SharePoint Document Issues

How to Manage Microsoft 365 Archive for SharePoint Files and Reactivation

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

Administrators need to understand what data is preserved when reactivating a SharePoint document library from Microsoft 365 Archive and how to handle manually moved files.

Product: Microsoft 365 SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Managing archived SharePoint sites and planning for data recovery during site reactivation.
Observed behavior: Administrators require clarity on whether site permissions and metadata are retained after reactivation, and what automated or manual steps are needed to restore missing files.

Before you start

Ensure you have the necessary administrator privileges in the Microsoft 365 Admin Center and access to the SharePoint Online Management Shell if bulk file restoration is anticipated.

Solution 1Recommended

Understanding SharePoint Site Reactivation Data Preservation

Learn which SharePoint elements are automatically restored by Microsoft 365 Archive during reactivation.

When an administrator reactivates an archived SharePoint site, Microsoft 365 Archive automatically preserves most of the site's original structure and contents. This seamless recovery ensures that teams can resume work without losing vital configurations.

However, please note that any content deleted while the site was archived, or files permanently removed by active retention policies, will not be recovered during this process.

Verify automatic preservation

Once the site is reactivated, check that site permissions, lists, pages, files, folder structures, policies, and metadata are intact.

Review retention policies

Check your Microsoft 365 compliance center to see if any retention policies purged files during the archive period, as these will not be restored.

Solution 2

Restoring Manually Moved SharePoint Files

Steps to recover files that were manually transferred out of the SharePoint site before or during the archiving process.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Looking for a Lightweight Office Alternative for Your Documents?

While Microsoft 365 handles large-scale SharePoint archiving, everyday document management shouldn't be complicated. WPS Office provides a completely free, lightweight, and user-friendly alternative for viewing, editing, and sharing your local and downloaded cloud files. Enjoy a familiar interface and seamless migration without the heavy subscription costs.

1. Download the software: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installer for your operating system.
2. Install and launch: Run the installer, complete the setup process, and open the WPS Office application.
3. Open your files: Drag and drop your restored SharePoint documents directly into WPS Office to start editing immediately.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats including DOCX, XLSX, and PPTX.Free and lightweight suite perfect for processing downloaded SharePoint documents.Familiar user interface ensuring a zero-learning-curve migration experience.Easily save and manage your restored files locally or across cloud platforms.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Microsoft 365 Archive preserve site permissions when reactivated?

Yes, Microsoft 365 Archive fully preserves site permissions, along with lists, pages, file metadata, folder structures, and policies upon reactivation.

Why are some files missing after my SharePoint site was reactivated?

Files may be missing if they were deleted while the site was archived, removed by active retention policies, or manually moved to another location prior to reactivation.

Can Microsoft 365 Archive automatically restore files I moved elsewhere?

No. Files that are manually moved elsewhere are not restored automatically. You must manually upload them back to the site or use PowerShell to transfer them in bulk.

Where can I find support for SharePoint bulk transfer PowerShell scripts?

For detailed guidance on PowerShell scripts and bulk file management, administrators should consult the OneDrive Management section on Microsoft Q&A.

Document & File Issues