Extended Runway for Microsoft Sentinel Azure Portal Migration

Microsoft has announced a significant timeline extension for the Microsoft Sentinel SIEM transition from the Azure portal to the Microsoft Defender portal. This update gives partners and customers more time to prepare and implement the necessary changes.

Timeline Update

The planned sunset date for the Microsoft Sentinel Azure portal experience has been extended to March 31, 2027 (previously scheduled for July 1, 2026). This 9-month extension provides critical runway for partners and system integrators managing complex SIEM deployments.

Why the Extension?

Based on partner feedback and internal assessments, Microsoft identified targeted improvements needed before full migration:

- Multi-tenancy management – Ensuring seamless multi-workspace operations
- Correlation engine consistency – Maintaining security logic across platforms
- Latency and reliability – Optimizing performance in the Defender portal

Microsoft is targeting general availability of these enhancements by May 2026.

For Partners and Integrators

While the sunset date is extended, Microsoft encourages proactive migration now. The Defender portal is where all latest innovations are delivered, including:

- Microsoft Sentinel graph capabilities
- Microsoft Sentinel data lake integration
- Security Copilot integration
- SOC optimization tools
- Enhanced automation and SOAR features
- Advanced case management

Recommended Actions

Partners should prioritize these steps:

  1. Plan customer migrations now – Extended timeline should not delay planning
  2. Validate key scenarios early – Test multi-workspace operations, multitenant management, and correlation behavior
  3. Assess operational readiness – Evaluate alert latency and system performance
  4. Review MSSP playbook – Microsoft MSSP Playbook for Sentinel Migration
  5. Join partner enablement calls – Register for upcoming Security partners open hours

Support Resources

- Microsoft Sentinel Documentation - Microsoft Tech Community Security Partners Forum - Upcoming webinars:
- Microsoft EMEA Security partners open hour (February 2026 edition)
- Microsoft EMEA Security partners open hour (March 2026 edition)

Source: Microsoft Partner Center Announcements - February 2026