check before: 2026-05-09
Product:
Defender, Defender for Endpoint, Defender XDR
Platform:
Android, iOS, mobile, Online, World tenant
Status:
Change type:
User impact, Admin impact, Retirement
Links:
Details:
Summary:
Microsoft will retire Microsoft Defender for Endpoint mobile app versions released before February 2026 on iOS and Android starting May 10, 2026. Older versions will lose cloud connectivity and updates. Administrators must ensure devices update to supported versions to maintain protection and avoid service disruption.
Details:
[Introduction]
As part of our ongoing security hardening efforts, we have enhanced the security posture of the Microsoft Defender for Endpoint (MDE) mobile app. These security updates are available only in app versions released on or after February 2026.
To ensure devices are protected by the latest security updates, reliability improvements, and platform capabilities, Microsoft will retire older MDE mobile app versions released prior to February 2026 on iOS and Android.
[When this will happen]
Microsoft will retire older MDE mobile app versions released before February 2026 starting on May 10, 2026.
This change will be implemented in a phased manner across tenants.
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
Created:
2026-04-11
updated:
2026-04-11
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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summary for non-techies**
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Direct effects for Operations**
Loss of Cloud Connectivity
Older versions of the Microsoft Defender for Endpoint mobile app will lose connectivity to cloud services, resulting in a lack of protection and updates.
- roles: IT Administrators, End Users
- references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/security-compliance-and-identity/announcing-the-retirement-of-older-microsoft-defender-for/ba-p/3741230
Service Disruption
Users with unsupported app versions will experience service disruption, leading to potential security vulnerabilities on their devices.
- roles: End Users, Security Analysts
- references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/security-compliance-and-identity/announcing-the-retirement-of-older-microsoft-defender-for/ba-p/3741230
Increased Support Requests
The retirement of older app versions may lead to an increase in support requests from users who are unaware of the need to update their apps.
- roles: Helpdesk Staff, IT Support
- references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/security-compliance-and-identity/announcing-the-retirement-of-older-microsoft-defender-for/ba-p/3741230
User Experience Degradation
Users may face degraded experience due to lack of updates and features in older app versions, impacting their ability to secure their devices effectively.
- roles: End Users, IT Administrators
- references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/security-compliance-and-identity/announcing-the-retirement-of-older-microsoft-defender-for/ba-p/3741230
Compliance Risks
Failure to update to supported app versions may expose the organization to compliance risks due to inadequate security measures.
- roles: Compliance Officers, IT Administrators
- references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/security-compliance-and-identity/announcing-the-retirement-of-older-microsoft-defender-for/ba-p/3741230
Configutation Options**
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Potentional Risks**
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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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