Security Policy Errors

Fix Microsoft Defender Attack Simulation Training Link Redirection

Steve KSteve K Oct 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

Users are being redirected to the Microsoft Defender home page instead of their assigned Attack Simulation Training module when clicking the training link.

How to Fix Microsoft Defender Attack Simulation Training Link Redirection
Product
Microsoft Defender
Device & OS
not provided
Scenario
Attempting to access a mandatory security training module assigned through Microsoft Defender.
Observed behavior
The provided training link fails to open the simulation module and unexpectedly redirects the user to the main Microsoft Defender dashboard.
Before you start

Ensure you have the necessary administrator permissions in Microsoft 365 Defender to view and manage attack simulation campaigns and training assignments.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify Training Campaign and Assignment Status

Check if the training campaign has ended or the assignment has expired, which is the most common cause of link redirection.

Training links in Microsoft Defender are strictly tied to the lifecycle of the campaign. If the assignment duration lapses or the recipient is removed from the eligibility list, the links will default to the Microsoft Defender home page.

1
Access Microsoft 365 Defender

Log in to the Microsoft 365 Defender portal using your administrator credentials.

2
Navigate to Attack Simulation

On the left navigation pane, go to Email & Collaboration and select 'Attack simulation training'.

3
Locate the Campaign

Switch to the 'Simulations' or 'Training' tab to find the specific campaign assigned to the affected user.

4
Check Expiration Date

Review the status and end date of the campaign to confirm if the training period has expired or if the recipient remains eligible.

Verify Training Campaign and Assignment Status
Campaign Modifications: If the campaign has already ended, you may need to create a new training assignment for users who missed the deadline.
Free Microsoft Office alternative

Manage Your Security Training Documents with WPS Office

While Microsoft Defender handles your attack simulation training, you can use WPS Office as a lightweight, free alternative to Microsoft Office for creating, documenting, and sharing your organization's security policies and training materials.

  1. 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button.
  2. 2. Install the Software: Run the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
  3. 3. Open and Edit Documents: Launch WPS Office and instantly open your existing Microsoft Office files to start managing your security documentation.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Microsoft Defender training link redirect to the homepage?

This typically happens when the training assignment has expired, the campaign period has officially ended, or the user is no longer eligible for the training module.

How can I extend the deadline for Attack Simulation Training?

Administrators can modify active campaigns in the Microsoft 365 Defender portal under the Attack simulation training settings by editing the simulation and adjusting the training completion date.

Can I reassign a training module if the original link expired?

Yes, administrators can create a new training campaign or manually reassign specific training modules to users who missed the original deadline through the Microsoft 365 Defender portal.