MC1164381 - OneDrive: Simplified file transfer for departing employees

Updated May 11, 2026: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.

Introduction

We’re introducing enhancements to OneDrive that simplify the process of managing files when employees leave your organization. These updates improve visibility, streamline bulk transfers, and help ensure important content remains accessible and shared appropriately.

This feature is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 493946.

When this will happen

General Availability (Worldwide, GCC, GCCH, DoD): We will begin rolling out in mid-October 2025 and expect to complete by end of May 2026 (previously early May).

How this affects your organization

Managing OneDrive content for departing employees is now more efficient. Key improvements include:

• Redesigned notifications: Account cleanup emails are now more prominent, reducing the chance of being overlooked.
• Improved filtering: New filters help managers quickly locate shared or important files.
• Bulk file transfer with preserved sharing: The “Move and keep sharing” feature allows multiple files to be transferred while retaining existing sharing permissions.
• Consolidated alerts: When six or more files are moved, collaborators receive a single streamlined notification.

These updates help ensure a smooth handover and reduce the risk of losing critical files.

When a user account is deleted, OneDrive access is automatically granted to the manager or designated secondary owner. The recipient receives an email notification with access details and information about the OneDrive retention period. Seven days before the retention period ends, a second reminder email is sent, stating that the OneDrive will be permanently deleted in seven days.

Steps to transfer files:

1. From the email, click View files to access the departing user’s OneDrive.
   
2. Use the Shared filter to view only shared files, or All to see everything.
3. Select files using the checkbox in the table header.
   
4. Click Move to, choose a destination, and check Keep sharing with the same people.



5. Click Move to again to complete the transfer.

Collaborators will receive a single notification once the move is complete:

What you can do to prepare

No admin action is required before rollout. You may want to:

• Inform managers and secondary owners about the new experience.
• Update internal documentation to reflect the new transfer process.
• Watch this guided walkthrough: Simplified file transfer for departing employees

Learn more: OneDrive retention and deletion - SharePoint in Microsoft 365 | Microsoft Learn

Compliance considerations

No compliance considerations identified, review as appropriate for your organization.