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How to Fix Microsoft 365 eDiscovery Export Download Errors

Maira Mehtab Sep 20, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users encounter a 'Couldn't Download: Download error' when attempting to export large eDiscovery files in Microsoft 365, often when saving to network drives or cloud storage.

Product: Microsoft 365
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Exporting large eDiscovery results, such as PST files, from the Microsoft Purview compliance portal.
Observed behavior: The export fails with a 'Couldn’t Download: Download error' message, preventing the user from retrieving their eDiscovery data.

Before you start

Ensure you have a stable network connection and sufficient storage space on your local computer's hard drive before attempting another large export download.

Solution 1Recommended

Save to a Local Drive and Check Security Settings

Bypassing network drives and temporarily adjusting security software can prevent network timeouts and blockages during the download.

Saving directly to cloud storage (like OneDrive or SharePoint) or a mapped network drive often causes interruptions for large files.

Select a local destination

When prompted for a save location by the eDiscovery Export Tool, choose a local folder on your computer's C: drive instead of a network path.

Verify firewall settings

Check whether your local firewall, antivirus, or enterprise network security software is actively blocking the eDiscovery download traffic.

Solution 2

Reinstall the eDiscovery Export Tool in Microsoft Edge

Using the recommended browser and a fresh installation of the export tool can resolve underlying browser-related compatibility issues.

Solution 3

Optimize Export Size and Search Criteria

Reducing the amount of data exported at once helps prevent the eDiscovery tool from timing out on massive files.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my eDiscovery export fail when saving to OneDrive?

Saving directly to OneDrive, SharePoint, or a mapped network drive can cause synchronization delays or network timeouts during large data transfers, leading to the 'Couldn't Download' error. It is strongly recommended to save large eDiscovery exports directly to a local drive.

What is the maximum recommended size for an eDiscovery PST export?

To minimize the risk of download errors, timeouts, and file corruption, it is best practice to keep your PST export files under 10 GB. You can achieve this by narrowing your search criteria or splitting exports by date ranges.

What should I do if the eDiscovery download error persists after trying these solutions?

If optimizing the export size and using a local drive does not resolve the issue, you should ask your Microsoft 365 Global Administrator to open an official Microsoft Support request for further investigation into your tenant's configuration.

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