Microsoft 365 Message Center item MC1288527

MC1288527 - (Updated) Microsoft Purview: Data Loss Prevention – File Quarantine action for SharePoint and OneDrive

Microsoft Purview DLP introduces a File Quarantine action for SharePoint and OneDrive, isolating files that violate policies in an admin-controlled site with a tombstone file replacing the original. Rolling out from mid-April to July 2026, it requires admin configuration and manual file restoration.

Message Center ID
MC1288527
Category
plan For Change
Severity
normal
Services
Microsoft Purview
Tags
Updated message, New feature, Admin impact
Roadmap ID
557190
Platforms
Web
Published
2026-04-22
Last updated
2026-07-21
Expires
2026-08-31

Updated July 20, 2026: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience. [Introduction]We are introducing the File Quarantine action in Microsoft Purview Data Loss Prevention (DLP) for SharePoint and OneDrive to help organizations better protect sensitive data. When a file violates a Purview DLP policy, it can be automatically isolated to prevent further access or sharing, allowing administrators to review and take appropriate action. This capability adds an additional layer of protection against accidental data exposure while supporting everyday collaboration.This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 557190.[When this will happen:]Public Preview: Rolling out in mid‑April 2026 and expected to complete by early May 2026General Availability (Worldwide): Rolling out in early July 2026 (previously early June) and expected to complete by end of July 2026 (previously mid-July)[How this affects your organization:]Who is affected:Admins managing Microsoft Purview DLP policies for:SharePoint OnlineOneDrive for BusinessCompliance and security administrators responsible for data protection and investigation workflowsWhat will happen:A new Quarantine action will be available when creating or editing DLP policies for SharePoint and OneDrive.When a file violates a DLP policy configured with the Quarantine action:The file is automatically isolated in an admin‑controlled quarantine location.Access to the original file is prevented to stop further sharing or exposure.A tombstone file replaces the original file at its source location:Contains admin‑defined messagingInforms users the file has been quarantinedPreserves collaboration contextAdministrators retain visibility through:Audit logsDLP alertsActivity ExplorerFiles must be restored manually by an administrator.Original sharing permissions are not automatically reinstated upon restore.This feature is not enabled by default and requires configuration within a DLP policy.[What you can do to prepare:]Create an admin‑owned SharePoint site to serve as the quarantine location.Configure quarantine settings in Purview DLP settings:Destination folderTombstone messageReview and restrict access permissions for the quarantine site.Validate behavior using DLP policies in simulation mode before broad enforcement.Update internal operational processes for quarantine reviews and restore requests.Communicate this change to your helpdesk and compliance teams.Learn more:Get started with DLP file quarantine for SharePoint and OneDrive | Microsoft Learn Create a DLP policy to quarantine files in SharePoint and OneDrive | Microsoft Learn [Compliance considerations:]Compliance considerationExplanationDoes the change store new customer data?Files that violate DLP policies may be moved to an admin‑owned SharePoint quarantine site where they are stored until restored or otherwise remediated.Does the change alter how existing customer data is processed, stored, or accessed (e.g. documents, emails, chats, etc.)?Files matching configured DLP policies can be automatically relocated from their original SharePoint or OneDrive location to a quarantine site, restricting access and sharing.Does the change modify, interrupt, or disable Purview Data Loss Prevention (DLP) policies or enforcement?Introduces a new enforcement action (Quarantine) that changes how policy matches are remediated when violations occur.Does the change modify, interrupt, or disable audit logging capabilities? Audit logs will continue to capture investigation data including original file location, ownership, and policy match details after quarantine.