. In 2025, managing endpoint encryption is critical for enterprises and IT teams. MBAM software (Microsoft BitLocker Administration and Monitoring) has historically been a popular tool for centralizing BitLocker management. However, MBAM is a legacy product nearing end-of-support, with Extended Support ending April 14, 2026.
This guide provides everything IT professionals need to know: MBAM’s current status, safe usage for existing deployments, migration strategies to modern platforms, and 2025 best practices. By the end, you’ll know why MBAM should not be used for new deployments and how to transition safely to Microsoft Endpoint Manager (Intune) or MECM for BitLocker management.
What is MBAM Software?
MBAM (Microsoft BitLocker Administration and Monitoring) is a tool designed to simplify the management of BitLocker drive encryption across enterprise endpoints. It allows centralized policy enforcement, recovery key backup, and compliance reporting.
MBAM vs Malwarebytes
It’s important not to confuse MBAM with Malwarebytes:
- MBAM software: Manages BitLocker encryption, monitors compliance, and reports centrally.
- Malwarebytes: Provides malware detection and removal; unrelated to BitLocker management.
MBAM Key Features (Legacy)
- Centralized dashboards for BitLocker compliance
- Recovery key storage and reporting
- Integration with SCCM (MECM)
- Policy enforcement across desktops and laptops
2025 Update: MBAM remains functional but is legacy software. For new deployments, Microsoft recommends MECM or Intune instead.
MBAM Versions & Compatibility (Legacy)
| Version | Purpose | Supported OS | 2025 Guidance |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBAM 2.5 Server | Enterprise management | Windows Server 2016–2022 | Only maintain existing deployments; do not start new ones |
| MBAM Client | Endpoint compliance | Windows 10–11 | Continue monitoring, plan migration |
| MBAM Free/Legacy Tools | Small-scale use | Windows 10 | Unsupported for enterprise |
⚠ Important: New installations of MBAM in 2025 are not recommended due to end-of-support in 2026. Enterprises should plan migration immediately.
End-of-Life Status and Microsoft Recommendations
MBAM Support Timeline
- Mainstream Support: Ended January 2019
- Extended Support: Ends April 14, 2026
- Implication: After this date, no security updates or official support will be provided.
Microsoft’s Recommended Replacement
- Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (MECM) with BitLocker management
- Microsoft Intune (Endpoint Manager) for cloud-based BitLocker policy enforcement
✅ Pro Tip for IT Professionals: For 2025 and beyond, migrate all endpoints to MECM or Intune rather than deploying MBAM for new devices.
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Migration Strategy from MBAM to MECM/Intune
Audit Existing MBAM Deployment
- Identify all endpoints with the MBAM client installed
- Export compliance reports and recovery keys
Plan Endpoint Migration
- Determine devices to move to MECM or Intune
- Align BitLocker policies and recovery key storage
Deploy MECM/Intune Policies
- Use Microsoft Endpoint Manager to enforce encryption and compliance
- Configure reporting dashboards and alerts
Phase Out MBAM
- Gradually uninstall the MBAM client software
- Ensure all recovery keys are backed up in the new system
Continuous Monitoring
- Audit compliance in MECM/Intune
- Set reminders for policy updates and security checks
2025 Best Practice: Treat MBAM as a temporary, legacy solution only until migration is complete.
Alternatives to MBAM
| Tool | Focus | Pros | Cons | 2025 Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MBAM 2.5 | BitLocker management (legacy) | Centralized reporting, SCCM integration | Legacy, end-of-support April 2026 | Maintain for existing deployments only |
| MECM (Endpoint Manager) | BitLocker management | Enterprise-grade, future-proof | Requires SCCM knowledge | Recommended for all new and migrated deployments |
| Intune (Endpoint Manager) | Cloud-based BitLocker | Modern, remote policy management | Requires Intune subscription | Recommended for cloud-first enterprises |
| Native BitLocker | Disk encryption | Free, built-in Windows | No centralized reporting | Use for small deployments or temporary endpoints |
⚠ Key Insight: In 2025, MECM and Intune are the future-proof solutions. MBAM should not be the default choice.
Common Pitfalls & Legacy Troubleshooting
1. Problem: MBAM client not reporting to the server
- Fix: Ensure network and firewall configuration; plan migration to MECM/Intune
2. Problem: Recovery key missing
- Fix: Backup keys in MECM/Intune before decommissioning MBAM
3. Problem: Compliance dashboard errors
- Fix: Validate policies and server services; migration recommended
Legacy Checklist:
- Audit endpoints and MBAM usage
- Export recovery keys
- Plan phased migration
- Monitor compliance in MECM/Intune
FAQs
Q1. Is MBAM software still supported in 2025?
Yes, MBAM (Microsoft BitLocker Administration and Monitoring) is supported under Extended Support only, which ends on April 14, 2026. Enterprises should plan migration to MECM (Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager) or Intune now to ensure continuous BitLocker management and compliance beyond MBAM’s end-of-life.
Q2. Can I deploy MBAM software for new devices in 2025?
No. Microsoft does not recommend new MBAM deployments in 2025. For any new endpoints, organizations should use BitLocker management through MECM or Intune, which provides modern, secure, and supported centralized encryption management for enterprise devices.
Q3. What software replaces MBAM?
The official replacements for MBAM are Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (MECM) and Intune (Microsoft Endpoint Manager). Both tools offer full BitLocker management, centralized reporting, and compliance monitoring. For 2025, these platforms are the recommended enterprise solution, while MBAM should only be maintained on existing deployments.
Q4. How do I migrate MBAM clients to Intune or MECM?
To migrate MBAM clients: audit all endpoints, export MBAM recovery keys, configure BitLocker policies in MECM or Intune, and phase out the legacy MBAM clients gradually. This ensures secure, continuous encryption management while avoiding disruption to enterprise systems.
Q5. Is MBAM software free in 2025?
MBAM was historically included with Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack (MDOP) licenses. However, migrating to MECM or Intune may require updated licensing depending on your subscription plan. Organizations should verify licensing requirements before transitioning to a modern BitLocker management solution.
Q6. Can MBAM still work with BitLocker today?
Yes, MBAM continues to manage BitLocker encryption for existing deployments. However, it should not be used for new projects in 2025 due to the upcoming end-of-support. Enterprises should migrate devices to MECM or Intune for long-term, secure BitLocker management.
Q7. How do I ensure BitLocker compliance after MBAM?
Post-MBAM, use MECM or Intune dashboards to monitor BitLocker encryption status, audit recovery keys, and configure automated compliance alerts. This ensures all endpoints meet security policies and reduces the risk of data loss or non-compliance in enterprise environments.
Q8. Where can I safely download the MBAM software?
MBAM software should only be downloaded from official Microsoft sources, such as the Microsoft Download Center. Avoid third-party sites to prevent malware risks and ensure you receive the authentic, supported MBAM version.
Conclusion
MBAM software has served enterprises well for centralized BitLocker management, but 2025 is the year to transition. With end-of-support in April 2026, any IT professional planning infrastructure should avoid new MBAM deployments and migrate to MECM or Intune for a secure, future-proof environment.
Key Takeaways:
- MBAM is legacy; plan migration immediately.
- MECM and Intune are Microsoft’s recommended replacements.
- Audit and backup all existing recovery keys.
- Phase out MBAM gradually while enforcing encryption policies in modern systems.
- Prioritize future-proof deployment over maintaining legacy software.
