464994 – Microsoft 365: Protection unit-level offboarding for Microsoft 365 Backup

Product:

Exchange, OneDrive, SharePoint

Platform:

Online, Web, World tenant

Status:

Launched

Change type:

Links:

MC1102788

Details:

Ability to permanently delete, after appropriate grace period, protection units from the backups. A protection unit is defined as a OneDrive Account, SharePoint site, or Exchange Online shared or user mailbox being protected in the Backup tool.

Change Category:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Scope:
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Release Phase:
Preview, General Availability

Created:
2024-10-30

updated:
2025-08-30

Public Preview Start Date

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Docu to Check

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MS workload name

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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

Please, look at the most relevant linked item for details

explanation for non-techies**

When an employee leaves a company, it's essential to ensure that their data is handled properly. Imagine this process like cleaning out a desk after someone leaves. You wouldn't want to throw everything away immediately, as some items might still be needed for a while. Instead, you might put everything in a box and store it for a certain period before deciding what to keep and what to discard.

In the digital world, Microsoft 365 is introducing a similar concept for managing data backups. When an employee departs, their digital workspace, which includes their OneDrive account, SharePoint site, or Exchange Online mailbox, is considered a "protection unit." These protection units are like the digital equivalent of the contents of a desk.

The new feature allows these protection units to be stored in the backup system for a specified grace period. This grace period acts like the storage time for the box of desk contents, allowing the company to access important information if needed. After this period, the company can choose to permanently delete these protection units, ensuring that unnecessary data doesn't linger around, much like finally discarding the contents of the box once it's clear they are no longer needed.

This process helps in maintaining a clean and efficient digital environment, ensuring that only necessary data is retained while unnecessary data is securely removed. It's a structured way to manage data responsibly, similar to how physical items are managed in an office setting.