Table of Contents
Summary
- Support for Microsoft Defender for Android on devices running Android 10 will end, ceasing feature updates, security fixes, and technical support.
- Organizations with Android 10 devices using Microsoft Defender for Android are impacted.
- Current installations on Android 10 will continue to function but without new features or updates.
- New installations on Android 10 devices will not be available after support ends.
- Encouragement for users to upgrade devices to Android 11 or later is advised.
Admin Impact: Medium
User Impact: Medium
Release Start: 31 Mar 2026
Release End: 31 Mar 2026
Services: Defender XDR
Category: Plan for change
Tags: User Adoption, Admin Action, Retirement
History
1/28/2026 Item Added to Message Center
Microsoft Message
Introduction
To align with the Android platform lifecycle and ensure customers remain protected with the most up‑to‑date security capabilities, Microsoft Defender for Android will end support for devices running Android 10. After support ends, Defender on Android 10 devices will no longer receive feature updates, security fixes, or technical support. Devices running Android 11 or later will continue to be fully supported.
When this will happen
Support for Microsoft Defender on Android 10 devices will end on March 31, 2026.
How this affects your organization
You are receiving this message because our reporting indicates your organization might have devices running on Android 10.
Who is affected: Organizations with users or managed devices running Android 10 and using Microsoft Defender for Android.
What will happen:
- Existing installations of Microsoft Defender for Android on Android 10 devices will continue to function, but:
- They will no longer receive new features.
- They will no longer receive security updates.
- They will no longer receive technical support.
- New installations on Android 10 devices will no longer be available after support ends.
- Devices updated to Android 11 or later will continue to receive full support.
What you can do to prepare
No admin action is required for this change to occur. To prepare:
- Identify Android 10 devices using your organization’s device management tools.
- Encourage users to upgrade eligible devices to Android 11 or later.
- Replace devices that cannot be upgraded, if necessary.
- Update internal documentation and support team guidance.
- Notify impacted users about the upcoming end of support.
If needed, refer to Microsoft Defender for Endpoint documentation for minimum platform requirements.
Learn more: Microsoft Defender for Endpoint on Android | Microsoft Defender | Microsoft Learn
Compliance considerations
No compliance considerations identified. Review as appropriate for your organization.