Microsoft Purview is Making Sensitivity Labels Management Simpler with Label Groups
Microsoft is rolling out a change to Microsoft Purview that will make managing sensitivity labels much more intuitive. The introduction of Label Groups replaces the current parent label structure, aiming to resolve some of the confusion around label organization and application. While I don’t have access to this feature yet and haven’t seen it in action, this is how I think it will work—or rather, how I hope it will work. I plan to make a follow-up post once it’s released to explore its impact in greater detail, particularly regarding existing parent labels.
What’s Changing?
Currently, sensitivity labels are structured with parent labels and sub-labels. However, parent labels aren’t selectable when sub-labels exist, which can be confusing. The new system eliminates this issue by introducing Label Groups—organizational containers that categorize labels without requiring additional configuration.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Label Groups act as simple organizational units for labels. They do not have settings or configurations associated with them.
- Labels continue to be what users apply to content. Labels can either belong to a group or stand alone, providing flexibility in structuring sensitivity labels.
Key Benefits of Label Groups
This update is expected to bring several improvements:
- Easier Management: Admins no longer need to configure non-applicable parent labels, simplifying the setup process.
- Better Usability: End users will see a clearer, more structured labeling interface, reducing confusion.
- More Flexibility: Labels can be grouped for better organization or remain independent, allowing businesses to adapt the structure to their needs.
When Will This Happen?
While there’s no official release date yet, this feature is listed in the Microsoft 365 Roadmap. Microsoft has not provided an estimated timeframe, so organizations should stay tuned for updates and consider how they might want to restructure their labels in anticipation of this change.
How to Prepare
To ensure a smooth transition:
- Review Your Labels – Assess your current labeling structure and identify areas where grouping might help improve organization.
- Train Your Team – Make sure administrators understand how labels will be grouped moving forward.
- Update Documentation – Adjust internal guidelines and policies to reflect these upcoming changes.
This change should make sensitivity label management in Microsoft Purview more streamlined and intuitive. However, as mentioned earlier, the full impact on existing parent labels remains uncertain. I’ll be keeping an eye on this rollout and will share a detailed follow-up post once the feature is officially available. Stay tuned!