Starting in September 2023, the Microsoft 365 apps for Mac Suite Installer will contain a shim application for the Microsoft Defender for individuals app. Users can download the full version of the Microsoft Defender for individual’s app through this shim application.
What is the Microsoft Defender for individual’s app?
The Microsoft Defender for individual’s app offers an easy-to-use security app for individuals and families that helps protect identities (US only), data, and devices from online threats. It is available exclusively with a Microsoft 365 Personal or Family subscription. The Microsoft Defender for individual’s app is the consumer version of the enterprise Defender for Endpoint application on macOS.
[When this will happen:]
Standard Release: We will begin rolling out early September and expect to complete by late October.
[How this will affect your organization:]
If an organization deploys Microsoft 365 apps for Mac through the suite installation package, it is recommended that they exclude the Microsoft Defender for individuals app from their deployment. Existing installations of M365 apps on MacOS are not affected.
[What you need to do to prepare:]
No action is required from you unless you want to exclude the Microsoft Defender for individuals app from your installation package. To exclude the Microsoft Defender for individuals app from the Microsoft 365 apps for Mac installer package follow the instructions here: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/deployoffice/mac/preferences-office#excluding-apps. If your organization wants to deploy the Defender for Endpoint application solely for enterprise use, then they should follow existing installation instructions on aka.ms/MDEonMac.
Additional Information:
The Microsoft 365 apps for Mac installer package can be downloaded and installed using these instructions: Download and install or reinstall Microsoft 365 or Office 2021 on a PC or Mac – Microsoft Support
