Installing Microsoft Defender for Endpoint (MDE) on Self-Managed Devices

Overview

This article provides instructions for installing Microsoft Defender for Endpoint (MDE) on self-managed Purdue University devices.

Instructions

Prerequisites (All Devices)

Before installing Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, ensure the following:

• Remove existing antivirus or EDR software
  • MDE may conflict with other security products.
  • Cisco Secure Endpoint (formerly Cisco AMP) must be completely uninstalled prior to installing MDE.
  • If you need assistance uninstalling Cisco Secure Endpoint or other security software, contact security@purdue.edu
• Administrative access
  • You must have local administrator privileges on the device to complete the installation.

Downloading the MDE Installer

Purdue hosts the MDE installer for self-managed devices at the link below:

https://communityhub.purdue.edu/storefront/product/211/244

Access requirements:

• You must be signed in with your Purdue career account

Download the installer that matches your operating system (Windows or macOS).

Windows Installation

Installation Steps

1. Verify all prerequisites above have been completed.
2. Download the Windows MDE installer from the Purdue Community Hub.
3. Right-click the installer and select Run as administrator.
4. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.
5. Restart the device if prompted.

After installation, the device will automatically onboard to Microsoft Defender for Endpoint.

MacOS Installation

Installation Steps

1. Verify all prerequisites above have been completed.
2. Download the macOS MDE installer from the Purdue Community Hub.
3. Open the installer package.
4. Follow the on-screen installation prompts.
5. When prompted, approve any required system extensions, network filters, or security permissions in System Settings.
6. Restart the device if prompted.

After installation, the device will automatically onboard to Microsoft Defender for Endpoint.

Centrally Managed Devices

If your device is centrally managed (for example, managed by ECM, a departmental IT team, or enrolled in centralized management tools):

• Do not manually install MDE
• If your centrally managed device does not currently have MDE installed, contact security@purdue.edu

Manually installing MDE on a centrally managed device may cause policy conflicts or deployment failure.

Need Help?

If you experience issues during installation or have questions about eligibility, contact,security@purdue.edu.

Please include:

• Operating system (Windows or macOS)
• Whether the device is self-managed or centrally managed
• Any error messages encountered

Still need help?  Click the 'Purdue IT Request' button to start a ticket.