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How to Export SharePoint Usage Data for a Full Year

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to export SharePoint site analytics and usage data for an entire year (365 days).

Product: SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Generating long-term site usage and analytics reports for a SharePoint site to analyze historical data.
Observed behavior: Built-in SharePoint site analytics only allow exporting data for 7, 30, or 90 days, and the 'Popular content' metric is permanently restricted to the previous 7 days.

Before you start

Ensure you have the appropriate administrator permissions (such as Global Admin, SharePoint Admin, or Reports Reader) in your Microsoft 365 tenant to access long-term usage reports.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Microsoft 365 Admin Center for Extended Usage Reports

Bypass the 90-day limit of SharePoint site analytics by accessing the comprehensive usage reports available in the Microsoft 365 admin center.

While standard SharePoint site analytics restrict data exports to a maximum of 90 days, the Microsoft 365 admin center retains data for up to 180 days by default. For full-year reporting, organizations must periodically export these reports or use third-party retention integrations. Note that the 'Popular content' metric cannot natively be extended beyond the 7-day view.

Access Microsoft 365 Admin Center

Navigate to Usage Reports

In the left-hand navigation menu, select 'Reports' and then click on 'Usage'.

Select SharePoint Reports

Locate the SharePoint section or select 'SharePoint' from the product list to view site usage data.

Export the Data

Choose your desired date range (up to 180 days) and click the 'Export' button to download the historical data as a CSV file.

Popular Content Limitations: There is currently no setting available in Microsoft 365 to extend the Popular content period beyond the previous seven days. Users looking for this feature are encouraged to submit feedback through the Microsoft SharePoint feedback portal.

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Analyze Your Exported Data with WPS Office

While managing SharePoint administrative reports requires Microsoft 365, you can handle all your downloaded CSV data and daily document collaboration needs with WPS Office. It is a highly compatible, free, and lightweight alternative to Microsoft Office, featuring a familiar UI and seamless migration.

1. Download and Install: Get WPS Office for free from the official website and install it on your device.
2. Open Your Reports: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and easily open the CSV files exported from the Microsoft 365 admin center.
3. Analyze and Save: Use built-in data tools to filter and analyze your usage data, then save it securely in highly compatible formats.

Seamlessly open and analyze exported CSV usage reports with WPS Spreadsheet.Highly compatible with Microsoft Office formats, including docx, xlsx, and pptx.Lightweight design ensures fast loading and smooth multitasking on any device.Familiar user interface requires no learning curve when migrating from Microsoft Office.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I extend the Popular Content analytics period beyond 7 days in SharePoint?

No, Microsoft currently restricts Popular Content analytics to the previous seven days. There is no native setting available to extend this timeframe.

Why can't I see the Usage Reports in the Microsoft 365 admin center?

You may lack the necessary permissions. Viewing usage reports requires specific administrator roles, such as Global Administrator, SharePoint Administrator, or Reports Reader.

Does the Microsoft 365 admin center retain data for a full 365 days?

By default, Microsoft 365 usage reports show data for the last 7, 30, 90, or 180 days. For a full 365-day history, organizations must regularly export the data manually or use third-party analytics solutions.

Where can I submit a feature request to extend SharePoint analytics?

You can submit your feature requests, including requests for longer analytics retention, directly to Microsoft through the official SharePoint feedback portal.

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