsoft 365 Defender is a fully featured and extremely powerful security solution, baked directly by Microsoft to secure Microsoft products. Pros \- Powerful capabilities and multiple configuration options - Management console is comprehensive - Ease of integration with Sentinel Cons \- Configuration requires training or familiarity with Microsoft 365 Defender capabilities Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Software Developer Computer Software Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "A software that's your organization's shield from everything harmful" January 4, 2022 4.0 Overall, using Microsoft 365 defender has been a favorable choice. It has helped us to manage endpoints individually, and also stop problems from generating bigger troubles. The real-time scanning has helped a lot to closely monitor all the systems on the network, and timely alerts are a boon. Pros All the features of this software are really awesome. The real-time features are something that I've been liking too much. These have helped me and the team to quickly find out problematic areas and solve them before they turn into major incidents. Cons Something that I liked the least in this suite is the remediation management. Though it does pretty good work, it lacks some features. This module is a bit lagging and confusing. Apart from this, everything in this product is well-built. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer marketing specialist Marketing and Advertising Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Microsoft Defender for Office 365 (MDO) Reviews & Product Details" February 1, 2022 4.0 Design everything with 'against' in the name. against malware hostile to phishing against spam I like those things most. rather than that. Email is one of the most inescapable and strong types of correspondence in the present workplace - we depend intensely on messages to carry on with work and to speak with associates, teammates, and clients. Notwithstanding, email is likewise the most productive assault vector that danger entertainers are effectively involving to target and think twice about clients with an end goal to break your association's security climate! I additionally involved it for the email security. which is additionally incredible. Pros A portion of the important highlights on the email side is hostile to phishing, against malware, and Safe Links. I would say that 90% of the spam and phishing assault messages get a closed first thing. Safe connections, approaches, and the capacity to shield from zero-day dangers are the most significant elements. Cons There should be an improvement in coordinating the item to work across different working frameworks and to have better help for non-Microsoft record types. The custom alarms need to work on a great deal. I'd like a few extra highlights any item can give me to safeguard our current circumstance in a superior manner. Alternatives considered [SpamTitan](https://www.capterra.com/p/168436/SpamTitan/) Review Source JG Jerome G. Business owner Information Technology and Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Microsoft Windows Defender Review by iGot Holdings LLC " June 25, 2022 5.0 It is great. I use the product often and have no problems with it. Is also a great product for the value in which is presented by the makers of this product. Pros It is a standard given piece of technology that is well known and used by tech savvy individuals and make things easier for anyone who uses this product. Cons It does not have top level options when it comes to the settings and layout of the product as other softwares in the arena does. Review Source Similar Products Featured