check before: 2026-03-13
Product:
eDiscovery, Microsoft 365 admin center, Microsoft 365 suite, Microsoft Viva, Microsoft Viva Engage, SharePoint
Platform:
Online, World tenant
Status:
Change type:
Admin impact, Retirement
Links:
Details:
Summary:
The “Include attachments” and “Include external networks” options in Viva Engage admin center data exports will be retired on March 13, 2026. Exports will include SharePoint file links instead of attachments, and admins must export data separately from each external network by signing in individually.
Details:
[Introduction]
To reduce confusion and align the data export experience with Viva Engage networks operating in native mode, we're retiring two legacy options from the data export experience in the Viva Engage admin center. These options only applied to legacy Yammer networks and are not applicable to Viva Engage networks in native mode. Removing them simplifies the admin experience and aligns exports with how data is stored and accessed today.
[When this will happen:]
March 13, 2026: The "Include attachments" and "Include external networks" options will be retired (removed) from the Viva Engage admin center data export UI.
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
Created:
2026-02-11
updated:
2026-02-11
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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summary for non-techies**
The new system in Viva Engage now uses SharePoint file links to provide access to documents, rather than sending entire documents with attachments, and requires admins to log into each external network separately to export data, instead of managing all from one place.
Direct effects for Operations**
Data Export Process Changes
Admins will need to adjust their data export processes as they can no longer include attachments or external networks in a single export, leading to potential delays in data retrieval.
- roles: Admins, Compliance Officers
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com//viva/engage/configure-your-viva-engage-network/modern-external-networks, https://learn.microsoft.com/rest/api/yammer/network-data-export
Increased Administrative Workload
Admins will face increased workload as they must now log into each external network separately to perform exports, which can lead to inefficiencies and potential errors.
- roles: Admins, IT Support Staff
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com//viva/engage/configure-your-viva-engage-network/modern-external-networks, https://learn.microsoft.com/rest/api/yammer/network-data-export
User Experience Impact
Users may experience delays in accessing necessary files as they will need to retrieve files from SharePoint separately, which can disrupt workflows.
- roles: End Users, Project Managers
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com//viva/engage/configure-your-viva-engage-network/modern-external-networks, https://learn.microsoft.com/rest/api/yammer/network-data-export
Compliance and eDiscovery Challenges
The change may complicate compliance and eDiscovery processes as teams will need to adapt to the new method of accessing data, potentially leading to compliance risks if not managed properly.
- roles: Compliance Officers, Legal Teams
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com//viva/engage/configure-your-viva-engage-network/modern-external-networks, https://learn.microsoft.com/rest/api/yammer/network-data-export
Training and Documentation Needs
There will be a need for updated training and documentation for admins and users to understand the new export processes, which can lead to temporary confusion and errors.
- roles: Admins, Training Coordinators
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com//viva/engage/configure-your-viva-engage-network/modern-external-networks, https://learn.microsoft.com/rest/api/yammer/network-data-export
Configutation Options**
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Potentional Risks**
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IT Security**
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explanation for non-techies**
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** AI generated content. This information must be reviewed before use.
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Last updated 2 months ago ago
