University Systems help centre
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint (MSDE)
The university utilizes Microsoft Defender for Endpoint (MSDE) to protect computers against known malicious software (e.g. viruses, worms, trojans) and manage the risks associated with vulnerable software and suspicious activity.
Endpoint protection it is a critical security capability that is mandatory on all university computers as part of our information security standards. MSDE is available for all university-owned Windows, MacOS, and Linux computers free of charge and replaces Symantec Endpoint Protection (SEP). Symantec Endpoint Protection will stop receiving software updates on August 30, 2021 so it is important to transition to MSDE prior to this date.
What is the cost?
This software can be installed on UVic-owned workstation computers at no charge.
For servers, an annual cost applies; please contact the Technology Solutions Center (tsc@uvic.ca) for more information.
Who can use this software?
- Faculty
- Staff
End User License Agreement
The End User License Agreement for all Microsoft products is available here: There is no specific one for MSDE.
System Requirements
For information on supported operating systems please see:
Software download
To install MSDE, download the file that corresponds to your operating system.
If you are currently using an anti-virus product, this should be uninstalled before installing MSDE.
- MacOS Instructions: Installing MSDE for MacOS
- - 316 MB (restricted to current faculty and staff only)
- The Mac download will require you to manually double-click the package installer after downloading to commence install.
- Windows 10 Instructions: Installing MSDE for Windows 10
- - 12 Kb (restricted to current faculty and staff only)
- The Windows download is a self-extracting archive and requires you to run the enclosed WindowsDefenderATPOnboardingScript.cmd as administrator.
- Linux Instructions: Installing MSDE for Linux
- - 6 Kb (restricted to current faculty and staff only)
- The Linux download is a self-extracting archive and requires you to run the enclosed WindowsDefenderATPOnboardingScript.py script as root as part of the installation instructions.