485732 – Microsoft Purview Information Protection: Doc library default labeling for SharePoint Online and Copilot

Product:

Copilot, Microsoft 365 Apps, Purview, Purview Communication Compliance, Purview compliance portal, Purview Information Protection, SharePoint

Platform:

Online, US Instances, Web, World tenant

Status:

Launched

Change type:

Links:

Details:

This new capability further integrates SharePoint Online with Purview sensitivity labeling. SharePoint Online document library owners can set a new type of default label on the library, which automatically applies that label to all unprotected Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and PDF files within the library. This simplifies labeling in bulk across document libraries in an organization, enriches DLP and Copilot with signal to allow admins to monitor and restrict access to this content, and enables inheritance of sensitivity labels to output artifacts in Copilot. #copilotcontrolsystem

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability

Created:
2025-05-02

updated:
2026-01-21

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**

Default Labeling Implementation
If the default labeling is implemented without proper preparation, users may inadvertently label sensitive documents incorrectly, leading to potential data leaks or compliance issues.
   - roles: Document Library Owners, Compliance Officers
   - references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/security-compliance-identity/microsoft-purview-information-protection-doc-library-default/ba-p/3741230, https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2023/09/12/introducing-microsoft-purview-information-protection/

User Experience Disruption
Users may experience confusion or frustration if documents are automatically labeled without their input, leading to decreased productivity and potential errors in document handling.
   - roles: End Users, IT Support Staff
   - references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/security-compliance-identity/microsoft-purview-information-protection-doc-library-default/ba-p/3741230, https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2023/09/12/introducing-microsoft-purview-information-protection/

Configutation Options**

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Data Protection**

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IT Security**

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explanation for non-techies**

Imagine you have a library in your office where you keep all your important documents. Now, imagine if every time you placed a new document on the shelf, a special stamp was automatically applied to it, indicating its level of importance or sensitivity. This stamp helps everyone in the office understand how to handle the document, whether it needs special care, or if it should be kept confidential.

This is similar to what Microsoft is doing with SharePoint Online and Purview Information Protection. SharePoint Online is like that library, and the new feature allows document library owners to set a default "stamp" or label on the library. This label is automatically applied to all unprotected Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and PDF files that are added to the library.

The benefit of this is that it simplifies the process of labeling documents in bulk, making it easier for organizations to manage their documents' sensitivity levels. It also helps with data loss prevention (DLP) by providing signals that allow administrators to monitor and control who can access the content. Additionally, this labeling system works with Microsoft Copilot, a tool that helps users with tasks by understanding the context of the documents. The labels help Copilot understand the sensitivity of the content it is working with, ensuring that any new documents or reports it generates inherit the appropriate sensitivity level.

In essence, this new capability helps organizations manage their documents more efficiently, ensuring that sensitive information is protected and handled correctly, much like ensuring every document in your office library is appropriately stamped for its level of importance.