Security Policy Errors

What Changes After Enabling Microsoft Entra Security Defaults?

Kushani Nimanthika Sep 30, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to understand the impact of enabling Microsoft Entra Security Defaults, specifically regarding how it affects the sign-in process for users who already use Microsoft Authenticator versus those who do not.

What Changes After Microsoft Entra Security Defaults Are Enabled?

Product: Microsoft Entra
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: An administrator is planning to enable Microsoft Entra Security Defaults and needs to anticipate the changes in user authentication workflows.
Observed behavior: Information is needed on the expected MFA prompt behavior and sign-in experience post-enablement for different user states.

Before you start

Ensure you are signed in to the Microsoft Entra admin center as a Security Administrator, Conditional Access Administrator, or Global Administrator before modifying tenant-wide security properties.

Solution 1Recommended

Impact on Existing Microsoft Authenticator Users

Understand how the transition affects users who have already registered for multifactor authentication.

Enabling Security Defaults is designed to establish a baseline level of security across your tenant without disrupting users who are already following secure practices. If a user is already configured with Microsoft Authenticator, their workflow will remain largely unchanged.

Observe standard sign-in behavior

Users already registered for MFA will continue to sign in normally. The system recognizes their existing authentication methods and will simply prompt them for MFA as required by the security defaults policy.

Review authentication logs

Navigate to Identity > Monitoring & health > Sign-in logs in the Entra admin center to verify that existing users are successfully authenticating without unexpected blocks.

Impact on Existing Microsoft Authenticator Users

Solution 2

Onboarding Experience for Unregistered Users

Manage the registration process for users who do not yet have Microsoft Authenticator set up.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use third-party authenticator apps with Microsoft Entra Security Defaults?

Microsoft Entra Security Defaults strongly push users toward the Microsoft Authenticator app for push notifications. While users can technically use third-party OATH TOTP apps by selecting 'I want to use a different authenticator app' during setup, the Microsoft Authenticator app is the officially supported default.

How long do users have to register for MFA after Security Defaults are enabled?

Users are given a 14-day grace period to register for multifactor authentication. This 14-day countdown begins from their first successful interactive sign-in after you enable the Security Defaults policy.

Can I exclude specific administrator accounts from Microsoft Entra Security Defaults?

No, Security Defaults apply universally to all users in the tenant, and no exclusions can be made. If you require granular control, such as excluding break-glass emergency access accounts, you must disable Security Defaults and use Conditional Access policies instead.

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