Are New In-Place Holds Still Available in Exchange Online?
Question details
Users need to know if they can still create new In-Place Holds for query-based retention in Exchange Online.
- Product
- Exchange Online
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Administrators attempting to create new query-based retention holds for compliance requirements.
- Observed behavior
- Administrators are unable to create new In-Place Holds in Exchange Online, despite older documentation referencing the feature.
Verify whether your organization is running Exchange Online or an on-premises Exchange Server, as feature availability differs between the two environments.
Use Microsoft Purview eDiscovery for New Holds
Since new In-Place Holds are retired in Exchange Online, you must use Microsoft Purview eDiscovery to create new query-based holds.
Microsoft has retired the creation of new In-Place Holds in Exchange Online. To meet compliance and query-based retention requirements, administrators must transition to using eDiscovery holds.
Log in to the Microsoft Purview compliance portal using your administrator credentials.
In the left navigation pane, select 'eDiscovery' and choose the appropriate case type (Standard or Premium).
Create a new eDiscovery case or open an existing case where you need to apply the hold.
Navigate to the 'Holds' tab within the case, click 'Create', and follow the wizard to specify the locations and query parameters for your new hold.
Manage Existing In-Place Holds
Existing In-Place Holds in Exchange Online are preserved and continue to function, although you cannot create new ones.
Create Holds in Exchange Server On-Premises
If you are using Exchange Server on-premises, you can still create new In-Place Holds.
Manage Your Compliance Reports Easily with WPS Office
While you manage complex retention policies and eDiscovery configurations in Exchange Online, you can use WPS Office as a free, lightweight alternative to seamlessly handle all your exported compliance reports, legal documents, and spreadsheets.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
- 2. Install and Launch: Follow the simple installation wizard. Once completed, open WPS Office to access Writer, Spreadsheet, and Presentation.
- 3. Open Exported Reports: Use WPS Spreadsheet to seamlessly open and analyze CSV reports exported from your Microsoft Purview eDiscovery searches.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to my existing In-Place Holds in Exchange Online?
Your existing In-Place Holds are preserved and will continue to be maintained. They remain fully functional, but you are restricted from creating new ones.
Can I still create In-Place Holds if I use Exchange Server on-premises?
Yes, the retirement only applies to Exchange Online. If you are operating an on-premises Exchange Server environment, the feature remains available for creating new holds.
Why does Microsoft documentation still mention In-Place Holds?
Some official documentation may still reference In-Place Holds because the feature is still active for on-premises deployments and for managing pre-existing holds in Exchange Online.
What is the recommended alternative to In-Place Holds in Exchange Online?
Microsoft recommends using Microsoft Purview eDiscovery holds for any new query-based retention requirements, as it provides an updated and more comprehensive compliance framework.
