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How to Enable Auto-Expanding Archives Without PowerShell in Microsoft 365

Maira Mehtab Sep 21, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to enable the auto-expanding archive feature for specific users in Microsoft 365 but prefers an easier administrative method instead of using PowerShell.

Product: Microsoft 365
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Managing mailbox archiving settings for specific users in a Microsoft 365 tenant.
Observed behavior: Microsoft documentation primarily offers PowerShell commands to enable auto-expanding archives for specific users, leaving users who are uncomfortable with command-line interfaces looking for a graphical user interface (GUI) or alternative workaround.

Before you start

Verify that you have global admin or support admin privileges in your Microsoft 365 tenant, as creating service requests for administrative changes requires adequate permissions.

Solution 1Recommended

Submit a Service Request via Microsoft 365 Admin Center

Since there is no standard user-interface option to enable this feature for specific users, you can request Microsoft Support to perform the configuration on your behalf.

Currently, Microsoft 365 does not offer a direct toggle in the admin portal to enable auto-expanding archives for individual users. PowerShell is the required method per official documentation. However, administrators can bypass PowerShell by opening a service request directly with Microsoft Support to have the backend team enable it.

Log in to the Admin Center

Navigate to https://admin.microsoft.com and sign in using your Microsoft 365 administrative credentials.

Open Help and Support

Click on the 'Help & support' option located in the bottom right corner of the screen or within the left-hand navigation menu.

Describe the Issue

In the search bar, briefly describe your issue (e.g., 'Enable auto-expanding archive for specific users without PowerShell') and press Enter.

Contact Support

Select the 'Contact Support' button from the provided search results to initiate a new service ticket.

Submit Your Details

Provide your contact details, select your preferred contact method (phone or email), specify the user accounts that need the feature enabled, and submit the request.

Admin requirement: Only users with appropriate admin roles can create service requests. If you cannot see the Help & support button, you may not have the required permissions.

Solution 2

Escalate to Your IT Administrator

If you do not have administrative access to the Microsoft 365 Admin Center, you will need to request your internal IT team to handle the configuration.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I enable auto-expanding archives in the Exchange admin center (EAC) UI?

No, Microsoft currently does not provide a standard UI toggle in the Exchange admin center to enable auto-expanding archiving for specific individual users. It must be done via PowerShell or by contacting Microsoft Support.

How long does it take for the auto-expanding archive to provision?

Once enabled (either via PowerShell or by Microsoft Support), it can take up to 30 days for the additional storage space to be fully provisioned and ready for use in the mailbox.

Is auto-expanding archiving available for all Microsoft 365 plans?

Auto-expanding archiving requires specific licensing, such as Exchange Online Plan 2 or an Exchange Online Archiving add-on. Ensure your tenant has the appropriate licenses assigned to the user before attempting to enable the feature.

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