What is Dell Data Guardian

Summary: Learn about how Dell Data Guardian protects in-motion and in-use data using encryption and Digital Rights Management (EDRM).

This article applies to This article does not apply to This article is not tied to any specific product. Not all product versions are identified in this article.
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Instructions

Note:

This guide gives a brief description on the functions and features of Dell Data Guardian.

Affected Products:

  • Dell Data Guardian

Affected Versions:

  • v1.2 or Later

Affected Operating Systems:

  • Windows
  • Mac

Dell Data Guardian is a centrally managed enterprise solution that offers protection for office documents through:

  • Confidentiality:
    • Office documents retain encryption no matter where the data resides.
  • Integrity:
    • Data owners digitally generate a key for each protected office document, allowing for data accountability and auditing.
  • Availability:
    • Data owners or product administrators can collaborate with external parties by granting access to the protected office document.
    • Data owners can determine when users can view the protected office document by setting embargo (time-to-live) dates.
    • Product administrators can prevent unauthorized parties from viewing the data by restricting print and export functionality.

How to Protect, Control and Monitor Your Data Wherever It Goes

Duration: 00:02:40 (hh:mm:ss)
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Where can I find the Dell Data Guardian documentation?

Dell Data Guardian documentation can be found on Dell Support. For more information, reference Dell Data Guardian Manuals and Documentation.

What are Dell Data Guardian system requirements?

The system requirements for Dell Data Guardian vary between Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. For a complete listing on each platform’s requirements, reference Dell Data Guardian System Requirements.

What Windows 10 feature updates are compatible?

For supported Windows 10 feature updates, reference Dell Data Security Windows Version Compatibility.

What Office extensions does Dell Data Guardian protect?

Reference the appropriate Dell Data Guardian version for a list of supported extensions.

  • v1.3 and Later
    • .docx
    • .docm
    • .ptx
    • .xlsx
    • .pptm
    • .xlsm
    • .pdf
      Note: On Dell Data Guardian for Mac, PDF files must be protected by dragging the file to Finder.
  • v1.2 and Earlier
    • .docx
    • .docm
    • .ptx
    • .xlsx
    • .pptm
    • .xlsm

How do I determine the product version of Dell Data Guardian?

The location of the product version varies between Windows and Mac platforms. For a comprehensive walkthrough for each platform, reference How to Identify the Dell Data Guardian Version.

How do I collect logs to troubleshoot Dell Data Guardian?

The log collection process for Dell Data Guardian varies between Windows and Mac platforms. For a comprehensive walkthrough for each platform, reference How to Collect Dell Data Guardian Logs.

How do I uninstall Dell Data Guardian?

The uninstall process for Dell Data Guardian varies between Windows and Mac platforms. For a comprehensive walkthrough for each platform, reference How to Uninstall Dell Data Guardian.

To contact support, reference Dell Data Security International Support Phone Numbers.
Go to TechDirect to generate a technical support request online.
For additional insights and resources, join the Dell Security Community Forum.

Affected Products

Dell Data Guardian
Article Properties
Article Number: 000131950
Article Type: How To
Last Modified: 03 Oct 2025
Version:  16
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