(Updated) Automatic Windows event auditing configuration availability for unified sensors (V3.x)

Updated January 6, 2026: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience. 

[Introduction]

We’re introducing a new opt-in feature for automatic event-auditing configuration in Microsoft Defender for Identity unified sensors (v3.x). This enhancement simplifies deployment by automatically applying the required Windows event-auditing settings on sensors, reducing manual post-deployment steps and ensuring consistent policy enforcement across all onboarded sensors.

[When this will happen:]

• General Availability (Worldwide, GCC, GCCH, and DoD): The auditing opt-in feature will be available starting mid-January 2026 (previously early January), with rollout expected to complete by end of January 2026 (previously mid-January). Until then, it will remain disabled in the portal.
• Related auditing health alerts will also roll out gradually starting mid-January 2026 (previously early January), completing by end of January 2026 (previously mid-January).

[How this affects your organization:]

Who is affected: Admins managing Defender for Identity unified sensors (v3.x) in Microsoft 365 tenants.

What will happen:

• A new opt-in setting will be available in both the UI and via Graph API.
• In the UI, this option will appear under Defender for Identity Settings → Advanced features.
• Once enabled, the automatic configuration feature will:
  • For new sensor activations: Automatically apply all required Windows event-auditing settings during activation.
  • For existing onboarded sensors: Automatically apply Windows event-auditing settings only if misconfigured and dismiss related health issues.
• After enabling the toggle, the automatic configuration process may take up to 24 hours to apply across all applicable Identity Unified sensors (v3.x).
• This feature is not enabled by default and requires admin action. No changes will occur unless admins choose to enable the feature.

Relevant auditing configurations health issues covered:

• NTLM auditing is not enabled
• Directory Services Advanced Auditing is not enabled as required
• Directory Services Object Auditing is not enabled as required
• Auditing on the Configuration container is not enabled as required
• Auditing on the ADFS container is not enabled as required

[What you can do to prepare:]

No action is required unless you choose to enable the feature.

If you plan to opt in:

• Review your unified sensor deployment strategy.
• Enable the opt-in setting via the UI or Graph API.
• Communicate the change to relevant IT and security teams.
• Update internal documentation if you track auditing configurations.

Learn more:

• Auditing health alerts documentation
• Configure Windows event auditing
• Configure audit policies for Windows event logs

[Compliance considerations:]

No compliance considerations identified, review as appropriate for your organization.