All posts tagged Zero Trust

What’s New in Entra Global Secure Access Client v2.32.294.0

On August 26, 2026, Microsoft released version 2.32.294 of the Entra Global Secure Access (GSA) client. This release addresses challenges caused by overlapping local and private network address spaces, improves tunnel creation performance, and prepares the client to receive future upgrades through Windows Update.

Changes in v2.32.294

GSA client v2.32.294 includes the following new features and capabilities.

Prefer Local Network

The Prefer Local Network option allows users to access resources on their current local network when its address space overlaps with a private application’s subnet. Common scenarios include accessing a local printer or casting to a nearby device.

Support for Prefer Local Network is included in this client release. However, the administrative setting required to expose the option to users is not yet available in the traffic forwarding profile. Once Microsoft makes this setting available, administrators can enable the feature and allow users to turn it on when needed.

Windows Update

Beginning in November 2026, the GSA client will automatically receive upgrades through Windows Update. Endpoints must be running GSA client 2.31.125 or later (2.32.294 or later for Windows on Arm).

Administrators can opt out of automatic updates when installing or upgrading the GSA client using the following command.

GlobalSecureAccessInstaller.exe /quiet /norestart EnableWindowsUpdates=0

Additional Enhancements

GSA client v2.32.294 accelerates the creation of new tunnels, improving connection performance. The installer also includes .NET Runtime 10.0.9. Additional changes include telemetry and accessibility enhancements, the removal of LastMile for Office 365 telemetry, and miscellaneous bug fixes.

Summary

Global Secure Access client v2.32.294 introduces useful improvements for users working on networks with overlapping address spaces and lays the groundwork for automatic client upgrades through Windows Update. The release also improves tunnel creation performance and includes several updates to telemetry, accessibility, runtime, and reliability. Administrators should evaluate Windows Update behavior and determine whether automatic upgrades are appropriate for their deployment and change management requirements.

Additional Information

Microsoft Entra Global Secure Access (GSA) Client v2.32.294.0

Microsoft Entra Global Secure Access (GSA)

Microsoft Entra Private Access

Microsoft Entra Internet Access

Entra Private Access and VPN Migration Strategies on Entra.News

Windows Server 2025 Marks the End of Microsoft DirectAccess

Well, the time has finally come. Microsoft DirectAccess, first introduced in Windows Server 2008 R2, will be removed from the next release of Windows Server. This means that Windows Server 2025 is officially the end of the line for DirectAccess.

Why Is This Happening?

DirectAccess has had a good run, no doubt. However, DirectAccess is built on legacy technologies, making it difficult to implement and support in modern environments. For example, DirectAccess requires the following:

Domain-joined servers and clients
Active Directory group policy management
NTLMv2 for authentication
Complex IPv6 transition and translation technologies

Further, DirectAccess does not support:

Modern endpoint management using Microsoft Intune
Integration with Entra ID and Entra Conditional Access
Fine-grained user access control (zero trust)
Windows Professional or other non-Microsoft endpoints

Microsoft’s strategic focus has shifted toward cloud-native identity, device management, and Zero Trust access solutions, making DirectAccess increasingly difficult to align with modern enterprise requirements and ultimately resulting in Microsoft discontinuing DirectAccess.

What’s Next

Organizations should consider migrating from DirectAccess to Always On VPN or Entra Private Access. Always On VPN provides a traditional VPN-based remote access solution with broad deployment flexibility, while Entra Private Access offers a cloud-native Zero Trust approach for accessing private applications and resources.

Migration Path

Organizations currently relying on DirectAccess should begin planning their migration strategy now. Although Windows Server 2025 continues to support DirectAccess, future Windows Server releases will not, making proactive migration planning essential.

Get Expert Guidance on DirectAccess Migration

Every DirectAccess deployment is different. The right migration strategy depends on your existing infrastructure, identity platform, management approach, and security requirements. Complete the form below to discuss your environment and receive guidance on transitioning to Always On VPN or Entra Private Access.

Additional Information

Microsoft DirectAccess Deprecation on Future Windows Server Releases

What’s New in Entra Global Secure Access Client v2.31.125

On June 2, 2026, Microsoft released version 2.31.125 of the Entra Global Secure Access (GSA) client. This update introduces several enhancements designed to improve client resiliency, simplify troubleshooting, and provide administrators with better visibility into network connection status.

Changes in v2.31.125

GSA client v2.31.125 includes new features to streamline connectivity troubleshooting.

Network Status

The new GSA client can now distinguish between a complete network disconnection and a scenario where the device remains connected to a local network but lacks internet access. This distinction helps administrators and users more quickly identify the source of connectivity issues and reduce troubleshooting time.

Network Disconnected

No Internet Connectivity

Local Access

When Intelligent Local Access (ILA) is enabled, the client now clearly indicates when a device is connected to a trusted private network. This provides additional visibility into ILA decision-making and helps confirm that local access policies are functioning as expected.

Sign Out

The new GSA client includes an account picker when a user signs out on Entra-registered or Entra-joined devices. This enhancement simplifies account management on shared or multi-user devices by allowing users to switch identities without fully reinstalling or reconfiguring the client.

The sign out option is disabled by default. It must be enabled by setting the following registry key.

HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Global Secure Access Client\HideSignOutButton DWORD = 0

User Session Detection

Because the GSA client supports only a single interactive Windows session, this new indicator helps quickly identify unsupported multi-session scenarios that may impact client functionality or troubleshooting efforts.

Other Changes

In addition to the new features and capabilities outlined above, these changes are also included.

Updated embedded .NET Runtime to version 8.0.26.
GSA Forwarding Profile Service now automatically restarts after a failure.
Improved detection and tunneling of agentic network connections.
Various bug fixes and performance improvements.

Summary

GSA Client v2.31.125 introduces several useful enhancements focused on troubleshooting, resiliency, and user experience. Improved network status visibility, Intelligent Local Access awareness, account sign-out support, and enhanced session detection provide administrators with better diagnostic capabilities while making the client easier for end users to understand and manage. Although this release remains in preview, administrators are encouraged to begin testing this latest release soon.

Additional Information

Microsoft Entra Global Secure Access (GSA) Client v2.31.125

Microsoft Entra Private Access Intelligent Local Access

Richard M. Hicks Consulting, Inc.

Microsoft MVP

Consulting

Pluralsight

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All posts tagged Zero Trust

What’s New in Entra Global Secure Access Client v2.32.294.0