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The Windows 11 26H2 security baseline is available in Microsoft Intune, according to Microsoft’s release notes for the week of October 5, 2026. It provides recommended security settings for Intune-managed Windows devices, but existing baseline profiles do not update automatically. Review the version-specific settings and any customizations before creating or updating a profile, then pilot the assignment and monitor device and per-setting status.
What the 26H2 baseline does—and does not do
An Intune security baseline is a Microsoft-selected group of preconfigured Windows settings. Administrators can deploy the recommended profile as provided or customize it, then assign it to user or device groups. The settings are delivered through the corresponding Windows configuration service providers (CSPs).
The 26H2 Intune reference is based on Microsoft’s Windows 11 26H2 security baseline in the Security Compliance Toolkit, filtered to settings applicable to Windows devices managed through Intune. Use the Windows 11 26H2 settings reference with its version selector set to 26H2; nearby versions can show different defaults.
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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →A baseline is a starting configuration, not a guarantee that every recommendation fits an organization’s applications, hardware, network, or support requirements. Different baseline types can also apply different defaults to the same setting. Check for conflicts with existing configuration profiles, Group Policy, other baselines, and application requirements before broad deployment.
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- 1.1 GHz (boost up to 2.4GHz) Intel Celeron N5030 Quad-Core
Using the Microsoft baseline does not establish CIS compliance or NIST certification. Microsoft says there is no one-to-one mapping between CIS compliance and Microsoft baselines. Organizations still need to map applicable controls and validate their own compliance obligations.
What changed in the 26H2 Intune release
Microsoft’s Intune release notes for the week of October 5, 2026 identify 26H2 as the latest Windows security baseline available in Intune. The release includes new settings, updated default values, and revised security guidance, but the release-note entry does not enumerate every setting-level change. Consult the 26H2 settings reference for current defaults.
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- 256 GB SSD of storage.
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Existing baseline profiles do not move to 26H2 automatically. You can create a 26H2 profile or update an older profile. Only the newest baseline version can be used to create a new instance; existing older instances can remain in use, but cannot be configured further until updated. Before moving a customized profile, record its current selections and compare them against the new version so that intentional exceptions are not lost.
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Examples of security settings in the 26H2 baseline
The following examples show the range of controls in the Intune-applicable 26H2 settings. They are not an exhaustive list; consult the version-specific reference for complete values and the linked CSP details.
- Reduce legacy protocol exposure: The SMB v1 client driver is configured to disable the MrxSmb10 driver, and the SMB v1 server is disabled.
- Restrict lock-screen features: Enabling the lock-screen camera and lock-screen slide show is prevented.
- Protect removable storage: Write access to removable drives not protected by BitLocker is denied by the policy default.
- Harden network behavior: Multicast name resolution is turned off. Hardened UNC paths are enabled for
\*SYSVOLand\*NETLOGON, requiring mutual authentication and integrity. - Reduce printer attack surface: Redirection Guard and limits that restrict printer-driver installation to administrators are enabled; RPC printer settings are also configured.
- Harden sign-in and execution: SmartScreen is enabled with “Warn and prevent bypass,” command lines are included in process-creation events, and loading custom SSPs/APs into LSASS is disabled.
- Enforce session and boot safeguards: Password requirements on wake are enabled for battery and plugged-in states. The boot-start driver policy allows good, unknown, and bad-but-critical drivers.
Prerequisites and permissions
Microsoft documents an active Microsoft Intune Plan 1 subscription as a requirement for deploying security baselines through Intune. The administrator account also needs suitable Intune role-based access control (RBAC) rights: Organization read access and the relevant Security baselines permissions to create, read, update, and assign a profile.
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- 15.6-INCH FULL HD DISPLAY: Enjoy immersive visuals on the 15.6" FHD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with micro-edge bezels. Delivers clear details and comfortable viewing for long study sessions, working on spreadsheets, and video playback
- RESPONSIVE MULTITASKING & STORAGE: Built with 4GB LPDDR4 RAM and 128GB eMMC storage for smooth daily essential use. Expand your storage by up to 1TB via the integrated TF card slot to easily store movies, photos, and working files
- ADVANCED CONNECTIVITY: Outfitted with 2x Full-Featured Type-C ports for data transfer, fast charging, and dual-monitor output, alongside 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 ports and a 3.5mm audio jack for complete peripheral compatibility
- LIGHTWEIGHT & SILENT OPERATION: Slim and portable for effortless travel or commuting. Features a 1MP HD webcam for remote meetings, 38Wh battery with 45W Type-C fast charging, and a fanless silent design for peaceful work environments.
Intune does not provide licenses for separate products used alongside a baseline, such as Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. Confirm those product entitlements independently where applicable.
Deploy the baseline safely
- Sign in to the Microsoft Intune admin center with an account that has the required RBAC permissions.
- Open the baseline area: Go to Endpoint security > Security baselines.
- Create or update a profile: Select the Windows security baseline and create a profile for 26H2, or choose an existing profile to update to the latest version.
- Review every setting: Compare the displayed values with your organization’s requirements. Record any deviations from Microsoft’s defaults and the reason for each exception. For an existing customized profile, preserve its prior selections before migrating.
- Assign a controlled pilot group: Start with a limited user or device group, then expand only after checking results. A pilot is prudent deployment practice; Microsoft documents group assignment but does not prescribe a pilot size.
- Check reports before widening rollout: Review check-in, assignment, and per-setting status. Investigate errors and conflicts before assigning the profile more broadly.
Monitor assignment and troubleshoot setting failures
Intune baseline monitoring provides device and user check-in status, device assignment status, per-setting status, and profile properties for reviewing or editing configuration. Use these views to distinguish whether a device received the profile from whether individual settings applied successfully. An assignment alone is not proof that every endpoint has applied every setting.
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- Backlit Keyboard & Complete Package】Comes with a cool backlit keyboard. Comes with awebcam, dual stereo speakers (8Ω/1.0W each), DC charger, and user manual – ready for late-night studying, online classes, video conferencing, and daily productivity
- 【Vibrant Display】 15.6-inch Full HD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with 16:9 aspect ratio delivers crisp images and vivid colors – perfect for studying, watching lectures, or entertainment. Thin-bezel design maximizes viewing area
- 【Fast Connectivity & Expansion】 Equipped with WiFi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.2 for stable, high-speed wireless. Features 3 x USB 3.0, HDMI 2.1, Type-C (supports PD3.0 fast charging), and a TF card slot expandable up to 2TB – easily connect external monitors, mice, drives, or expand storage for all your files
- 【Long Battery Life & Portable】 Built-in 11.55V 5000mAh/57.75Wh high-capacity battery delivers approximately 7 hours of mixed-use battery life – enough for a full day of classes and assignments. Lightweight at just 1.63kg (3.6 lbs) and 19.5mm thin, plus a compact packing size – easily slips into a backpack for campus, library, or coffee shop
For a failing or unclear setting, follow its linked CSP documentation in the 26H2 settings reference. Microsoft identifies the CSP as the owner of the setting’s behavior and configuration details; Intune is the delivery and management mechanism. Check for conflicts with other policies and verify the target device’s applicable Windows configuration support.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Choose Intune or the Security Compliance Toolkit based on management method
| Approach | Best fit | Workflow and reporting |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Intune | Cloud-managed Windows devices using MDM | Create security-baseline profiles, assign them to groups, and monitor check-in, assignment, and per-setting status. |
| Security Compliance Toolkit (SCT) | Group Policy workflows using Active Directory or local policy | Download, analyze, test, edit, and store Microsoft-recommended baselines; compare GPOs and apply settings through Group Policy or local policy. |
Microsoft’s support matrix lists a September 2026 baseline release for Windows 11 26H2 and SCT 1.0. SCT is a toolkit for policy workflows, not a substitute for Intune’s MDM deployment and reporting. In hybrid environments or during a move from Group Policy, validate how existing policies interact; Microsoft describes SCT tools as useful for identifying cloud-based options that can replace on-premises Group Policy settings.
Quick Recap
Sources
- Microsoft Intune: What’s new
- Microsoft Intune: Windows 11 security baseline settings
- Microsoft Intune: Use security baselines to configure Windows devices
- Microsoft Intune: Monitor security baselines
- Microsoft: Security Compliance Toolkit
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