Microsoft Viva Insights: CSV export format updated to standard quoting

Microsoft Viva Insights will update CSV exports to enclose all text and date fields in double quotes, aligning with standard CSV format (RFC 4180). This change, effective late June 2026, improves compatibility without altering data values. Users should review workflows and update scripts accordingly; no action is required.

[What and Why:]

We're updating the export format for data files generated from Microsoft Viva Insights (Copilot Analytics) via the Copilot & Agent Dashboard. This change aligns exports with standard CSV conventions (RFC 4180) by enclosing all text and date fields in double quotes.

This improves reliability and consistency across Excel, automation workflows, and custom data processing tools. The data itself is not changing—only how values are formatted in the file.

[Rollout Schedule:]

• General availability (Worldwide): Rollout begins late June 2026; expected to complete by late June 2026.
• Applies to all new exports generated after rollout; previously downloaded files are not affected.

[Impact on Your Organization:]

Who is affected:

• Admins and users exporting data from Microsoft Viva Insights (Copilot Analytics)
• Teams using CSV exports for reporting, automation, or integrations

Platforms/Services:

• Microsoft Viva Insights
• Copilot Analytics (Copilot & Agent Dashboard)
• Excel and custom tools consuming CSV exports

What will happen:

• All text and date values will be enclosed in double quotes.
• Numeric values (metrics) remain unquoted.
• No change to underlying data values.
• Example format change:
  • Previous: 2026-06-08,Product,1093f775-d213,789
  • New: "2026-06-08","Product","1093f775-d213",789
• Files exported before rollout remain unchanged.
• Change is enabled by default for all tenants.
• The export format cannot be reverted to the previous version.
• Values containing commas, quotes, or line breaks will be correctly enclosed and preserved.

[Action Required/Recommendations:]

• No action required, but review workflows that depend on export formatting.
• In Excel, quoted values are handled automatically; if date columns appear as text, apply date formatting.
• Update any custom scripts or tools that split values based only on commas.
• Use a standards-compliant CSV parser (RFC 4180) to correctly handle quoted values.
• Standard CSV parsers will return the same values regardless of quoting.
• Update validation, comparison, or checksum processes to account for formatting changes.
• Communicate this change to data analysts, developers maintaining scripts, and helpdesk teams.

[Compliance considerations:]

No compliance considerations identified, review as appropriate for your organization.