> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex-xdr-3.x/cortex-xdr-3.x-documentation/data-management/xdr-collectors/define-xdr-collector-machine-groups.md). # Define XDR Collector machine groups {% hint style="info" %} ### Notice Ingestion of logs and data requires a Cortex XDR Pro per GB license. {% endhint %} To easily apply policy rules and manage specific collector machines, you can define a collector machine group. If you set up Directory Sync, you can also leverage your Active Directory user, group, and computer information in collector machine groups. There are two methods you can use to define a collector machine group: * Create a dynamic group by allowing Cortex XDR to populate your collector machine group dynamically using collector machine characteristics, such as a partial hostname or alias; full or partial domain name; IP address, range or subnet; XDR Collector version; or operating system version. * Create a static group by selecting a list of specific collector machines. After you define a collector machine group, you can then use it to target policy and actions to specific recipients. The **XDR Collectors Groups** page displays all collector machine groups along with the number of collector machines and policy rules linked to the collector machine group. To define a collector machine static or dynamic group: 1. In Cortex XDR , select **Settings** → **Configurations** → **XDR Collectors** → **Groups**. 2. Select **+Add Group** to create a new collector machine group. 3. Specify a **Group Name** and optional **Description** to identify the collector machine group. The name you assign to the group will be visible when you assign endpoint security profiles to endpoints. 4. Determine the collector machine properties for creating a collector machine group: * **Dynamic**: Use the filters to define the criteria you want to use to dynamically populate a collector machine group. Dynamic groups support multiple criteria selections and can use **AND** or **OR** operators. For collector machine names and aliases, and domains, you can use **`*`** to match any string of characters. As you apply filters, Cortex XDR displays any registered collector machine matches to help you validate your filter criteria.

Note

XDR Collectors only support IPv4 addresses.

* **Static**: Select specific registered collector machines that you want to include in the collector machine group. Use the filters, as needed, to reduce the number of results. When you create a static collector machine group from a file, the IP address, hostname, or alias of the collector machine must match an existing Cortex XDR that has registered with Cortex XDR .

Note

Disconnecting Directory Sync in your Cortex XDR deployment can affect existing collector machine groups and policy rules based on Active Directory properties.

5. Create the collector machine group. After you save your collector machine group, it is ready for use to assign in policies for your collector machines and in other places where you can use collector machine groups. 6. Manage a collector machine group, as needed. At any time, you can return to the **XDR Collectors Endpoints** page to view and manage your collector machine groups. To manage a group, right-click the group and select the desired action. * **Edit**: View the collector machines that match the group definition, and optionally refine the membership criteria using filters. * **Delete** the collector machine group. * **Save as new**: Duplicate the collector machine group and save it as a new group. * **View collectors**: Pivot from an collector machine group to a filtered list of collector machines on the **Administration** page where you can quickly view and initiate actions on the collector machines within the group. * **Copy text to clipboard** to copy the text from a specific field in the row of a group. * **Copy entire row** to copy the text from all the fields in a row of a group. * **Show rows with ‘\’** to filter the group list to only display the groups with a specific group name. * **Hide rows with ‘\’** to filter the group list to hide the groups for a specific group name. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex-xdr-3.x/cortex-xdr-3.x-documentation/data-management/xdr-collectors/define-xdr-collector-machine-groups.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.