check before: 2026-02-16
Product:
eDiscovery, Purview, Purview Communication Compliance
Platform:
Online, World tenant
Status:
Change type:
Feature update, User impact, Admin impact
Links:
Details:
Summary:
Starting February 16, 2026, Microsoft Purview eDiscovery Content Search cases will no longer support review sets or case-level data sources. Users needing advanced review features should use dedicated eDiscovery cases. Existing searches and exports remain unaffected; no action is needed if only searching and exporting.
Details:
[Introduction]
We're making changes to modern eDiscovery Content Search case. Starting February 16, 2026, Content Search cases will no longer support review sets or case-level data sources. These capabilities will remain available in dedicated non-Content Search eDiscovery cases.
[When this will happen:]
This change will begin rolling out on February 16, 2026.
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
Created:
2026-01-10
updated:
2026-01-10
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**
Loss of Advanced Review Features
Users will no longer have access to review sets or case-level data sources in Content Search cases, limiting their ability to perform advanced review actions.
- roles: eDiscovery Administrators, Compliance Officers
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/compliance/ediscovery
Workflow Disruption
Organizations relying on Content Search cases for review activities will face disruptions, requiring them to adapt workflows to dedicated eDiscovery cases.
- roles: Legal Teams, IT Support
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/compliance/ediscovery
Increased Training Needs
Users will need additional training to understand the new workflow and features available in dedicated eDiscovery cases, leading to potential delays in investigations.
- roles: End Users, Compliance Officers
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/compliance/ediscovery
User Frustration
Users accustomed to the existing features may experience frustration and confusion due to the sudden removal of functionalities in Content Search cases.
- roles: Legal Teams, eDiscovery Administrators
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/compliance/ediscovery
Potential Compliance Risks
If users do not transition to dedicated eDiscovery cases, there may be risks in meeting compliance requirements for investigations that require advanced review capabilities.
- roles: Compliance Officers, Legal Teams
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/compliance/ediscovery
Configutation Options**
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Opportunities**
Transition to Dedicated eDiscovery Cases
Organizations can transition their review activities to dedicated eDiscovery cases to leverage advanced review features that will no longer be available in Content Search cases. This transition can improve the efficiency of legal investigations and compliance efforts.
- next-steps: Identify existing workflows that rely on review sets or case-level data sources and plan for their migration to dedicated eDiscovery cases before the February 2026 deadline.
- roles: Legal Team, Compliance Officers, IT Administrators
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/compliance/ediscovery
Training and Change Management
Implementing training sessions for users on how to effectively use dedicated eDiscovery cases can enhance user experience and ensure that users are aware of the new processes and features available to them post-change.
- next-steps: Develop a training program and materials focusing on the functionalities of dedicated eDiscovery cases and schedule training sessions for affected users.
- roles: Training Coordinators, IT Support, Compliance Officers
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/compliance/ediscovery
Optimize Data Management Processes
Review and optimize data management processes to ensure that data sources and review sets are efficiently organized in dedicated eDiscovery cases, which can lead to better data governance and compliance outcomes.
- next-steps: Conduct an audit of current data management practices and identify areas for improvement, then implement optimized processes in dedicated eDiscovery cases.
- roles: Data Managers, Compliance Officers, IT Administrators
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/compliance/ediscovery
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**
Microsoft is making some changes to how eDiscovery Content Search cases work in Microsoft Purview. Think of it like a library that has been offering both books to read on-site and take-home options. Starting February 16, 2026, this library will only allow you to check out books to take home, but if you want to read and take notes on them in the library, you'll need to go to a different section dedicated to that purpose.
In the context of Microsoft Purview, this means that the Content Search cases will no longer support certain advanced features like review sets or case-level data sources. These features are akin to having a quiet reading room where you can spread out your notes and really dive into the material. If you need these capabilities, you'll have to use a different type of eDiscovery case that is specifically set up for more detailed investigations.
For those who only use Content Search cases to find and export data, nothing will change. It's like continuing to check out books without needing to use the reading room. However, if your work involves more detailed analysis, such as filtering, tagging, or analytics, you'll need to switch to the dedicated eDiscovery cases.
To prepare for this change, if your workflow involves using review sets or case-level data sources, you should start creating separate eDiscovery cases for those tasks. This will ensure that you can continue your investigations smoothly without interruption.
Overall, this change is about making sure that the right tools are used for the right tasks, much like having different sections in a library for different types of reading and research activities.
** AI generated content. This information must be reviewed before use.
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