1. Overview of the MDE Live Response Console and PowerShell Script Microsoft Defender for Endpoint (MDE) Live Response console provides security analysts with remote access to devices for investigation and remediation. It allows execution of commands and scripts directly on the endpoint, enabling real-time threat response. One powerful use case is generating performance reports using PowerShell scripts from MDE Live Response Console. These scripts can record Defender performance metrics, helping analysts understand system behavior and performance impact during threat detection and remediation.
- Importance of MDE Live Response and Scripts
Live Response is crucial for incident response and forensic investigations. It enables analysts to:
- Collect evidence remotely.
- Run diagnostics without interrupting users.
- Remediate threats in real time.
For more information on MDE Live Response visit the below documentation.
PowerShell scripts enhance this capability by automating tasks such as:
- Performance monitoring.
- Log collection.
- Configuration validation.
This automation improves efficiency, consistency, and accuracy in security operations.
For more details on running performance analyzer visit the below link.
While performance analyzer is run locally on the system to collect Microsoft Defender Anti-Virus performance details , in this document we are describing on running the performance analyzer from MDE Live Response console. This is a situation where Security administrators do not have access to the servers managed by Infra administrators.
- Prerequisites
Required Roles and Permissions
To use Live Response in Microsoft Defender for Endpoint (MDE), specific roles and permissions are necessary. The Security Administrator role, or an equivalent custom role, is typically required to enable Live Response within the portal. Users must possess the “Manage Portal Settings” permission to activate Live Response features.
Permissions Needed for Live Response Actions
- Active Remediation Actions under Security Operations:
- Take response actions
- Approve or dismiss pending remediation actions
- Manage allowed/blocked lists for automation and indicators
Unified Role-Based Access Control (URBAC):
From 16/02/2025, new customers must use URBAC.
Roles are assigned to Microsoft Entra groups.
Access must be assigned to device groups for Live Response to function properly.
Setup Requirements
- Enable Live Response: Navigate to Advanced Features in the Defender portal. Only users with the “Manage Portal Settings” permission can enable this feature.
- Supported Operating System Versions:
- Windows 10/11 (Version 1909 or later)
- Windows Server (2012 R2 with KB5005292, 2016 with KB5005292, 2019, 2022, 2025)
- macOS and Linux (specific minimum versions apply)
- Actual Script Details and Usage
The following PowerShell script records Microsoft Defender performance for 60 seconds and saves the output to a temporary file:
# Get the default temp folder for the current user
$tempPath = [System.IO.Path]::GetTempPath()
$outputFile = Join-Path -Path $tempPath -ChildPath "DefenderTrace.etl"
$durationSeconds = 60
try {
Write-Host "Starting Microsoft Defender performance recording for $durationSeconds seconds..."
Write-Host "Recording will be saved to: $outputFile"
# Start performance recording with duration
New-MpPerformanceRecording -RecordTo $outputFile -Seconds $durationSeconds
Write-Host "Recording completed. Output saved to $outputFile"
} catch {
Write-Host "Failed to start or complete performance recording: $_"
}
🔧 Usage Notes:
- Run this script in an elevated PowerShell session.
- Ensure Defender is active, and the system supports performance recording.
- The output .etl file can be analyzed using performance tools like Windows Performance Analyzer.
- Steps to Initiate Live Response Session and Run the script.
Below are the steps to initiate a Live Response session from Security.Microsoft.com portal.
Below screenshot shows that console session is established.
Then upload the script file to console library from your local system.
Type “Library” to list the files. You can see that script got uploaded to Library.
Now you execute the script by “run <file name>” command. Output of the script gets saved in the Library.
Run “getfile <path of the file>” to get the file downloaded to your local system download folder.
Then you can run Get-MpPerformanceReport command from your local system PowerShell as shown below to generate the report from the output file collected in above steps.
- Summary and Benefits
This document outlines the use of MDE Live Response and PowerShell scripting for performance diagnostics. The provided script helps security teams monitor Defender performance efficiently. Similar scripts can be executed from Live Response console including signature updates , start/stop services etc. These scripts are required as a part of security investigation or MDE performance troubleshooting process.
Benefits:
- Faster incident response through remote diagnostics.
- Improved visibility into endpoint behaviour.
- Automation of routine performance checks.
- Enhanced forensic capabilities with minimal user disruption.
Microsoft