Forum Discussion

Lucaraheller's avatar
Lucaraheller
Brass Contributor
Oct 21, 2025

Defender for Endpoint Firewall Rules Not Applying to Devices

Hello Security Experts,

I’m currently deploying Microsoft Defender for Business and trying to enforce firewall configurations directly from the Defender portal.

However, I’ve noticed that the settings are not applying to any of the onboarded devices — nothing changes on the endpoints.

Do firewall rules in Defender for Endpoint require Intune to be enforced, or should they work standalone?
And if Intune isn’t used, what’s the best approach to apply consistent Defender firewall rules across devices?

Thanks,
Luca

automation
Microsoft Defender Experts
Onboarding Experience

1 Reply

  • KBraun94's avatar
    KBraun94
    Copper Contributor
    Oct 28, 2025

    Hello Luca, 

    I would recommend Intune for FW-Settings. 
    Requirement for that is, that you activate / enable the Intune connector in Defender Portal / Security Center:
    System ; Settings ; Endpoints ; Generall ; Advanced Features; "Connection to MS Intune"

    Now you can manage FW Rules via Intune. Important: I dont know your enviroment. Maybe you have to create more AD, or Device Groups to manage it correctly. 
    Otherwise you can use the good old local gpo. Here are also important that you manage it with AD-Groups, or OUs. 

    Best Regards
    Kevin

Resources