Microsoft 365 Message Center item MC1326254
MC1326254 - Microsoft 365 Archive: file-level archiving public preview
Microsoft 365 Archive now supports file-level archiving in public preview, allowing SharePoint files or folders to be moved to low-cost storage while remaining visible with metadata and compliance intact. Admins enable the feature; archived files are excluded from search and Copilot, with reactivation timing varying by duration.
- Message Center ID
- MC1326254
- Category
- stay Informed
- Severity
- normal
- Services
- SharePoint Online
- Tags
- New feature, User impact, Admin impact
- Roadmap ID
- 477371
- Platforms
- Web
- Published
- 2026-05-29
- Last updated
- 2026-05-29
- Expires
- 2026-08-31
[Introduction]We are introducing file-level archiving for Microsoft 365 Archive. This capability allows organizations to move individual SharePoint files or folders into low-cost archival storage while keeping them visible in their original location. This helps reduce storage costs and optimize content lifecycle management without losing metadata, permissions, or compliance coverage.This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 477371.[When this will happen]Public Preview: Available now.General Availability (Worldwide): Rollout begins in late June 2026 and is expected to complete by late July 2026.[How this affects your organization]Who is affectedSharePoint administratorsUsers in organizations that enable Microsoft 365 Archive and file-level archivingWhat will happenFile-level archiving is not enabled by default. Admins must enable Microsoft 365 Archive and then enable file-level archiving.Users with Edit permissions can archive individual files or entire folders in SharePoint document libraries.Archived files:Remain in their original location with a visual indicatorRetain metadata, permissions, and compliance coverageCannot be opened until reactivatedReactivation behavior:Instant reactivation within 7 days of archivingAfter 7 days, reactivation may take up to 24 hoursArchived files:Are excluded from Copilot responsesAre hidden from default search resultsStorage and billing:Archived content is billed using Pay-As-You-Go pricingStorage costs are approximately 75% lower than active storageCharges apply to storage exceeding the SharePoint tenant quotaAdmin capabilities:Enable or disable file-level archiving at tenant or site levelControl default behavior for new sitesMonitor usage via PowerShell (FileArchiveStorage metrics)All archive and reactivation actions are logged in the Microsoft 365 audit log.[What you can do to prepare]Enable Microsoft 365 Archive in the Microsoft 365 admin center (if not already enabled).Configure file-level archiving:Verify tenant-level status: Run Get-SPOTenant and confirm AllowFileArchive is set to TrueEnable or disable file-level archive for specific sites: Set-SPOSite -Identity <URL> -AllowFileArchive True/FalseControl the default for newly created sites: Set-SPOTenant -AllowFileArchiveByDefault True/FalseMonitor usage: Run Get-SPOTenant and Get-SPOSite to view FileArchiveStorage (GB)Review which sites should allow file-level archiving and configure accordinglyInform site owners and end users about:How archiving worksReactivation timing differencesSearch and Copilot behavior changesLearn more: Manage file-level archive (preview) - Manage Microsoft 365 Archive | Microsoft 365 Archive | Microsoft Learn[Compliance considerations]QuestionAnswerDoes the change store new customer data?Yes. Data is moved to archive storage (lower-cost tier) but remains within Microsoft 365.Does the change alter how existing customer data is processed, stored, or accessed?Yes. Files are moved to archive storage where content is not directly accessible until reactivated.Does the change modify Audit logging capabilities?Yes. Archive and reactivation events are recorded in the Microsoft 365 audit log.Does the change alter how admins can monitor/report compliance?Yes. Admins gain visibility into archive storage usage via PowerShell metrics.Does the change include an admin control?Yes. Admins can enable/disable at tenant and site level via PowerShell.Does the change allow a user to enable/disable the feature?Yes. Users with edit permissions can choose to archive/unarchive files.