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Unable to install defender for endpoint on Windows Server 2016

Kalle Kinnari 0 Reputation points
2025-08-12T10:07:40.31+00:00

I'm trying to onboard and install MDE a few Windows 2016 servers via Azure Arc. I did manage to onboard them to Azure and get the MMA up and running.

Now the problem is, I can not install MDE on the servers for whatever reason. Its always about "Extension Message: Failed to configure Microsoft Defender for Endpoint: vNext/Unified agent installation failed with error code 1603 . Please refer to https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint/configure-server-endpoints?view=o365-worldwide#windows-server-2012-r2-and-windows-server-2016"

On the other server I get this error:
"Extension Message: Failed to configure Microsoft Defender for Endpoint: vNext/Unified agent installation operation failed: Sense was not installed successfully, executionlog: [2025-08-12 08:30:07Z][Information] Attempting to retrieve updated md4ws.msi from https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2168294

[2025-08-12 08:30:07Z][Information] Check if md4ws.msi has same sign as https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2168294 with timeout of 60

[2025-08-12 08:30:18Z][Information] same base 64 MD5 sign of md4ws.msi ( MiVPjIAnCKgv2MvtjnqZsw== )"

Manual installation package (the .msi) just blatantly fails as soon as its launched.

Microsoft Security | Microsoft Defender | Other
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  1. Catherine Kyalo 2,195 Reputation points Microsoft Employee
    2025-08-18T11:20:47.06+00:00

    Hi Kalle Kinnari

    Please note that the below link refers to a community discussion where a similar issue has been posted and a potential solution has been shared. This is not an official Microsoft communication or support channel, but the information provided by the community may be helpful for further troubleshooting.

    Onboarding Windows Server 2016 to MDE fails, Sense service fails to start. (SOLUTION)

    If the above response helps answer your question, remember to "Accept Answer" so that others in the community facing similar issues can easily find the solution. Your contribution is highly appreciated.

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  2. Catherine Kyalo 2,195 Reputation points Microsoft Employee
    2025-08-18T11:30:30.23+00:00

    Hi @Kalle Kinnari

    Please note that the following link refers to a community discussion where a similar issue has been posted and a potential solution has been shared. This is not an official Microsoft communication or support channel, but the information provided by the community may be helpful for further troubleshooting.

    Onboarding Windows Server 2016 to MDE fails, Sense service fails to start. (SOLUTION)

    If the above response helps answer your question, remember to "Accept Answer" so that others in the community facing similar issues can easily find the solution. Your contribution is highly appreciated.

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