Microsoft Defender Application Guard is a built-in feature of Windows 11 that lets you browse untrusted websites securely using the Microsoft Edge browser. This feature creates a tiny virtual machine using Hyper-V technology. Using Defender Application Guard, you can use the Edge browser isolated from the main installation. That means you can browse any website without the risk of hacker attacks or infecting the computer with malware. Apart from this, it makes the isolation container anonymous, which means that an attacker won’t be able to steal your device credentials.
However, the problem is that you need Windows 11 Pro or higher edition to use this feature. This feature is not available for the Windows 11 Home edition.
In this gearupwindows article, we will guide you through enabling and using Microsoft Defender Application Guard on Windows 11.
How to Turn On Microsoft Defender Application Guard in Windows 11?
To enable Microsoft Defender Application Guard on Windows 11, use the following steps:-
Step 1. First, open the Settings app.
Step 2. Then, select Apps in the left sidebar of the Settings window.
Step 3. On the right side of “Apps,” click on Optional features.
Step 4. Then, click the More Windows features under the “Related settings” section.
Step 5. Once you complete the above steps, the “Windows Features” dialog will open. Check the “Microsoft Defender Application Guard” option and click the OK button.
Step 6. When prompted, click the Restart now button to reboot your computer.
Once you complete the steps, the feature will be automatically enabled on your Microsoft Edge browser to load untrusted websites.
How to Use Microsoft Defender Application Guard on Windows 11?
To use the Microsoft Defender Application Guard in the Edge browser, do these steps:-
Step 1. Open Microsoft Edge.
Step 2. Then, click the Settings and more (three-dotted) menu button in the top-right corner.
Step 3. In the drop-down menu, choose the New Application Guard window option. Alternatively, use the Ctrl + Shift + Q keyboard shortcut to open a Guard window.
Once you complete the above steps, a new window will open with a shield icon beside the address bar, letting you know that you are using Application Guard.
Edge webpage sessions will be virtualized and isolated, so you won’t be able to sync your settings with your profile. However, your favorites will be available when using the feature. Also, you can download and view files, but only from a virtual browser session. You will not be able to transfer the files to the host computer.
As soon you restart your computer, all the settings and changes will be discarded automatically.
This is how Application Guard protects your computer.
How to Turn Off Microsoft Defender Application Guard in Windows 11?
To disable Microsoft Defender Application Guard on Windows 11, use the following steps:-
Step 1. First, open the Settings app.
Step 2. Then, select Apps in the left sidebar of the Settings window.
Step 3. On the right side of “Apps,” click on Optional features.
Step 4. Then, click the More Windows features under the “Related settings” section.
Step 5. Once you complete the above steps, the “Windows Features” dialog will open. Uncheck the “Microsoft Defender Application Guard” option and click the OK button.
Step 6. When prompted, click the Restart now button to reboot your computer.
Once you complete the steps, the feature will be automatically removed from your Microsoft Edge browser.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Microsoft Defender Application Guard is a useful built-in feature for Windows 11 Pro or higher edition users that offers secure browsing while isolating the Edge browser from the main installation. It creates a virtual machine using Hyper-V technology that protects the computer from malware and other threats. The process to enable or disable this feature is simple, and once enabled, the user can open an Application Guard window to browse untrusted websites securely. However, the user must keep in mind that all settings and changes made in Application Guard will be discarded once the computer is restarted. Overall, Microsoft Defender Application Guard is a useful security feature for Windows 11 Pro or higher users who require safe browsing.
