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How to Download an eDiscovery Export from Exchange Online

Adam DavisAdam Davis Oct 9, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to download an eDiscovery export from Exchange Online but is unable to proceed because the PST Export Tool fails to launch.

How to Download an eDiscovery Export from Exchange Online
Product
Microsoft Exchange Online
Device & OS
not provided
Scenario
Retrieving search exports and downloading PST files from the Exchange admin center or Microsoft Purview compliance portal.
Observed behavior
The export procedure is blocked because the eDiscovery PST Export Tool cannot be started, typically due to missing ClickOnce support or an unsupported browser configuration.
Before you start

Verify that your account is explicitly assigned the eDiscovery Manager or eDiscovery Administrator role in the Microsoft Purview compliance portal, as standard global admin rights are not sufficient to download these exports.

Solution 1Recommended

Enable ClickOnce support in Microsoft Edge

Configure Microsoft Edge to support ClickOnce applications so the eDiscovery PST Export Tool can launch successfully.

The eDiscovery PST Export Tool relies on a technology called ClickOnce. By default, this feature might be disabled or restricted by organizational policies in your browser, preventing the download tool from opening.

1
Open Edge Flags settings

Launch Microsoft Edge, type `edge://flags` into the address bar at the top of the browser, and press Enter.

2
Search for ClickOnce

In the search bar at the top of the Flags page, type 'ClickOnce' to quickly locate the specific configuration setting.

3
Enable the feature

Click the dropdown menu next to 'ClickOnce Support' and change its status from Default to Enabled.

4
Restart the browser

Click the Restart button that appears at the bottom of the screen to apply the changes, then attempt to run the export tool again.

Enable ClickOnce support in Microsoft Edge
Policy Restrictions: If the setting is grayed out or unavailable, your IT department may be managing this browser policy. You will need to contact your local system administrator to enable ClickOnce.
Free Microsoft Office alternative

Manage Exported Reports and Documents with WPS Office

While downloading PST files requires Microsoft's native Exchange tools, WPS Office is an excellent free and lightweight alternative for viewing and analyzing the CSV summary reports, spreadsheets, and standard documents included in your eDiscovery exports. Enjoy seamless format compatibility and a familiar user interface without the high subscription costs.

  1. 1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS Office website to download and install the free suite on your PC or Mac.
  2. 2. Open Exported Reports: Launch WPS Spreadsheets to easily open, format, and analyze the CSV summary reports generated alongside your eDiscovery PST files.
Highly compatible with Microsoft Office formats (DOCX, XLSX, CSV) commonly found in export reportsFree, lightweight, and fast alternative to Microsoft OfficeFamiliar user interface for seamless migration and immediate daily productivity
microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the eDiscovery PST Export Tool failing to launch?

This usually happens when your web browser lacks ClickOnce support, which is mandatory to execute the tool. Switching to Microsoft Edge and ensuring ClickOnce is enabled in the browser's settings or flags typically resolves this issue.

Do I need special permissions to download an eDiscovery export?

Yes, standard global administrator rights are not enough. Your account must be explicitly assigned the eDiscovery Manager or eDiscovery Administrator role within the Microsoft Purview compliance portal to access and download search results.

Can I use browsers other than Microsoft Edge for eDiscovery exports?

While some third-party browsers like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox can support ClickOnce via specific add-ons or extensions, Microsoft officially recommends using Microsoft Edge for downloading eDiscovery exports to guarantee full compatibility and avoid launch failures.