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Enable Microsoft Defender Application Guard on Windows 11

Richard

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The post provides a guide on how to activate Microsoft Defender Application Guard in Windows 11, an in-built protection tool that uses hardware isolation to safeguard against potential attacks. The Application Guard functions by opening untrusted files in a separate Hyper-V-enabled container, preventing breaches of trusted resources. It also includes features such as real-time protection,…

This post shows students and new users steps to turn On or Off Microsoft Defender Application Guard in Windows 11. Application Guard uses a unique hardware isolation approach to help prevent old and newly emerging attacks from helping keep your system protected.

Application Guard opens untrusted files in an isolated Hyper-V-enabled container. The isolated Hyper-V container is separate from the host operating system. This helps to contain attacks in isolated environments.

Microsoft Defender Application Guard also works with Microsoft Edge, Microsoft Office app, and browser to help isolate untrusted sites and prevent untrusted Word, PowerPoint, and Excel files from accessing trusted resources.

These protections are built into Windows and work with Microsoft Defender Endpoint on your device and in the cloud. In addition, Microsoft Security includes additional pIn protection such as Controlled folder access, Real-time protection, Tamper protection, ransomware protection, and Phishing protection.

Below is how to turn Windows 11 on or off

How to turn On or Off Microsoft Defender Application Guard in Windows 11

As mentioned above, Application Guard uses a unique hardware isolation approach to help prevent old and newly emerging attacks from helping keep your system protected.

Application Guard functionality is turned off by default. However, quickly install it through the Control Panel, PowerShell, or your mobile device management (MDM) solution.

In Windows 11, click Starts > Settings > Apps > Optional features.

Under Related settings, click More Windows features on the Optional features windows.

On the More Windows Features window, scroll down the list of available features, check the box next to Microsoft Defender Application Guard, and click OK.

Application Guard and its underlying dependencies will be installed.

Alternatively, one can install Application Guard via PowerShell. To do that, open PowerShell as administrator.

Once Windows PowerShell opens with administrator credentials, run the commands below:

Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -online -FeatureName Windows-Defender-ApplicationGuard

That should install Microsoft Defender Application Guard in Windows 11.

You can use Application Guard in two modes: Standalone and Enterprise. In a Standalone, you

You can use Application Guard in two modes: Standalone and Enterprise. In a Standalone, you must manually start Microsoft Edge in Application Guard while browsing the internet.

You can press the shortcut below to open Microsoft Edge in Application Guard.

CTRL + SHIFT + Q

That should do it!

Conclusion:

  • Microsoft Defender Application Guard provides unique hardware isolation to protect your system from emerging attacks
  • It can be quickly installed through the Control Panel, PowerShell, or mobile device management (MDM) solution
  • In Windows 11, installation can be completed via the Settings app, under “Apps” and “Optional features”
  • Alternatively, Application Guard can be installed via PowerShell by running a specific command
  • Application Guard can be used in two modes: Standalone and Enterprise, offering flexibility depending on your browsing needs
  • When in Standalone mode, Microsoft Edge can be manually started in Application Guard using the shortcut “CTRL + SHIFT + Q”
Richard Avatar
Richard
Richard, the owner and lead writer at Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast passionate about simplifying complex IT topics. His years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations have honed his ability to provide practical insights and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He’s deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions. He enjoys watching football, cheering for the Minnesota Vikings, and spending time with his family when he’s not writing or managing Geek Rewind.

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