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MC1070850Microsoft 365: Dynamic rules for Microsoft 365 Backup to simplify backup management at scale

This announcement expired on Jul 1, 2025 and is no longer active in Message Center.

Summary

Dynamic rules for Microsoft 365 Backup, released in April 2025, automate backup policies based on distribution lists and security group memberships. This feature, now generally available, reduces manual effort and ensures up-to-date protection. No additional configuration is needed, but review your groups for accuracy. Learn more [here](https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/backup/backup-view-edit-policies?view=o365-worldwide&tabs=sharepoint).

More information

We released a new dynamic rules option in April 2025 for creating backup policies for Microsoft OneDrive, Microsoft SharePoint, and Microsoft Exchange Online. With dynamic rules, backup policies are based on distribution lists and security group memberships to reduce manual effort and minimize the risk of users being left unprotected. Any changes to group membership are automatically reevaluated daily, ensuring the policy stays up to date with the latest membership changes.

This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 464989.

When this will happen:

General Availability (Worldwide): Available now.

How this will affect your organization:

This feature is on by default. Review your existing distribution lists and security groups to ensure they are accurate and reflect your intended backup coverage. No additional configuration is required to begin using this feature after it becomes available in your tenant.

What you need to do to prepare:

This rollout happened automatically by the specified dates with no admin action required. You may want to notify your users about this change and update any relevant documentation.

Learn more: Create, view, and edit backup policies in Microsoft 365 Backup | Microsoft Learn