Microsoft is introducing a new soft purge action in Data Security Investigations (DSI), giving admins a quick and safe way to remove sensitive or overshared files during an investigation. With soft purge, items can be deleted immediately but still recovered later as long as they’re within their deleted‑item retention period, so admins get speed without risking permanent data loss.
This builds on DSI’s growing set of AI‑powered tools like intelligent categorization, AI search, and automated risk insights making it easier than ever for organizations to spot issues and take action fast.
New update coming to Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 558109. A soft purge action will soon be available in Data Security Investigations (DSI), giving admins a safer and more flexible way to remove sensitive or overshared content during an investigation.
When it’s rolling out
- General Availability (Worldwide): Begins early April 2026
- Expected completion: late May 2026
What this means for your organization
Who is affected?
Admins who use Data Security Investigations (DSI) in the Microsoft Purview compliance portal.
What’s changing
A new soft purge option will appear in DSI. With this action, admins can:
- Remove items that match an investigation query
- Keep those items recoverable until the retention period expires
- Act quickly without risking accidental permanent deletion
And the best part:
- The feature is on by default
- No configuration needed
- No changes to existing DLP, labeling, or retention policies
- End users will not see any changes in their workflows
Once the rollout finishes, the feature simply appears for eligible tenants.
How to prepare
There is nothing you need to do in advance.
If you want to get ahead, you may consider:
- Reviewing how soft purge works in DSI
- Updating any internal guidance on investigation processes
- Informing your security or compliance teams about the new action
Overall, this update gives organizations a safer and more controlled way to remove sensitive content during investigations—without adding extra steps or complexity.
