Metadata at Jan 8, 2026
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MC1215074 - SharePoint Embedded apps can now archive containers to reduce storage costs and improve Copilot results
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What changed since this version
Updated February 4, 2026: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
Introduction
Non-Microsoft SharePoint Embedded applications now support container archival. This feature helps organizations reduce storage costs by up to 75% by moving large or inactive content to low-cost storage tiers. It also improves Copilot search relevance by prioritizing active content and reducing noise from outdated data.
When this will happen:
- Public Preview: Rollout will begin in early February 2026 and is expected to complete by mid-March 2026 (previously late
February 2026.February).
How this affects your organization:
Who is affected: Admins managing SharePoint Embedded applications and developers integrating with SharePoint Embedded APIs.
What will happen:
- New Graph APIs will be available to archive and unarchive containers, enabling integration with your application workflows.
- SharePoint Admin Center will include options to archive and reactivate containers alongside existing container management capabilities.
- Archival support is OFF by default. To enable this functionality, you must opt in using a PowerShell cmdlet.
What you can do to prepare:
- Enable archival support by running the appropriate PowerShell cmdlet:
- For a new container type: Use
New-SPOContainerTypewith the parameter-IsArchiveEnabled. Learn more: New-SPOContainerType (Microsoft.Online.SharePoint.PowerShell) | Microsoft Learn. - For an existing container type: Use
Set-SPOContainerTypewith the parameter-IsArchiveEnabled. Learn more: Set-SPOContainerType (Microsoft.Online.SharePoint.PowerShell) | Microsoft Learn.
- For a new container type: Use
- Update your application to handle archived container status and display appropriate messaging to end users.
- Optionally, expose archival and reactivation options in your application interface.
- Review documentation for Graph API integration and PowerShell cmdlet usage.
Compliance considerations:
No compliance considerations identified, review as appropriate for your organization.
Snapshot from Jan 8, 2026
Introduction
Non-Microsoft SharePoint Embedded applications now support container archival. This feature helps organizations reduce storage costs by up to 75% by moving large or inactive content to low-cost storage tiers. It also improves Copilot search relevance by prioritizing active content and reducing noise from outdated data.
When this will happen:
- Public Preview: Rollout will begin in early February 2026 and is expected to complete by late February 2026.
How this affects your organization:
Who is affected: Admins managing SharePoint Embedded applications and developers integrating with SharePoint Embedded APIs.
What will happen:
- New Graph APIs will be available to archive and unarchive containers, enabling integration with your application workflows.
- SharePoint Admin Center will include options to archive and reactivate containers alongside existing container management capabilities.
- Archival support is OFF by default. To enable this functionality, you must opt in using a PowerShell cmdlet.
What you can do to prepare:
- Enable archival support by running the appropriate PowerShell cmdlet:
- For a new container type: Use
New-SPOContainerTypewith the parameter-IsArchiveEnabled. Learn more: New-SPOContainerType (Microsoft.Online.SharePoint.PowerShell) | Microsoft Learn. - For an existing container type: Use
Set-SPOContainerTypewith the parameter-IsArchiveEnabled. Learn more: Set-SPOContainerType (Microsoft.Online.SharePoint.PowerShell) | Microsoft Learn.
- For a new container type: Use
- Update your application to handle archived container status and display appropriate messaging to end users.
- Optionally, expose archival and reactivation options in your application interface.
- Review documentation for Graph API integration and PowerShell cmdlet usage.
Compliance considerations:
No compliance considerations identified, review as appropriate for your organization.