The Windows Defender Policy allows administrators to configure and enforce Microsoft Defender Antivirus and related security features across Windows devices. This policy ensures that endpoints are consistently protected from malware, exploits, and advanced attacks.
Key Features
1. Antivirus Settings
Enable or disable Microsoft Defender Antivirus.
Configure real-time protection, scanning schedules, and exclusions.
Define remediation actions for detected threats.
2. Cloud-Delivered Protection
Leverage Microsoft’s threat intelligence to block new and emerging threats.
Configure automatic sample submission for advanced analysis.
3. Tamper Protection
Prevent unauthorized changes to Microsoft Defender security settings.
4. Attack Surface Reduction (ASR) Rules (New)
Attack Surface Reduction Rules help minimize the areas where your organization could be vulnerable to cyberattacks. These rules can block or restrict common attack vectors used by malware and adversaries.
Examples of ASR rules include:
Block executable content from email and webmail clients
Use advanced protection to prevent Office applications from creating child processes
Block credential stealing from LSASS
Block JavaScript and VBScript from launching downloaded executable content
Administrators can configure ASR rules to:
Block – prevent the action entirely.
Audit – log the action without blocking.
Warn – notify the user before allowing.
5. Exclusions and Overrides
Define file paths, processes, and extensions that should be excluded from scans or ASR rules.
Ensure compatibility with business applications while maintaining strong security posture.
Requirements
Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, Education, SE, or IoT Enterprise (version 1709 or later)
Microsoft Defender Antivirus must be installed and active.
Best Practices
Always enable real-time protection and cloud-delivered protection.
Start new ASR rules in Audit mode to monitor impact before enforcing them.
Regularly review exclusions to ensure they do not create security blind spots.
Keep devices updated with the latest Windows security intelligence updates.
With the Windows Defender Policy, you can strengthen your security baseline and proactively block modern attack techniques through Attack Surface Reduction Rules (ASR).