Introduction

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint (MDE) has become one of the most powerful tools in modern endpoint protection. Not only does it provide enterprise-grade antivirus, EDR (Endpoint Detection & Response), and vulnerability management, but it also integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Intune for automatic device onboarding.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through two key parts of Defender for Endpoint:

1. How to automatically onboard your Intune devices into MDE
2. A demo and overview of MDE’s powerful security capabilities

Both tutorials include step-by-step video walkthroughs so you can follow along.

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Part 1: Automatically Onboarding Intune Devices into MDE

One of the biggest challenges for IT administrators is getting devices onboarded quickly and consistently into a security platform. Luckily, MDE and Intune now integrate directly — making device onboarding seamless.

Steps:

1. Enable the Intune Connector in MDE
   • Go to: security.microsoft.com
   
   
   • Navigate to System > Settings > Endpoints > Advanced Features, Scroll to the bottom and toggle on Intune Connection
   ⏳ Wait up to 24 hours for the connector to sync and appear inside Intune.
2. Create the Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR) policy in Intune
   • Go to: intune.microsoft.com
   • Navigate to Endpoint Security > Endpoint Detection & Response > Create Policy
   • Fill out:
     • Basics: Name + Description
     • Configuration Settings:
       • Config Package Type = Auto from connector
       • Sample Sharing = Default
       • Telemetry = Default
     • Assignments: Target the groups you want onboarded
   • Save
3. Verify device onboarding
   • ⏳ Wait 20–45 minutes for devices to start onboarding into MDE
   • ⏳ Wait up to 24 hours before full data (vulnerabilities, assessments, etc.) becomes available

🎥 Watch the step-by-step video tutorial here:

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Part 2: What is Microsoft Defender for Endpoint? (Platform Demo)

Once devices are onboarded, MDE provides a rich security platform that goes far beyond antivirus. It acts as your central endpoint security, visibility, and response hub.

Key Features of MDE:

• Asset Management
  Discover all devices (including transient network devices not directly onboarded).
  Example: In my lab demo, MDE detected domain controllers it discovered via onboarded clients.
• Security Assessments
  MDE evaluates whether your devices meet Microsoft best practices. If not, it recommends Intune policy changes to harden security.
• Vulnerability Management
  Displays all CVEs, remediation steps, and security rationale for your environment.
• Device Management Tools
  • Categorize devices
  • Assign criticality
  • Tag endpoints
  • Run AV scans instantly
  • Collect investigation packages
  • Capture system state
• Incident Response Features
  • Restrict app execution
  • Isolate compromised devices
  • Initiate live response (browser-based CLI)
  • Hunt with custom queries
  • Trigger automated remediation actions

With these tools, IT teams can go from detection → investigation → response seamlessly, all inside the Defender security portal.

🎥 Watch the demo and walkthrough here:

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Conclusion

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint isn’t just another antivirus product — it’s a full EDR/XDR solution tightly integrated with Microsoft Intune. Whether you’re onboarding devices automatically or using its deep investigation and remediation tools, MDE provides SMBs and enterprises alike with the visibility and control they need.

If you’d like to learn more or need help deploying MDE in your environment, feel free to reach out to AlgoITPro for consulting and implementation services.

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