Fix Cannot Release a Quarantined Message in Microsoft 365
Question details
The user is unable to release a quarantined email in Microsoft 365 because the recipient-selection control is unavailable, resulting in a Release-QuarantineMessage error.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to release a quarantined message from the Microsoft Defender portal to specific recipients.
- Observed behavior
- The recipient-selection control is missing from the portal interface, preventing the user from completing the quarantine release process.
Ensure you are logged into Microsoft 365 with an account that has Exchange Online or Microsoft Defender Administrator permissions.
Verify Permissions and Use the Latest Defender Portal
Use this solution to ensure you have the correct administrative rights and are using the updated interface to release quarantined messages.
The recipient-selection control may be hidden if your account lacks the necessary permissions or if you are viewing an outdated version of the security portal.
Log in to the Microsoft Defender portal (security.microsoft.com) using your global or security administrator credentials.
Go to Email & Collaboration on the left-hand menu, select Review, and then click on Quarantine.
Check the box next to the quarantined message you wish to release and click the 'Release' button.
In the flyout pane, check if the recipient-selection control is now visible. Select whether to release the message to all recipients or specific ones, and confirm the release.
Contact Your Reseller or Partner Support
Use this method if your Microsoft 365 subscription is managed by a third-party reseller (such as GoDaddy) and you cannot access native support or admin controls.
Release the Message via PowerShell
A technical workaround for administrators who are experiencing UI glitches in the Defender portal.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the recipient-selection control missing in the Defender portal?
This usually occurs if you do not have sufficient Exchange Online or Defender administrative permissions, or if you are using an older version of the portal interface. It can also be restricted by policies enforced by a third-party reseller.
How do I contact Microsoft directly if my link redirects to GoDaddy?
If your subscription is managed by a partner like GoDaddy, you cannot open a direct ticket with Microsoft through the standard admin center. You must contact the partner's support team, and they will escalate the issue to Microsoft on your behalf.
Can regular users release their own quarantined messages?
It depends on the organization's quarantine policies. Administrators can configure policies to allow users to release certain types of bulk or spam emails, but high-confidence phishing or malware messages generally require an administrator to release them.
