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Microsoft Defender vs Identity Guard: catalog facts
Microsoft Defender	Identity Guard
Paid Included with a paid Microsoft 365 subscription, with a free trial available.	Paid Subscription only; family plans start at $12.50.
Windows, macOS, Android, iOS	Web
Manages security for several family members and devices from one dashboard Dark web monitoring for more than 60 types of personal information	Monitors SSN, driver's license and financial accounts Credit monitoring and bank account alerts
Requires a Microsoft account and a Microsoft 365 subscription Closed source, with protection tied to Microsoft's cloud services	No free tier Built around US identifiers such as the Social Security number
Downloadable app	Hosted service
Closed source	Closed source
License not stated	License not stated
Account needed	Account needed
Not stated if it works offline	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.