Security Policy Errors

How to Change Attack Simulation Training Assignment Notification Timing in Microsoft Defender

Olivia Miller Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

Organizations want to delay Microsoft default training assignment notifications so they are sent after an attack simulation has ended, rather than immediately after a user is phished.

How to Change Attack Simulation Training Assignment Notification Timing in Microsoft Defender

Product: Microsoft Defender
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Administrators configuring Attack Simulation Training campaigns need to adjust when automated training assignment emails are delivered to users.
Observed behavior: Microsoft default training assignment notifications lack built-in delivery preference controls for delaying messages, causing them to be sent immediately upon a failed phishing simulation.

Before you start

Ensure you have the necessary administrator privileges in the Microsoft 365 Defender portal to view and modify attack simulation settings.

Solution 1Recommended

Consult Microsoft Q&A for Advanced Notification Controls

Since default delivery preference controls depend heavily on current product capabilities and built-in templates, Microsoft recommends reaching out to specialized support for advanced timing configurations.

Microsoft Defender's built-in templates may not natively support delaying default assignment notifications until a simulation ends. Consulting Microsoft's expert community can help you find PowerShell workarounds or feature updates.

Navigate to Microsoft Q&A

Open your web browser and go to the official Microsoft Q&A platform at https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/tags/9/m365.

Ask a new question

Click the 'Ask a question' button and ensure you tag your query with 'Microsoft 365 Defender'.

Detail your requirement

Explain that you need to delay the Attack Simulation Training assignment notifications until the end of the simulation, rather than sending them immediately after a user is phished.

Consult Microsoft Q&A for Advanced Notification Controls

Solution 2

Customize End-User Notifications in the Campaign Wizard

Check if your current tenant's version of Microsoft Defender allows customizing delivery preferences during the simulation campaign setup.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I completely disable end-user notifications in Attack Simulation Training?

Yes. During the simulation creation wizard, you can select 'No notifications' in the End-user notifications section. However, this is generally not recommended if the goal is to train users.

Why are training assignment notifications sent immediately by default?

Microsoft Defender sends these notifications immediately after a user fails a phishing simulation to provide immediate context, allowing the user to connect the training with their recent action.

Is it possible to use custom email templates for simulations?

Yes. Administrators can create and customize their own end-user notification templates in the Microsoft 365 Defender portal, allowing for specialized branding and tailored messaging instructions.

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