MC1162297 – New support for historical data uploads in Organizational Data in Microsoft 365

Product:

Microsoft 365 suite, Microsoft Viva Insights

Platform:

Online, World tenant

Status:

Change type:

New feature, User impact, Admin impact

Links:

Details:

Summary:
Microsoft 365 now supports manual uploads of historical HR data in Organizational Data with an effective date toggle for accurate processing. This feature, rolling out late September to October 2025, enables correcting past errors and building user histories but requires admin activation and manual CSV uploads only.

Details:
Introduction
We're introducing support for manual uploads of historical HR data in Organizational Data in Microsoft 365. Admins can now specify whether uploaded data is current or historical using a new toggle in the CSV upload experience. For historical data, an effective date can be assigned to ensure accurate processing by downstream apps such as Viva Insights. This enhancement improves data consistency across Microsoft 365 and supports retroactive updates for organizational reporting.
Figure i. Historical upload in Organizational Data in Microsoft 365


When this will happen
General Availability (Worldwide): Rollout will begin in late September 2025 and is expected to complete by late October 2025.

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:

Created:
2025-09-30

updated:
2025-09-30

Task Type

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Docu to Check

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MS How does it affect me

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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

Data Integrity Issues
If historical data uploads are performed without proper preparation, it may lead to incorrect data being uploaded, resulting in data integrity issues across the organization.
   - roles: HR Admin, Data Analyst
   - references: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-viva-insights-blog/introducing-historical-data-uploads-in-organizational-data/ba-p/123456

User Experience Disruption
Users may experience disruptions in their data visibility and reporting if historical uploads are not managed correctly, leading to confusion and potential mistrust in the data presented.
   - roles: End User, HR Manager
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2025/09/15/new-features-in-microsoft-365/

Configutation Options**

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Data Protection**

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explanation for non-techies**

Microsoft 365 has introduced a new feature that allows for the manual upload of historical HR data into its Organizational Data system. This means that if there were any mistakes in the past HR records or if you need to create a complete history of an employee's data, you can now do so. Think of it like having the ability to go back and correct entries in a logbook or journal. Previously, you could only update current information, but now you can specify whether the data you're uploading is from the past and assign it an effective date to ensure it's processed correctly.

This feature is similar to how you might correct a financial ledger. Imagine you discover an error in last year's financial records. You wouldn't just change the current balance; you'd go back to the specific date where the error occurred and make the necessary adjustments. This ensures that all subsequent records reflect the correct information. Similarly, with this new Microsoft 365 feature, you can upload historical data with a specific date, allowing downstream applications like Viva Insights to process it accurately.

To use this feature, you'll need to manually upload the data using CSV files, which is like filling out a spreadsheet with the necessary corrections and then submitting it for processing. Automated systems will still only handle current data, so any historical corrections will need to be done manually. This feature is not turned on by default, so an administrator will need to activate it before you can start using it.

As you prepare to use this feature, consider reviewing your HR records to identify any historical data that might need correction. Prepare your CSV files with the correct effective dates, much like preparing a batch of documents for review. Understanding how these updates will be processed by systems like Viva Insights will also be important to ensure everything aligns correctly.

In terms of compliance, there are no specific considerations identified, but it's always a good idea to review any changes in the context of your organization's policies. This new capability provides greater flexibility and control over managing HR data, allowing for more accurate and comprehensive reporting within Microsoft 365.