Note
Access to this page requires authorization. You can try signing in or changing directories.
Access to this page requires authorization. You can try changing directories.
Microsoft’s commitment to data portability
Microsoft supports customer choice, including enabling customers using connected products (such as Windows) and Online Services (identified in Product Offerings under Product Terms) to access and export their data into their possession and control at any time. Microsoft provides tools to enable secure data export and effective deletion. This documentation provides details about how customers can export their data and identifies resources and further information.
What data can I export?
You can export your data that Microsoft holds. This data includes files such as text, sound, image, and video files, unstructured data, database content, or other data constructs like virtual hard drives. This Customer Data is defined in the Product Terms Glossary.
The data you export might also be personal data. Learn more about personal data and GDPR on the Microsoft Trust Center.
Certain data isn't considered Customer Data and isn't exportable. This data includes information used to configure resources in connected products or the Online Services, such as technical settings and resource names. It also includes Microsoft proprietary data protected as trade secrets or by intellectual property rights.
To help maintain the security, integrity, and resiliency of Microsoft services and protect Customer Data, certain types of information aren't eligible for export. This restriction includes data related to the design or operation of Microsoft’s public cloud infrastructure, particularly where such information relates to cybersecurity practices or detection capabilities. These limitations support a secure and trusted environment for all Microsoft customers.
How can data be exported?
You can export your data from connected products and Online Services in commonly used machine-readable formats by using secure APIs, PowerShell scripts, and browser portal functionality. These export methods support switching (terminating a Microsoft service subscription to switch to other providers) or in-parallel use (using services of other cloud providers in a multicloud approach).
Microsoft offers a range of tools, support, and documentation to help you export data from connected products and our cloud platforms, whether to access your data, switch to a different provider, or implement a multicloud strategy. You have full control of initiating and managing your own data exports. Documentation is available on Microsoft Learn.
Depending on the product or service, one or more export options are available:
Product-specific documentation on Microsoft Learn
Step-by-step guidance, including instructions, relevant PowerShell commands, and automation scripts, is available on Microsoft Learn.
To find export and API documentation for your product:
How to Find Export or API Documentation on Microsoft Learn:
- Go to Microsoft Learn.
- Use the search bar to enter a product name (for example, Azure Storage, Microsoft Purview) and press Enter.
- From the search results, select the official documentation link for your product.
- From the product’s page:
- For API documentation, look for links labeled Reference, REST API, or API Reference.
- For PowerShell, check the Reference or How-to guides sections for relevant cmdlets.
eDiscovery search is available in Microsoft Purview.
For certain services, the Microsoft Graph APIs enable customers to export Customer Data.
Some Microsoft Online Services also offer built-in export functionalities and data export tools to help you retrieve your Customer Data at any time. (for example, Azure SQL).