MC1217141 – Microsoft Purview eDiscovery | Direct export expiration change

Product:

eDiscovery, Purview, Purview Communication Compliance

Platform:

Online, World tenant

Status:

Change type:

User impact, Admin impact

Links:

Details:

Summary:
Starting February 16, 2026, Microsoft Purview eDiscovery direct export packages will expire 14 days after creation, improving storage efficiency and security. This affects exports created after that date, not review set exports. Users should download exports within 14 days or regenerate them if expired.

Details:
[Introduction]
We're updating the retention period for direct export download containers in Microsoft Purview eDiscovery to improve storage efficiency and security. Starting February 16, 2026, direct export packages created from eDiscovery cases will expire after 14 days.
[When this will happen:]
This change will take effect on February 16, 2026.

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:

Created:
2026-01-13

updated:
2026-01-13

Task Type

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Docu to Check

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MS How does it affect me

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MS Preperations

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MS Urgency

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MS workload name

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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

Direct Export Expiration
Direct export packages will expire 14 days after creation, leading to potential data loss if not downloaded in time.
   - roles: eDiscovery Users, Compliance Officers
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/purview/edisc-search-export?view=o365-worldwide

User Experience
Users may experience frustration and confusion if they are unaware of the new expiration policy, leading to missed downloads.
   - roles: eDiscovery Users, IT Support Staff
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/purview/edisc-search-export?view=o365-worldwide

Increased Workload
IT support may face increased requests for assistance in regenerating expired exports, impacting their workload.
   - roles: IT Support Staff, eDiscovery Administrators
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/purview/edisc-search-export?view=o365-worldwide

Documentation Updates
Internal documentation will need to be updated to reflect the new expiration policy, requiring time and resources.
   - roles: eDiscovery Administrators, Compliance Officers
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/purview/edisc-search-export?view=o365-worldwide

Compliance Risks
Failure to download exports within the new timeframe may lead to compliance risks if data is needed for legal purposes.
   - roles: Compliance Officers, Legal Teams
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/purview/edisc-search-export?view=o365-worldwide

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

Improved User Training and Awareness
With the new 14-day expiration policy for direct export packages, it is crucial to enhance training for eDiscovery users to ensure they understand the new timeline and processes for downloading exports. This can lead to fewer errors and improved compliance with export protocols.
   - next-steps: Develop a training program that highlights the new export expiration policy, create quick reference guides, and schedule regular training sessions leading up to the implementation date.
   - roles: eDiscovery Managers, Compliance Officers, IT Trainers
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/purview/edisc-search-export?view=o365-worldwide

Automation of Export Monitoring
Implementing automated monitoring for export downloads can help ensure that eDiscovery users are reminded of upcoming expiration dates. This proactive approach can enhance user experience and reduce the risk of expired exports causing delays in compliance processes.
   - next-steps: Evaluate existing monitoring tools or develop a custom solution that tracks export creation dates and sends reminders to users as the expiration date approaches.
   - roles: IT Administrators, Compliance Officers, eDiscovery Managers
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/purview/edisc-search-export?view=o365-worldwide

Documentation and Process Update
Updating internal documentation and processes to reflect the new expiration policy is essential for maintaining compliance and operational efficiency. This ensures that all team members are aware of the changes and the procedures to follow.
   - next-steps: Review and revise current eDiscovery documentation, including user guides and internal policies, to incorporate the new expiration timeline and procedures for regenerating exports.
   - roles: Compliance Officers, IT Documentation Specialists, eDiscovery Managers
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/purview/edisc-search-export?view=o365-worldwide

Potentional Risks**

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Data Protection**

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IT Security**

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Hypothetical Work Council Statement**

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DPIA Draft**

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explanation for non-techies**

Starting February 16, 2026, Microsoft is making a change to how long you can keep certain files, known as direct export packages, from their eDiscovery tool. Think of these packages like a carton of milk. Just like milk has an expiration date and needs to be used before it goes bad, these export packages will now "expire" 14 days after they are created. This means you have two weeks to download them before they are no longer available.

This change is designed to make the system more efficient and secure, similar to how a fridge works better when it's not overloaded with expired items. If you usually download these files within two weeks, you won't need to do anything differently. However, if you miss the 14-day window, you can still get the information back by "regenerating" the export, which is like baking a new batch of cookies using the same recipe.

This update will only affect exports created after February 16, 2026, so anything made before that date won't be impacted. Additionally, exports from Review Sets, which are another type of file, will not be affected by this change. It's important to inform your team about this update and adjust any internal processes or documentation to reflect the new timeline.