Question:

How can we remotely verify and enable Windows Defender on all the company’s computers?

Answer:

Article:

Windows Defender is a built-in antivirus software that comes with Windows 10 and Windows 11. It can help protect your company’s computers from malware, ransomware, phishing, and other threats. However, you may want to make sure that Windows Defender is running and up-to-date on all the computers in your network, without having to visit each one individually. How can you do that?

There are a few ways to remotely verify and enable Windows Defender on multiple computers, depending on the size and configuration of your network. Here are some of the most common methods:

• Using Group Policy: If your company’s computers are joined to a domain, you can use Group Policy to configure Windows Defender settings for all the computers in the domain or in a specific organizational unit (OU). You can use the Windows Defender Administrative Template (ADMX) file to create and edit Group Policy settings for Windows Defender. You can also use the Windows Defender Security Center Group Policy settings to control the user interface and notifications of Windows Defender. To apply the Group Policy settings, you need to have domain administrator privileges and access to the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC). For more details on how to use Group Policy to manage Windows Defender, you can refer to this [Microsoft documentation](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-antivirus/use-group-policy-windows-defender-antivirus).
• Using PowerShell: If your company’s computers are not joined to a domain, or if you want to have more granular control over Windows Defender settings, you can use PowerShell to remotely verify and enable Windows Defender on individual or multiple computers. You can use the Windows Defender PowerShell cmdlets to perform various tasks, such as checking the status, version, and update of Windows Defender, enabling or disabling real-time protection, scanning for threats, and managing exclusions. To use PowerShell to manage Windows Defender, you need to have local administrator privileges on the target computers and enable PowerShell remoting. For more details on how to use PowerShell to manage Windows Defender, you can refer to this [Microsoft documentation](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-antivirus/windows-defender-antivirus-with-powershell).
• Using Microsoft Endpoint Manager: If your company’s computers are enrolled in Microsoft Endpoint Manager (MEM), which is a cloud-based service that combines Microsoft Intune and Configuration Manager, you can use MEM to remotely verify and enable Windows Defender on all the enrolled devices. You can use the MEM portal to create and assign Windows Defender policies, monitor the compliance and health of the devices, and take actions on detected threats. To use MEM to manage Windows Defender, you need to have a Microsoft 365 subscription that includes MEM and access to the MEM portal. For more details on how to use MEM to manage Windows Defender, you can refer to this [Microsoft documentation](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/mem/endpoint-manager-overview).

These

are some of the ways to remotely verify and enable Windows Defender on all the company’s computers. By using these methods, you can ensure that your company’s computers are protected by Windows Defender and reduce the risk of cyberattacks.