What’s New in Entra Global Secure Access Client for Windows v2.34.222

On October 19, 2026, Microsoft announced an update for the Entra Global Secure Access (GSA) client. This latest release, v2.34.222, adds support for a new sign-in option, updates Conditional Access sign-in frequency, improves diagnostics, and enhances local network bypass. It also improves Windows Firewall behavior off network, along with telemetry and accessibility improvements.

Changes in v2.34.222

GSA client v2.34.222 includes the following new features and enhancements.

Web Sign-In

The GSA client now supports Web sign-in for Windows. This credential provider enables browser-based Windows sign-in using methods such as Microsoft Authenticator, Temporary Access Pass (TAP), or a SAML-P federated identity. Web sign-in requires a Microsoft Entra-joined device running Windows 11 version 22H2 with KB5030310 or later, plus internet connectivity.

Windows Firewall Profile

This release improves Windows Firewall profile selection when Private Access is enabled. When the device is not directly connected to the corporate network, Windows Firewall does not activate the Domain profile.

Traffic Forwarding Profile Details

The new GSA client features improved diagnostics. With this update, the Forwarding profile tab in the Advanced diagnostics section now displays the Traffic Forwarding Profile Name as it appears in the Entra admin center, along with the Traffic Forwarding Profile ID.

Traffic Forwarding Profile Name and ID

Conditional Access

GSA client v2.34.222 now includes support for Conditional Access sign-in frequency for Private Access applications. This feature is part of a phased rollout and might not be available in all tenants immediately.

Prefer Local Network Bypass

With this update, the Prefer local network option limits bypass to connections destined for IP addresses in common private network ranges. Microsoft documentation doesn’t elaborate on specifically which ‘common private network ranges’, but I suspect this means private IPv4 address ranges as defined in RFC 1918.

GSA Traceroute Changes

In GSA client v2.34.222, Microsoft has replaced the command-line version of the GSA traceroute tool (GsaTracert.exe) with a new GUI version. However, during my initial testing (and confirmed by others testing this feature), it appears to be broken at this time. When I launch GsaTracert.exe, the UI returns the following error message.

“Could not retrieve the forwarding profile from the registry. Ensure the Global Secure Access Client is installed and running.”

I will post an update as soon as Microsoft resolves this issue.

Additional Changes

In addition to the changes highlighted above, the new GSA client includes the following additional enhancements.

  • UDP tunneling improvements
  • Memory utilization improvements
  • New telemetry capabilities
  • Accessibility improvements
  • Bug fixes and other miscellaneous improvements

Summary

GSA client v2.34.222 introduces several useful enhancements for administrators and users. Organizations should validate the update against their existing configuration before broad deployment. My initial testing also identified an issue with the updated diagnostic tool, as described above.

Additional Information

Microsoft Entra Global Secure Access Client v2.34.222

Microsoft Entra Global Secure Access (GSA)

Microsoft Entra Private Access

Microsoft Entra Internet Access

Entra Private Access and VPN Migration Strategies on Entra.News

Workplace Ninjas US 2027 Conference in Scottsdale Arizona

I’m excited to announce that I’ll be presenting at the upcoming Workplace Ninjas US Conference, January 11–13, 2027, at The Scott Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona. The conference focuses on endpoint management, identity, security, and the modern workplace. The inaugural event in Dallas in December 2025 was exceptional, and the 2027 conference expands to three days of technical sessions and opportunities to connect with industry experts and fellow IT professionals.

Sessions

I’ll be presenting the following two sessions at the conference.

  • Moving to Zero Trust: Entra Private Access for Always On VPN Administrators – In this session, I’ll provide practical guidance for transitioning from traditional VPN access to Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) using Microsoft Entra Private Access.
  • Getting Started with Cloud PKI for Microsoft Intune – This session introduces Microsoft Cloud PKI for Intune, including common use cases and security best practices.

Who It’s For

This conference is well-suited to IT professionals who manage and secure Microsoft environments, including administrators, engineers, architects, consultants, and security leaders. Topics include:

  • Microsoft Intune and Configuration Manager
  • Microsoft Entra and identity management
  • Microsoft Defender and Zero Trust security
  • Desktop as a Service (DaaS) and virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI)
  • Automation

Registration

Registration is now open, and conference admission is just $650 for all three days. Hotel packages are also available. Visit the registration page for details and to reserve your place. I hope to see you in Scottsdale!

90 DAYS LEFT: Windows Server 2016 End of Life January 2027 – Plan Your AD CS Migration Now

Heads up, fellow Windows Server administrators! There are now just THREE MONTHS remaining before Windows Server 2016 reaches end of support, so now is the time to finalize any migrations for workloads hosted on this platform. Mainstream support ended on January 11, 2022, and Windows Server 2016 has since remained in extended support. However, extended support ends on January 12, 2027. After that date, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates or technical support, increasing the risk of running production workloads due to exposure to newly discovered vulnerabilities and exploits.

Active Directory Certificate Services

Many organizations are still running critical infrastructure on Windows Server 2016. Administrators often delay upgrading Microsoft Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS) due to its complexity. However, a well-planned AD CS migration not only reduces risk but also provides an opportunity to modernize cryptography, certificate templates, and operational practices.

Certificate Authorities

Administrators must carefully migrate Certificate Authorities (CAs) running on Windows Server 2016 to minimize downtime. In environments where ongoing CA maintenance has been limited, migrating the CA database can be especially challenging. If the CA is installed on a domain controller, now is a good time to consider separating these services to ensure reliable operation. Also, it’s a good idea to evaluate the CA’s configuration and security posture during migration to enhance security and improve service resilience.

NDES Servers

Microsoft Network Device Enrollment Services (NDES) servers, commonly deployed to facilitate certificate enrollment via Microsoft Intune, pose a unique challenge during migration. Unfortunately, configuring NDES is exceedingly complex and error-prone. NDES relies on a delicate combination of specialized IIS configuration, AD service accounts, custom certificate templates, and CA permissions, making even minor changes risky without proper planning. Not surprisingly, administrators are often hesitant to touch these systems as they are notoriously difficult to troubleshoot when problems arise.

Pro Tip: We spend an entire day covering NDES configuration in the Mastering Enterprise PKI Certificates with Microsoft Intune training course. The next session is February 3-5, 2027. Register now!

Intune Certificate Connectors

Don’t overlook Windows Server 2016 servers with the Intune Certificate Connector installed. Fortunately, this is one of the more manageable workloads to migrate. All that’s required is to install new connectors on supported servers and delete the old ones.

Summary

With extended support for Windows Server 2016 ending on January 12, 2027, organizations running production workloads—especially critical infrastructure such as Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS), Certificate Authorities (CAs), and NDES servers—face significant security risks from unpatched vulnerabilities once the OS reaches end-of-life. Careful migration planning to newer versions such as Windows Server 2022 or 2025 is essential to minimize downtime, improve security posture, and ensure long-term resilience.

Start Planning Now

Don’t risk running unsupported workloads in 2027! Complete your migration today. If you’d like expert guidance, I have many years of experience migrating these workloads. I have developed specialized tools and techniques to ensure a smooth, secure, and successful transition. Fill out the form below to schedule a free one-hour consultation to assess your Windows Server 2016 AD CS workloads, identify migration risks, and outline next steps.

Additional Information

Windows Server 2016 Lifecycle Policy

PKI Fundamentals with Microsoft Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS) Online Training Course

Mastering Enterprise PKI Certificates with Microsoft Intune Online Training Course