Microsoft Purview eDiscovery | Direct export expiration change

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.

How this affects your organization:

• Who is affected: eDiscovery users who create and download direct export packages from eDiscovery cases in Microsoft Purview.
• What will happen:
  • Direct export download containers will expire 14 days after export process creation.
  • After expiration, the container will no longer be available for download.
  • This applies only to exports created after February 16, 2026. Existing exports created before this date are not affected.
  • The eDiscovery interface will display a clear banner when an export has expired.
  • Exports from Review Sets are not impacted by this change.

What you can do to prepare:

• No action is required if your organization typically downloads exports within 14 days.
• If needed:
  • Ensure eDiscovery users download required exports within 14 days of creation.
  • Communicate this change to your eDiscovery team and update internal documentation.
  • Expired exports can be regenerated by re-running the export from the original search using the same sources and conditions.
• Learn more: Export search results in eDiscovery | Microsoft Learn

Compliance considerations: