check before: 2026-02-28
Product:
Defender, Defender for Endpoint, Defender XDR
Platform:
Online, Windows Desktop, World tenant
Status:
Change type:
Feature update, User impact, Admin impact
Links:
Details:
Summary:
New Microsoft Secure Score recommendations for Microsoft Defender for Endpoint will roll out in public preview from late February to mid-March 2026. They include SMB server hardening and blocking file transfer over RDP. Recommendations are off by default and require admin action to enable.
Details:
[Introduction]
We're adding new Microsoft Secure Score recommendations for Microsoft Defender for Endpoint (MDE) to help your organization strengthen endpoint security and proactively reduce exposure to common attack techniques. These recommendations support more robust security baselines and help you assess and improve protection across your devices.
[When this will happen]
Public Preview: Rollout began at the end of February 2026 and is expected to complete by mid‑March 2026.
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
Created:
2026-03-17
updated:
2026-03-17
Task Type
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Docu to Check
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MS How does it affect me
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MS Preperations
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MS Urgency
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MS workload name
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Pictures
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summary for non-techies**
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Direct effects for Operations**
SMB Server Hardening
If SMB server hardening is implemented without preparation, it may lead to compatibility issues with legacy applications that rely on SMB, causing disruptions in service and user access.
- roles: System Administrators, Application Support Specialists
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/defender-xdr/microsoft-secure-score?view=o365-worldwide
Blocking File Transfer over RDP
Enabling file transfer blocking over RDP without prior user training may result in confusion and hinder remote support capabilities, negatively impacting user experience and productivity.
- roles: IT Support Staff, End Users
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/defender-xdr/microsoft-secure-score?view=o365-worldwide
Configutation Options**
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IT Security**
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explanation for non-techies**
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** AI generated content. This information must be reviewed before use.
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