License & Subscription Issues

Microsoft Attack Simulation License and Trial Requirements Explained

Tauseeq Magsi Oct 23, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs clarification on the licensing and trial requirements for using Microsoft Attack Simulation, specifically why simulations might stop reaching users.

Microsoft Attack Simulation License and Trial Requirements Explained

Product: Microsoft 365 Defender
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Configuring and deploying attack simulations for user security training in Microsoft 365.
Observed behavior: Simulations can be configured in the portal but may stop reaching users without clear warnings if the required license is missing or the 90-day trial has expired.

Before you start

Ensure you have global administrator or security administrator permissions in your Microsoft 365 tenant to view licensing statuses and access the Microsoft 365 Defender portal.

Solution 1Recommended

Check Your Attack Simulation Trial and License Status

Verify your current evaluation status to ensure you have an active trial or the required Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Plan 2 license.

Microsoft Attack Simulation requires a Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Plan 2 license. While a 90-day trial is offered, once it expires, you must purchase a paid license to continue delivering simulations to end users. The portal may occasionally allow configuration without warning that the trial has ended, making manual verification crucial.

Log in to the Defender Portal

Navigate to the Microsoft 365 Defender portal and sign in with your administrator credentials.

Access the Evaluation Page

Go directly to the centralized evaluation page by navigating to https://security.microsoft.com/atpEvaluation.

Review Evaluation Status

Check the details on this page to determine if your 90-day Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Plan 2 trial is still active or has officially expired.

Acquire Required Licenses

If your trial has expired, you will need to purchase and assign Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Plan 2 licenses to the targeted users through the Microsoft 365 admin center for simulations to resume.

Missing License Warnings: Even if the portal interface allows you to create and deploy a simulation campaign, the simulated attacks will fail to reach users if the required licenses are not actively assigned.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What license is required for Microsoft Attack Simulation training?

You need a Microsoft Defender for Office 365 Plan 2 license (or a bundled subscription that includes it, such as Microsoft 365 E5) to legally and successfully run Attack Simulation training for your users.

Why are my attack simulations not reaching end users?

If simulations are successfully configured but fail to deliver to inboxes, it is highly likely that your 90-day trial has expired, or the targeted users have not been assigned the required Defender for Office 365 Plan 2 license.

How long does the Microsoft Attack Simulation trial last?

Microsoft offers a 90-day evaluation period for Defender for Office 365 Plan 2, which grants temporary access to Attack Simulation capabilities. Once the trial expires, a paid license is mandatory.

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