This repository is used to host the PowerShell install and upgrade helper script (install.ps1) for the modern, unified Microsoft Defender for Endpoint installer package for Windows Server 2012 R2 and Windows Server 2016. This script is not intended for use with Azure Defender, or with Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager version 2111 or later. For more information, please go to https://docs.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint/server-migration?view=o365-worldwide.
SYNOPSIS
Helper script for installing/uninstalling Microsoft Defender for Downlevel Servers.
DESCRIPTION
On install scenario:
- It removes the OMS workspace when the workspace ID is provided with the parameter RemoveMMA. **NOTE: this step is for cleanup purposes only. **.
- The next step uninstalls SCEP - if it is present.
- Then, it checks for prerequisites and downloads and installs two hotfixes on Windows Server 2012 R2 if the prerequisites have not been met, and updates to the latest platform version on Windows Server 2016 if required (currently installed platform version must already be 4.18.2001.10 or higher). Note that on machines that have received recent monthly update rollup packages, the prerequisites will have been met and this step is NOT needed.
- Next, it installs the Microsoft Defender for Downlevel Servers MSI (md4ws.msi downloaded from the onboarding page for Windows Server 2012 R2 and 2016). If the file is in the same directory as the script, no input is required. If the product was already installed, it will perform a reinstallation with the provided MSI.
- Finally, it runs the onboarding script, if provided using the parameter OnboardingScript. Please use the script for Windows Server 2019 for Group Policy as it is non-interactive; the local onboarding script will fail.
Updated October 10th 2021: The installer script now also checks for, downloads and installs the latest Defender Antivirus platform update on Windows Server 2016 to ensure the prerequisite is met.
On uninstall scenario:
- It will run the offboarding script, if provided using the parameter OffboardingScript. Otherwise it is assumed that the machine is in an offboarded state. NOTE: Uninstallation is only possible if the machine has been offboarded first. Please use the script for Windows Server 2019 for Group Policy as it is non-interactive; the local onboarding script will fail.
- Uninstall the product.
- Removes the Defender Powershell module, if it was loaded inside current Powershell session.
EXAMPLE 1: Install the MSI. The script executes install steps 2, 3 and 4 mentioned above.
.\Install.ps1
EXAMPLE 2: Same as #1 except it will display the installer UI and enable more verbose logging for troubleshooting purposes.
.\Install.ps1 -UI -Log -Etl
EXAMPLE 3: Same as #2 except it will set Defender Antivirus to not become the active antimalware immediately after installation to avoid interference with non-Microsoft antimalware solutions before onboarding. Make sure to set the "ForceDefenderPassiveMode" registry key on all servers where you wish to run protection capabilities in passive mode after onboarding. For more information on Passive mode, see Need to set Microsoft Defender Antivirus to passive mode?
.\Install.ps1 -UI -Log -Etl -Passive
EXAMPLE 4: Perform uninstall steps 2 and 3.
.\Install.ps1 -Uninstall
EXAMPLE 5: Same as example #3 except with additional logging.
.\Install.ps1 -Uninstall -Etl
EXAMPLE 6: Fully automate (including optional OMS workspace removal) installation and onboarding. In this case, the onboarding script is located in the same directory as the installer script and the installation package (MSI). Substitute <WORKSPACE_ID> with the ID found on the onboarding page (for Windows Server 2008 R2) in your tenant.
.\Install.ps1 -RemoveMMA <WORKSPACE_ID> -OnboardingScript ".\WindowsDefenderATPOnboardingScript.CMD"
EXAMPLE 7: Offboard then uninstall the MSI.
.\Install.ps1 -Uninstall -OffboardingScript ".\WindowsDefenderATPOffboardingScript.CMD"
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