Microsoft SharePoint Online: Retirement of Restricted SharePoint Search

Restricted SharePoint Search (RSS) in SharePoint Online will retire by January 31, 2027, with new enablement blocked from July 31, 2026. Organizations must transition to Restricted Content Discovery (RCD) or other controls to manage content discoverability, as Microsoft won’t migrate RSS settings automatically.

[What and Why]

Restricted SharePoint Search (RSS) is being retired in Microsoft SharePoint Online. RSS was used to limit how SharePoint content appears in Microsoft Search and Microsoft 365 Copilot during permissions and governance reviews.

Microsoft 365 now provides more granular and scalable controls. Restricted Content Discovery (RCD) offers improved security and governance and supports Microsoft 365 Copilot scenarios. Microsoft recommends transitioning to RCD or other appropriate controls to manage content discoverability. This change simplifies content discovery management and aligns with current controls.

[Retirement Schedule]

• July 31, 2026: New RSS enablement will be blocked.
• July 2026 – January 2027: Retirement period.
• January 31, 2027: RSS will be fully retired (no extensions or exceptions).
• February 28, 2027: RSS PowerShell cmdlets will be retired.

[Impact on Your Organization]

Who is affected

• Organizations currently using Restricted SharePoint Search (RSS) in Worldwide, GCC, GCC High and DoD
• SharePoint and Microsoft 365 administrators managing search visibility and governance

Platforms/Services

• SharePoint Online
• Microsoft Search
• Microsoft 365 Copilot

What will happen

• New RSS enablement will be blocked after July 31, 2026.
• RSS will stop functioning after January 31, 2027 (no extensions).
• RSS PowerShell cmdlets will stop working after February 28, 2027.
• Microsoft will not automatically migrate RSS configurations to Restricted Content Discovery (RCD).
• Administrators must transition to RCD or other governance controls to manage content discoverability.
• If no action is taken, restricted content may become discoverable after RSS retirement.

[Action Required/Recommendations]

If you are not using RSS, no action is required.

If your organization uses RSS:

• Check if RSS is enabled in your tenant.
  • Get the current mode of Restricted Search
• Identify sites configured with RSS and review allowed site lists.
  • Get the existing list of URLs in the allowed list
• Plan transition to Restricted Content Discovery (RCD) or other governance controls.
• Optionally disable RSS ahead of retirement if no longer needed.
  • Enable or disable Restricted Search
• Apply RCD where needed and validate behavior.
• Disable RSS after migration is complete.
• Update internal documentation and notify admin/support teams.

Learn more:

• Restrict discovery of SharePoint sites and content | SharePoint in Microsoft 365 | SharePoint | Microsoft Learn
• Use PowerShell Scripts for Restricted SharePoint Search | SharePoint in Microsoft 365 | SharePoint | Microsoft Learn

[Compliance considerations]

No compliance considerations have been identified. Review as appropriate for your organization.