> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex-xdr-5.x/protect-your-endpoints/install-and-manage-endpoints.md). # Install and manage endpoints Endpoint protection starts with the Cortex XDR agent that is installed on each endpoint in your environment. The agent package that you install on endpoints contains many settings that are configured by default, out-of-the-box, to enable you to get protection up and running quickly. However, these settings can also be modified and used in different combinations, by using profiles, which are then mapped to policies, and by configuring global settings. Several endpoint management tasks can be performed remotely by administrators, from Cortex XDR. These include tasks such as applying tags and aliases to endpoints, upgrading the Cortex XDR agent, uninstalling and deleting the Cortex XDR agent, and more. To stay up to date with the latest policy and endpoint status, Cortex XDR communicates regularly with your Cortex XDR agents. For example, when you upgrade your endpoints to the latest release, Cortex XDR creates an installation package and distributes it to the agent on their next communication. Similarly, the agent can send back data from the endpoint to Cortex XDR, such as data gathered on the endpoint or tech support files. In Cortex XDR, there are two types of communication. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex-xdr-5.x/protect-your-endpoints/install-and-manage-endpoints.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.