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Microsoft Defender for Identity

Track documentation and Message Center changes for Microsoft Defender for Identity.

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Latest Microsoft Defender for Identity changes

Identity Inventory

Identity protection

The page updates the Hybrid identity description, corrects the Risk score link, and points investigation guidance to non-human identities.

Activate Sensor

Identity protection

The documentation now describes Defender for Identity sensor v3.x onboarding without Defender for Endpoint for eligible servers, including domain controllers, AD FS, AD CS, and Microsoft Entra Connect.

Alerts Xdr

Identity protection

The page’s DevRel metadata links were updated, and the “AADInternals private key extraction attempt” alert entry was removed.

Deploy Defender Identity

Architecture and deployment

Windows Server 2019 or later AD FS, AD CS, and Microsoft Entra Connect servers are now documented as supporting sensor v3.x onboarding with or without Microsoft Defender for Endpoint.

Deploy Sensor V3

Architecture and deployment

The documentation now states that eligible servers can use sensor v3.x onboarding without Defender for Endpoint deployment, replacing the previous domain-controller-specific wording.

Uninstall Sensor

Identity protection

The guidance now applies to servers, specifically v3.x sensors deployed without Defender for Endpoint. Administrators must run the offboarding package on the server before deleting its portal entry; deleting the entry alone may leave the sensor active, sending data, and able to reactivate.

Whats New

Identity protection

The documentation expands support for Defender for Identity sensor v3.x activation without Defender for Endpoint to eligible AD FS, AD CS, and Microsoft Entra Connect servers running Windows Server 2019 or later, in addition to eligible domain controllers.

Whats New

Identity protection

The page now links to entries covering malicious or suspicious MFA-device and method registration, organization branding changes by newly created users, and potential Certighost (CVE-2026-54121) AD CS abuse.

Deploy Defender Identity

Architecture and deployment

The deployment guidance now links to v2.x server requirements and migration prerequisites. It specifies that in-place migration from sensor v2.x to v3.x is currently available only for eligible domain controllers, not other servers.

Deploy Sensor V3

Architecture and deployment

The sizing tool now applies only to v2.x sensors and is not required for v3.x. Automatic auditing for v3.x configures supported auditing settings, with additional steps specified.

Health Alerts

Identity protection

The guidance now specifies that automatic Windows event auditing applies to v3.x sensors and tells administrators to check the health issue table for the relevant sensor version before remediation. Several alert descriptions were also clarified.

Install Sensor

Identity protection

The guide now specifies that eligible Windows Server 2019 or later domain controllers should follow the v3.x deployment guidance, not the v2.x installer procedures. It also links to the v3.x onboarding package for deployments without Defender for Endpoint.

Migrate To Sensor V3

Identity protection

The guide now says to select “Automatically use the sensor's local system account” before migrating because migration does not change this setting automatically. It also instructs admins to verify that the setting remains selected instead of using gMSA for action accounts.

Sensor Settings

Identity protection

The section now refers to removing the legacy Unified Sensor RPC Audit tag and clarifies that removing it does not disable automatic RPC auditing on v3.x sensors.

Troubleshooting Known Issues

Identity protection

The troubleshooting page now points scheduled-task and proxy silent-installation references to the corresponding sections under `deploy/install-sensor`; page metadata was also refreshed.

Whats New

Identity protection

Eligible organizations with an active Defender for Identity workspace receive a 30-day banner before sensor v3.x activation and Windows auditing are enabled by default, including settings currently set to Off. Windows Server 2025 sensor migration support is also documented as resolved.

Alerts Xdr

Identity protection

The alert catalog now includes updated descriptions and fields, plus entries for several OAuth, Okta, Kerberos, AD CS, and DPAPI-related alerts. The malicious MFA device registration severity is shown as High.

Deploy Defender Identity

Architecture and deployment

The documented prerequisite for Windows Server 2019 or later changed from the July 2026 cumulative update to the September 2026 cumulative update.

Deploy Sensor V3

Architecture and deployment

The prerequisite changed from the July 2026 to the September 2026 Windows Server cumulative update for sensor version 3.0.10 or later. The guidance also clarifies v2 migration account settings and that migration does not automatically remove workspace DSA or gMSA configuration.

Health Alerts

Identity protection

The health alerts page revises the entry describing a missing or incorrectly applied Unified Sensor RPC Audit configuration tag and its resolution steps.

Migrate To Sensor V3

Identity protection

The prerequisite changed from the July 2026 to the September 2026 or later Windows Server cumulative update. Post-migration guidance now covers manually removing workspace DSA or gMSA configuration and retiring unused gMSA accounts after verifying they have no other users.

Sensor Settings

Identity protection

The documented prerequisite changed from the July 2026 or later cumulative update to the September 2026 or later cumulative update.

Technical Faq

Identity protection

The FAQ now states that offboarding a server from Defender for Endpoint stops Defender for Identity v3.x sensor reporting, including sensors migrated from v2.x, and does not automatically enable identity-only mode.

Whats New

Identity protection

The October announcement adds 19 alerts covering Entra ID, Active Directory, and other identity providers, including Okta, with links to detailed alert information.

Whats New Archive

Identity protection

The archive entry for “Suspicious network connection over Encrypting File System Remote Protocol” now links to the “Suspected PetitPotam coercion attack” section.

Remediation Actions

Identity protection

The Defender for Identity remediation-actions table now lists Security Operator among the roles for the Revoke session action.

Activate Sensor

Identity protection

The documentation now states that automatic sensor activation and automatic Windows auditing require an active license that includes Microsoft Defender for Identity. The domain-controller onboarding heading no longer labels the process as preview.

Configure Windows Event Collection

Identity protection

Automatic sensor activation and automatic Windows auditing now require an active license that includes Microsoft Defender for Identity.

Uninstall Sensor

Identity protection

The page date was updated, and the “Offboard a domain controller without Defender for Endpoint deployment” heading no longer includes “(Preview).”

Whats New

Identity protection

The documentation adds sensor v3.x activation without Defender for Endpoint for eligible Windows Server 2019 or later domain controllers. It applies only to new sensor v3.x deployments, and automatic activation and Windows auditing require an active license that includes Microsoft Defender for Identity.

Activate Sensor

Identity protection

The page now specifies that the method supports new sensor v3.x deployments on eligible domain controllers without sensor v2.x, and that the standalone package activates sensor v3.x on Windows Sense in restricted identity-only mode.

Activate Sensor

Identity protection

Automatic activation applies to eligible Defender for Endpoint-onboarded domain controllers, AD FS, AD CS, and Microsoft Entra Connect servers running Windows Server 2019 or later. It activates the existing capability, does not install a separate package, and excludes servers that already have a Defender for Identity sensor.

Configure Windows Event Collection

Identity protection

The documentation now explains that enabling both automatic sensor v3.x activation and automatic Windows auditing configures eligible onboarded servers automatically.

Deploy Sensor V3

Architecture and deployment

Manual activation preview is limited to eligible non-domain-controller AD FS, AD CS, and Microsoft Entra Connect servers without an existing sensor. A July 2026 or later Windows Server cumulative update is required before installing or upgrading to sensor version 3.0.8 or later for automatic RPC auditing on domain controllers.

Directory Service Accounts

Identity protection

The documentation now specifies that a directory service account (DSA) is required for the listed features and functionality when using sensor v2.x.

Security Testing Best Practices

Identity protection

The guidance now says sensor v2.x deployments should configure a Directory Service Account for full security coverage. A DSA is required to access the DeletedObjects container and for certain cross-domain and non-domain-controller scenarios.

Troubleshooting Known Issues

Identity protection

The troubleshooting documentation now states that migrating from sensor v2.x to v3.x is unsupported when the Defender for Identity workspace and Defender for Endpoint onboarding for the same server belong to different Microsoft tenants. The server may appear ready, but v3.x activation fails.

Whats New

Identity protection

Eligible new Defender for Endpoint customers may receive automatic Defender for Identity sensor v3.x activation and Windows auditing. Existing Defender for Identity customers will see a portal notice before these settings are enabled; eligible non-domain-controller AD FS, AD CS, and Microsoft Entra Connect servers are now covered. A sensor update with security improvements is also listed.

Microsoft Defender for Identity health issues

Identity protection

The health alerts article revision date changed, and the Sensor v3.x RPC Audit Misconfigured entry now includes resolution guidance, including verifying the Unified Sensor RPC Audit configuration.

Accounts security posture assessment

Identity protection

The page adds assessments for privileged external or guest accounts, WriteDACL permissions on sensitive groups, and highly privileged service accounts. It also updates anchors and removes “(Preview)” from several existing assessment headings.

Activate the Microsoft Defender for Identity sensor v3.x

Identity protection

The documentation now covers eligible domain controllers and non-domain-controller AD FS, AD CS, and Microsoft Entra Connect servers. Activation on the latter servers is in preview and currently requires manual activation; automatic activation and migration aren't supported.

Cloud identity assessments in Microsoft Defender for Identity

Identity protection

The documentation now describes Microsoft Defender for Identity assessments for Okta, CyberArk Identity, and SailPoint Identity Security Cloud, including connection prerequisites and revised remediation guidance.

Configure Windows event auditing

Identity protection

The documentation now describes automatic Windows event auditing for sensor v3.x on domain controllers, AD FS, AD CS, and Microsoft Entra Connect servers. Sensor v2.x and opted-out v3.x deployments still require manual configuration. AD CS requires an existing CA audit filter.

Connect CyberArk Identity to Microsoft Defender for Identity (Preview)

Identity protection

The Defender for Identity–CyberArk Identity article updates its prerequisites and RBAC terminology. It now states that users tagging identities as privileged accounts in the Microsoft Defender portal must also have the Privileged Cloud Auditors role.

Connect Okta to Microsoft Defender for Identity (Preview)

Identity protection

The documentation now explicitly instructs administrators to create a custom Okta role named Microsoft Defender for Identity, assign it with the Read-Only Administrator role, and remove Super Admin after confirming both roles are assigned.

Daily Operational Guide - Microsoft Defender for Identity

Identity protection

The guide’s title and metadata were updated, and its incident-triage guidance was streamlined. It continues to recommend reviewing the Global and Sensor Health Issues tabs and setting up service-issue email notifications.

Deploy Microsoft Defender for Identity sensors

Architecture and deployment

The deployment article now states that VPN integration and syslog notifications require the v2.x sensor on applicable domain controllers; these features aren't supported by v3.x.

Deploy the Defender for Identity sensor v3.x

Architecture and deployment

The documentation now covers v3.x sensors on non-domain-controller AD FS, AD CS, and Microsoft Entra Connect servers. Activation there is in preview, requires manual activation, and does not support automatic activation or migration.

Detection exclusions in Microsoft Defender XDR

Identity protection

The documentation now states that existing exclusions do not automatically carry over when detections move to the Microsoft Defender XDR detection engine. Once moved, those exclusions stop applying and previously suppressed alerts can reappear.

Entity tags in Microsoft Defender for Identity

Identity protection

The article now uses Microsoft Defender terminology, clarifies sensitive, Exchange server, and honeytoken tagging guidance, and notes that Entra ID and SailPoint Identity Security Cloud roles are used for sensitive entity tagging.

Install the sensor v2.x | Microsoft Defender for Identity

Identity protection

The installation page now clarifies sensor package download steps, formats endpoint lists, and adds tables and examples for silent and proxy installations. It also updates the post-installation next steps.

Integrate Microsoft And Pam Services

Identity protection

The page now refers to Microsoft Defender instead of Microsoft Defender XDR for automatic PAM-managed identity tagging and password resets for high-risk privileged accounts.

Integrate VPN with Microsoft Defender for Identity

Identity protection

The guide now requires at least one connected, healthy Defender for Identity sensor version 2.x to receive RADIUS accounting events. It also reiterates that FIPS environments aren't supported and updates Microsoft Defender terminology and navigation.

Investigate alerts in Microsoft Defender for Identity

Identity protection

The article now refers to the alert details side pane, identifies Defender for Identity as the capability tuned by alert classification, and clarifies the tabs and Related Entities data in exported Excel alert reports. The metadata and date were also updated.

Investigate Domain

Identity protection

Documentation now describes a Security recommendations (Preview) view for scoped users on domain pages. Users can access it from the Identity dashboard and review recommendation names, statuses, update times, details, and remediation guidance.

Listen for SIEM events | Microsoft Defender for Identity

Identity protection

The page now clarifies supported SIEM event types, required message syntax, and examples for RSA Security Analytics, MicroFocus ArcSight, Splunk, and QRadar, including required CEF keys and timestamp guidance.

Manage action accounts in Microsoft Defender for Identity

Identity protection

The article title, wording, and screenshot descriptions were updated. It now explicitly introduces configuring a dedicated gMSA action account and clarifies the security rationale for separating action and Directory Service accounts.

Manage and Update Sensors

Identity protection

The documentation now includes domain controllers running AD FS, AD CS, or Microsoft Entra Connect, and states that v3.x sensors update through Windows Update. It also clarifies that the per-sensor Delayed update option applies only to v2.x sensors and expands migration-state descriptions.

Manage reports | Microsoft Defender for Identity

Identity protection

The Defender for Identity reports article updates its metadata and clarifies that administrators should repeat the linked report-scheduling steps to change scheduled times or recipients.

Microsoft 365 Security Center Mdi

Identity protection

The page now refers to Microsoft Defender instead of Microsoft Defender XDR and updates the alert-tuning description to say it improves threat detection coverage throughout your system.

Microsoft Defender for Identity classic security alerts

Identity protection

The alerts documentation now explains that some vulnerability alerts may still trigger after the relevant security update. When all affected systems are patched, applicable alerts have Low severity and may show patch status in the evidence. Documentation for Group Policy Tampering was also added.

Microsoft Defender for Identity health issues

Identity protection

The article adds context for Configuration-container auditing, clarifies the no-traffic alert wording, and makes minor metadata and RPC audit text updates.

Microsoft Defender for Identity Notifications

Identity protection

The page now uses Microsoft Defender naming, refreshed navigation wording, and updated SIEM guidance that instructs automation authors to use the permanent externalId field. The event-collection link text was also updated, and the TLS certificate tip was removed.

Microsoft Defender for Identity Overview

Identity protection

The page date changed to July 23, 2026, and wording was corrected and clarified, including “non-human” and examples of high-value targets.

Microsoft Defender for Identity XDR security alerts

Identity protection

The page adds entries for AADInternals private-key extraction, malicious or suspicious MFA-method registration, and updates several existing alert descriptions. It removes entries for Honeytoken Activity, stolen session-cookie replay, suspicious Entra device join or registration, and adds guidance on Classic versus Defender-format alerts and alert tuning.

Migrate from Advanced Threat Analytics

Identity protection

The article now uses a shared ATA end-of-life notice, adds a Defender for Identity prerequisites link, identifies the final ATA release, and updates product names and links to Microsoft Defender.

Migrate To Sensor V3

Identity protection

Migration is unsupported on non-domain-controller servers running AD FS, AD CS, or Microsoft Entra Connect, while domain controllers running these roles are included. RPC auditing is automatic from sensor 3.0.8, and v3.x updates through Windows Update without the v2.x delayed-update option. Readiness reasons now appear in the Sensors page tooltip.

Monitored Activities

Identity protection

The monitored activities page now refers to Microsoft Defender’s Advanced Hunting page instead of Microsoft Defender XDR’s Advanced Hunting page; the link destination is unchanged.

Password protection in Microsoft Defender

Identity protection

The page title and heading were updated to remove the “Preview” label. The documentation date and custom metadata were also updated.

Remediate Hybrid Security Posture Assessments in Defender for Identity

Identity protection

The hybrid security posture assessments page now documents the assessment for privileged SaaS accounts outside identity-provider control, including its impact and implementation steps. Other edits update headings, formatting, metadata, and links.

Remediation Actions for Compromised Users in Microsoft Defender for Identity

Identity protection

The article now explains that remediation actions depend on the connector managing an identity and includes connected apps through Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps. Enable is listed for CyberArk Identity, SailPoint Identity Security Cloud, and Salesforce, while Force password change is listed for Microsoft Entra ID as well as Active Directory.

Role Groups

Identity protection

The role-groups documentation was updated for permissions to perform Defender for Identity response actions, including the custom Response (manage) role and listed Microsoft Entra roles.

Security alerts

Identity protection

The page now explains that sensor versions can contribute to either classic or Defender-format alerts. During the transition, detections may appear in both lists with different names; Detection source identifies the format. Tuning and exclusions are format-specific.

Security Testing Best Practices

Identity protection

The guidance changes references from Microsoft Defender XDR to Microsoft Defender and updates the Security operations overview link.

Start your Defender for Identity deployment security assessment

Identity protection

The page now states that the assessment identifies servers without a Defender for Identity sensor and helps you unde… It also updates the metadata date and changes the advanced hunting link text from Microsoft Defender XDR to Microsoft Defender.

Troubleshooting known issues

Identity protection

The article now identifies two affected alerts involving the ADFS and Configuration containers, clarifies that the issue affects sensor v3.x environments, and adds a Microsoft Defender portal resolution path.

Uninstall the Sensor

Identity protection

The page now prominently warns that deleting the sensor removes the v3.x sensor software and stops monitoring on the domain controller. Steps, images, headings, and numbering were also reformatted.

View and manage Microsoft Defender for Identity security alerts

Identity protection

The article now provides clearer guidance for viewing, filtering, investigating, classifying, and managing alerts in the Microsoft Defender portal, with updated headings, navigation links, terminology, and alert-layout descriptions.

Weekly Operational Guide - Microsoft Defender for Identity

Identity protection

The page title, publication date, and custom metadata were updated. Wording about configuring and running custom detection rules was streamlined, including how they trigger alerts and response actions.

What's new | Microsoft Defender for Identity

Identity protection

The August 2026 documentation describes automatic auditing for eligible AD FS, AD CS, and Microsoft Entra Connect servers running sensor v3.x, sensor version 2.255.19295.47272, Windows Server 2025 domain controller migration to sensor v3.x, and migration-readiness reasons on the Sensors page.

Service Account Discovery

Identity protection

The documentation explains that custom classification rules can identify service accounts Defender for Identity does not detect automatically, such as accounts using an `srv` prefix.

Manage and update sensors

Identity protection

Updated Microsoft Defender documentation in defender-for-identity/sensor-settings.md.

Migrate To Sensor V3

Identity protection

Updated Microsoft Defender documentation in defender-for-identity/deploy/migrate-to-sensor-v3.md.

Deploy Sensor V3

Architecture and deployment

Updated Microsoft Defender documentation in defender-for-identity/deploy/deploy-sensor-v3.md.