Select a rule to configure
Why ASR Matters
Understanding Attack Surface Reduction and its role in modern cybersecurity.
What is Attack Surface Reduction?
Attack surfaces are all the places where your organization is vulnerable to cyber threats and attacks. Attack Surface Reduction (ASR) rules targets software behaviors that are often abused by attackers, such as:
- Launching executable files and scripts that attempt to download or run files
- Running obfuscated or otherwise suspicious scripts
- Performing behaviors that apps don't usually initiate during normal day-to-day work
Rule Reference
How to Use ASR Configurator
Step 1: Select a Preset
Start by choosing a preset that matches your environment from the dropdown menu in the sidebar.
- Basic: Minimal impact, safe for all users.
- Balanced (Recommended): Good security posture with low risk of breaking apps.
- Strict: Maximum security, high risk of false positives.
Step 2: Customize Rules
Click on individual rules in the sidebar to view details and adjust their mode:
- Block: High security. The action is stopped.
- Audit: Monitoring only. The action is allowed but logged. Use this to test rules.
- Disabled: The rule is turned off.
Step 3: Generate & Apply Code
Select your deployment method from the bottom tabs:
| Method | Best For | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|
| PowerShell | Single Machines / Testing | Open PowerShell as Admin, paste the code, and run. |
| Group Policy | Active Directory Domains | Save as .reg file and import, or manually configure in GPO Editor. |
| Intune | Cloud / M365 Devices | Copy JSON and import into Endpoint Security > ASR Policy. |
About ASR Configurator
🛡️ What is ASR Configurator?
ASR Configurator is a powerful, user-friendly tool designed to help IT administrators, security professionals, and Windows users configure Microsoft Defender's Attack Surface Reduction (ASR) rules with ease.
The tool simplifies the complex process of managing ASR rules by providing an intuitive visual interface, preset configurations, and export options for multiple deployment methods.
✨ Key Features
- Visual Rule Configuration: Select and configure 17 ASR rules with a simple click-based interface
- Multiple Presets: Choose from Disabled, Basic, Balanced, Strict, or Developer-Friendly security presets
- Three Export Formats: Generate ready-to-use code for PowerShell, Group Policy (Registry), or Microsoft Intune
- Risk Assessment: Each rule is categorized by risk level (Low, Medium, High, Critical) to help you make informed decisions
- Educational Content: Learn about each rule's purpose and real-world attack scenarios it protects against
- Dark/Light Theme: Toggle between themes for comfortable viewing in any environment
- Responsive Design: Works perfectly on desktop, tablet, and mobile devices
🎯 Who Is This Tool For?
Quickly deploy ASR configurations across enterprise environments
Harden Windows endpoints against common attack vectors
Enhance personal computer security with guided presets
Understand ASR rules and their impact on system security
⚙️ How It Works
- Select a Preset: Start with a baseline configuration that matches your security needs
- Customize Rules: Fine-tune individual rules by setting them to Block, Audit, or Disabled
- Choose Export Format: Select PowerShell for single machines, Group Policy for domains, or Intune for cloud-managed devices
- Copy & Deploy: Copy the generated code and apply it using your preferred method
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This tool is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Before deploying ASR rules in a production environment:
- Always test rules in Audit mode first to identify potential compatibility issues
- Review Microsoft's official documentation for the latest updates on ASR rules
- Ensure you have proper backups and recovery procedures in place
- No responsibility is accepted for system issues caused by improper configuration