Microsoft 365 Message Center item MC1326509
MC1326509 - Microsoft Purview: Information Protection- File Labeler and File Viewer for MacOS
Microsoft Purview is launching File Labeler and File Viewer apps for macOS to enable sensitivity labeling and protected file viewing, aligning with Windows capabilities. Public preview starts May 29, 2026, with general availability on September 30, 2026. Advanced label-based protection is not supported initially.
- Message Center ID
- MC1326509
- Category
- stay Informed
- Severity
- normal
- Services
- Microsoft Purview
- Tags
- New feature, User impact, Admin impact
- Roadmap ID
- 561327
- Platforms
- Web
- Published
- 2026-05-29
- Last updated
- 2026-05-29
- Expires
- 2026-10-30
[What and Why]Microsoft Purview Information Protection is introducing File Labeler and File Viewer applications for macOS. These clients will bring sensitivity labeling and protected file viewing capabilities to Mac users, aligning with the experience already available on Windows.This update will help organizations consistently apply and enforce protection policies across platforms, supporting enterprise-grade security and compliance for sensitive content across devices.This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 561327.[Rollout Schedule]Public Preview: The macOS client will be made available for download on or around May 29, 2026.General Availability (Worldwide): The macOS client will be made available for download on or around September 30, 2026.[Impact on Your Organization]Who is affectedUsers on macOS who work with labeled and protected filesAdmins managing Microsoft Purview Information ProtectionPlatforms/ServicesmacOSMicrosoft Purview Information ProtectionWhat will happenThe macOS client will be made available to download via the Microsoft Purview Information Protection page.Users will be able to apply, change, and remove sensitivity labels on supported files, including Office documents, PDFs, images, text files, and other file types.Users will be able to apply labels and protection to single files, or multiple filesLabels and protection will remain applied when files are shared or moved.Users will be able to open and view protected files (including .pfile-based formats) that are not supported by their originating applications.The macOS client will provide parity with the Windows File Labeler and File Viewer, with the following exceptions:Advanced label-based protection will not be supported in this release.Need to work with files, selecting a folder will not show the option.The client will not be pre-installed and will need to be downloaded separately.Existing sensitivity labeling policies will continue to apply; no changes will be required.[Action Required/Recommendations]No immediate action is required.Admins may consider the following:Review your current sensitivity labeling policies to ensure they meet cross-platform needs.Inform macOS users about the availability of labeling and protected file viewing capabilities.Download the macOS client from the Microsoft Purview Information Protection page when it becomes available.Learn more:Learn about Advanced label-based protection for all files on devices | Microsoft Purview | Microsoft SupportLearn about sensitivity labels | Microsoft Purview | Microsoft LearnLabel and protect files in File Explorer in Windows | Microsoft SupportView protected files with Microsoft Purview Information Protection viewer | Microsoft Support[Compliance considerations]QuestionAnswerDoes the change alter how existing customer data is processed, stored, or accessed?Yes. Files can now be labeled and accessed on macOS, extending existing sensitivity labeling and protection workflows to another platform.Does the change modify Information Protection labels or encryption capabilities?Yes. Labeling capabilities are extended to macOS; however, advanced label-based protection is not supported in this release.Does the change include an admin control and can it be controlled via Entra ID groups?Yes. Existing Purview labeling policies and controls continue to govern behavior across platforms.