Microsoft removing Defender Application Guard from Office

Microsoft will remove Defender Application Guard for Office (MDAG) from Office products, beginning with Office version 2602 in February 2026 and completing by version 2612 (rollouts across channels through July 2027). The announcement explains the phased timeline, notes files will open in Protected View instead, and recommends enabling Microsoft Defender for Endpoint ASR rules and Windows Defender Application Control as alternative protections; no admin action is required for the removal.