This article applies to personal Windows 10/11 computers (i.e. computers purchased with personal funds) that are used for work or school (i.e. that use University of Windsor licensed software to access University systems and data). This scenario is described as "Bring Your Own Device" (BYOD).
In order to to protect data integrity and safeguard security when accessing University data and systems, it is very important to ensure that the computer you are using is not infected with malware (malicious software) or compromised in any other way. Malware can infect your PC without your knowledge: it might install itself from an e-mail message, when you connect to the Internet, or when you install certain apps using a USB flash drive, CD, DVD, or other removable media. Some malware can also be programmed to run at unexpected times, not only when it's installed. Devices deemed as non-compliant (i.e. not meeting minimum requirements hence not fully protected and free from malware) will not be allowed access to selected University systems that store sensitive data once conditional access policy goes in effect in the near future.
In order for your BYOD computer to be deemed as compliant, it must meet all of these requirements:
- Must be registered in University's device directory (i.e. Azure Active Directory) and enrolled in Mobile Device Management (i.e. Intune) (more details)
- Windows 10 version must be 21H1 and 11 version must be 21H2 with latest security patches installed (more details).
- Windows Security real-time protection must be enabled (more details).
- Microsoft Defender anti-malware must be enabled and up-to-date (more details).
- Microsoft Defender anti-spyware must be enabled (more details).
- Windows Firewall must be enabled (more details).
Device Enrollment
In order to get unrestricted access to University of Windsor software, systems and data, your BYOD device has to be registered in Azure Active Directory (AAD) and enrolled in Intune Mobile Device Management (MDM) platform. To register/enroll you device, follow these instructions:
Windows Version and Updates
For the device to be deemed as compliant:
- Monthly Windows quality updates generally have to be installed within four weeks from the day they were released by Microsoft, with the exception of emergency security patches (example: PrintNightmare vulnerability patch) which have to be installed as soon as possible.
- Semi-annual feature updates have to be installed within two months from the day they were released by Microsoft.
To check version/build of Windows 10/11 on your computer:
- Click the Start menu button and type winver then press Enter
- Make a note of the second line that should look like this:
- On Windows 10: Version 21H2 (OS Build 19044.2604) or Version 21H2 (OS Build 19045.2604) - these include Feb 14 security update
NOTE: It's OK if your last number is higher than 2604
- On Windows 11: Version 22H2 (OS Build 22621.1265) - this includes Feb 14 security update
NOTE: It's OK if your last number is higher than 1265
To update your Windows to the latest supported version, go to Windows settings:
- Click on Start menu (Windows logo)
- Click on the gear icon (Windows Settings)
- Click Update & Security
- Click Check for Updates
- Install missing updates
- Reboot your computer
If Windows Update feature tells you that there are no updates available for your computer even though your version/build is not at the level listed above, you need to update to the latest version/build of Windows 10/11 following these steps:
- Launch a web browser and navigate to this site:
- Click on Update Now
- Your browser will attempt to download Windows Update Assistant app (Windows10Upgradexxxx.exe). Open/run this file, or save it in your Downloads folder and then open it once it is downloaded.
- When asked Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device? click on Yes.
- Follow instructions on the screen.
Microsoft Defender Antivirus
Windows 10 includes Windows Security module, which provides the latest antivirus protection. You no longer need to install and run any third party antivirus software, such as Sophos, on your work computers running Windows 10. Your device will be actively protected from the moment you start Windows 10, as long as Windows Security features listed below are enabled and functioning properly. Windows Security continually scans for malware (malicious software), viruses, and security threats. In addition to this real-time protection, updates are downloaded automatically to help keep your device safe and protect it from threats.
Starting with Windows 10 version 2004, Windows Defender Antivirus (which is one of the components of Windows Security) as been renamed to Microsoft Defender Antivirus.
When you install some 3rd party antivirus (AV) programs, they may automatically turn off Microsoft Defender Antivirus. In this case you may not be able to turn on Microsoft Defender Antivirus again until the 3rd party AV program has been disabled (turned off) or completely uninstalled. If you have a 3rd party AV program installed and disable Microsoft Defender Antivirus, this will also disable periodic scanning.
NOTE: As of March 31, 2021, faculty and staff are no longer licensed to use Sophos Endpoint Security & Control suite of apps. If you still have Sophos software installed on your work computer, you should un-install it as soon as possible.
Real-Time Protection
In Windows 10, you can turn off Microsoft Defender Antivirus real-time protection, but it will only be temporary unless disabled. Windows will automatically turn real-time protection back on if it's off for a while. Always-on protection consists of real-time protection, behavior monitoring, and heuristics to identify malware based on known suspicious and malicious activities. These activities include events, such as processes making unusual changes to existing files, modifying or creating automatic startup registry keys and startup locations (also known as auto-start extensibility points, or ASEPs), and other changes to the file system or file structure. To check your real-time protection settings:
- Click on the Start menu button then Settings (gear icon)
- Click on Update & Security
- Click on Windows Security
- Click on Virus and threat protection
Microsoft Defender Anti-malware and Anti-spyware
The Antimalware Service Executable process is Microsoft Defender’s background service, and it always remains running in the background. It’s responsible for checking files for malware when you access them, performing background system scans to check for dangerous software, installing antivirus definition updates, and anything else a security application like Microsoft Defender needs to do.
Windows Firewall
On your work computer, Microsoft Defender Firewall must be on to protect your computer from unauthorized access. To check if your computer's Microsoft Defender Firewall is on or off:
- Click on the Start menu button then Settings (gear icon)
- Click on Update & Security
- Click on Windows Security
- Click on Firewall and network protection. You should see Firewall is on message next to Domain network, Private Network, and Public network.
- If any of the three networks display a message Firewall is off, click on Turn on button to turn it back on or click on Restore settings button to restore firewall settings back to the recommended values.
For more information, please see Turn Microsoft Defender Firewall on or off