check before: 2026-03-01
Product:
Microsoft 365 suite, OneDrive, SharePoint
Platform:
Online, Web, World tenant
Status:
In development
Change type:
New feature, Admin impact
Links:
Details:
Summary:
Microsoft 365 Backup will enable admins to browse, search, and restore individual files or folders from SharePoint and OneDrive restore points starting early 2026. This granular restore reduces recovery time, requires the SharePoint Backup Administrator role, and respects existing backup policies without impacting users.
Details:
[Introduction]
Microsoft is introducing granular restore capabilities in Microsoft 365 Backup, allowing administrators to browse, search, and restore individual files or folders from restore points for protected SharePoint sites and OneDrive accounts. This update helps organizations reduce recovery time and operational impact by restoring only the content that is needed.
Screenshot: Select the granular restore path when restoring content from a SharePoint site or OneDrive account
This message is associated with Roadmap ID 464991.
[When this will happen:]
Public Preview (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out in early March 2026 and expect to complete by mid-March 2026.
General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out in late April 2026 and expect to complete by early May 2026.
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability, Preview
Created:
2026-03-17
updated:
2026-03-17
Public Preview Start Date
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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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linked item details
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summary for non-techies**
Starting in early 2026, Microsoft 365 Backup will allow administrators with the SharePoint Backup Administrator role to restore individual files or folders from SharePoint and OneDrive, enhancing data recovery efficiency without affecting entire sites or drives.
Direct effects for Operations**
Granular Restore Operations
If the change is implemented without preparation, admins may struggle with the new granular restore process, leading to delays in recovery times and potential data loss during critical incidents.
- roles: SharePoint Backup Administrator, IT Operations Team
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/backup/backup-restore-data?view=o365-worldwide&tabs=onedrive#option-2-selected-content-only-preview, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=464991
Backup Policy Compliance
Without proper preparation, existing backup policies may not align with the new granular restore capabilities, leading to compliance issues and potential data recovery challenges.
- roles: Compliance Officer, Backup Administrator
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/backup/backup-restore-data?view=o365-worldwide&tabs=onedrive#option-2-selected-content-only-preview, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=464991
User Experience During Restores
If admins are not familiar with the new granular restore feature, users may experience longer wait times for data recovery, impacting their productivity and satisfaction.
- roles: End Users, Helpdesk Support
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/backup/backup-restore-data?view=o365-worldwide&tabs=onedrive#option-2-selected-content-only-preview, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=464991
Internal Recovery Procedures
Failure to update internal recovery procedures may lead to confusion among IT staff during restore operations, resulting in inefficient recovery processes and potential data loss.
- roles: IT Operations Team, Backup Administrator
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/backup/backup-restore-data?view=o365-worldwide&tabs=onedrive#option-2-selected-content-only-preview, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=464991
Training and Familiarization
Without adequate training on the new granular restore feature, admins may misuse the tool, leading to incorrect restores and further complications in data management.
- roles: SharePoint Backup Administrator, IT Training Coordinator
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/backup/backup-restore-data?view=o365-worldwide&tabs=onedrive#option-2-selected-content-only-preview, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=464991
Configutation Options**
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Opportunities**
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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**
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** AI generated content. This information must be reviewed before use.
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