Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection (Microsoft Defender for Endpoint) Setup Guide for Beginners

In today’s digital landscape, securing your Windows devices from advanced threats is crucial. This comprehensive guide is designed for IT generalists, small business owners, and home lab users who seek to onboard and configure Microsoft Defender for Endpoint (formerly Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection). You will learn about prerequisites, onboarding methods, a straightforward setup process, and essential monitoring techniques. Whether you’re managing a single device or a fleet, this guide equips you with the knowledge to implement effective endpoint protection.

What is Microsoft Defender for Endpoint? Key Features and Benefits

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is a cloud-driven platform that integrates traditional antivirus with advanced endpoint detection and response (EDR), threat analytics, and automated remediation. It combines preventive measures like real-time antivirus protection with post-attack capabilities, such as detection and containment.

Core Capabilities:

• Real-time Antivirus Protection: Offers up-to-date malware defenses through cloud intelligence.
• Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): Provides telemetry and alerts for in-depth investigations.
• Automated Investigation & Remediation (AIR): Automates routine threat management, reducing manual workload.
• Attack Surface Reduction (ASR): Implements rules to minimize common attack avenues.
• Threat & Vulnerability Management (TVM): Identifies and prioritizes device vulnerabilities for remediation.
• Centralized Monitoring: Access alerts and incidents via the Microsoft 365 Defender portal.

Use Cases:

• Protecting workstations for knowledge workers and remote employees.
• Securing servers in domain-joined environments.
• Initiating EDR and automated remediation in small organizations.

For detailed capabilities, refer to the official Microsoft Defender for Endpoint documentation.

Prerequisites: Accounts, Licensing, and Environment Requirements

Licensing Overview

Common SKUs that include Defender for Endpoint:

• Microsoft 365 E5 (full suite)
• Windows 10/11 Enterprise E5 (or with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint add-on)
• Microsoft Defender for Endpoint standalone SKUs
  Always verify your tenant’s licensing details in the Microsoft 365 admin center.

Admin Accounts and Permissions

• A Global Administrator or Security Administrator role is needed to access the Microsoft 365 Defender portal and onboard devices.
• Local admin rights on devices are required for local onboarding unless using MDM (Intune).

Network and Platform Requirements

• Supported OS: Recent versions of Windows 10 and 11. Some server versions are also supported—consult the official supported platforms page.
• Ensure devices can reach the Microsoft Defender cloud endpoints, adjusting proxy or firewall settings as needed.

Recommended Practices

• Conduct a pilot deployment (5-20 devices) before larger rollouts.
• Schedule maintenance windows and maintain backups for critical machines.

For detailed onboarding documentation, see Onboard devices documentation.

Onboarding Methods: Choose the Right Approach for Your Environment

Recommended Options for Small Businesses

• Intune: Ideal for cloud-first approaches. For configuration tips, refer to our Intune guide.
• Local Onboarding Script: Quick implementation for a small pilot (5–10 devices).

Step-by-Step Setup Walkthrough (Beginner-Friendly)

This walkthrough assumes you have the required license and admin permissions.

Step 1: Access Microsoft 365 Defender Portal

1. Sign in at Microsoft 365 Defender Portal with a Global Admin or Security Admin account.
2. Accept any tenant-level terms on first access.
3. Navigate to Settings > Endpoints > Onboarding.

Step 2: Create an Onboarding Package

1. Select Windows 10/11 as the platform.
2. Choose your preferred onboarding method.
3. Download the generated package, including a script or MSI and XML file.

Step 3: Deploy the Onboarding Package

• Intune (Simplified): Use built-in onboarding features by following instructions in the onboarding portal.
• Group Policy: Create a GPO startup script that runs the onboarding script.
• Local Script: Execute the onboarding script as an administrator using PowerShell:

Set-ExecutionPolicy -ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned -Scope Process -Force
.\OnboardingScriptFolder\WindowsDefenderATPOnboardingScript.ps1

• SCCM: Follow specific steps provided in the portal for deployment.

Troubleshooting Tips: Ensure devices can access Defender endpoints and verify the service “Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Service” is running on devices.

Step 4: Verify Device Onboarding

In the Microsoft 365 Defender portal, check Devices > Device Inventory. Onboarding can take several minutes to a few hours.

Local Checks using PowerShell:

Get-Service -Name sense
Get-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows Advanced Threat Protection" -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue

Step 5: Enable Essential Protections

Begin with these baseline settings:

• Cloud-delivered Protection & Automatic Sample Submission
• Real-time Protection (default enabled)
• Tamper Protection (via Defender portal or Intune).

Step 6: Enable EDR and Basic Telemetry

Set EDR to Audit Mode initially to observe alerts without blocking actions. Adjust telemetry settings as necessary.

Step 7: Apply Baseline Policies

Start with low-risk ASR rules:

• Blocking credential stealing from LSASS.
• Blocking Office applications from creating child processes.
• Use Microsoft recommended baseline policies as templates.

Monitoring, Responding, and Basic Workflows

Access Alerts and Incidents: Via the Microsoft 365 Defender portal’s alerts queue and device inventory.

Basic Response Actions:

• Triage alerts (false positive vs. true positive).
• Isolate a device to prevent lateral movement.
• Collect investigation packages for deeper analysis.
• Utilize automated investigations to remediate threats.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting Tips

Onboarding Failures:

• Check network restrictions on Defender endpoints.
• Verify administrative permissions.
• Confirm devices meet OS build requirements.

Telemetry Issues:

• Validate internet connectivity and check if the “sense” service is running.
• Review logs in Event Viewer.

For more guidance on troubleshooting event logs, consult our Windows Event Log Analysis guide.

Conclusion and Further Resources

Summary Checklist for Basic Protection

1. Confirm licensing and admin roles.
2. Choose an onboarding method (Intune or local script recommended).
3. Onboard a small pilot group and verify operation in the Defender portal.
4. Enable essential protections and tune policies before enforcing.

Recommended Resources

• Microsoft Defender for Endpoint Documentation
• Onboard Devices Guide
• Intune Configuration Guide

Start your 30-day pilot today with 5-10 devices to explore the capabilities of Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. Document your findings and iteratively enhance your security posture.