New Microsoft files will be classified ‘sensitive’ by default on June 5

At 7:00 p.m. Friday, June 5, 2026, the sensitivity labels of new Microsoft 365 (M365) files (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) stored in OneDrive, SharePoint, and Teams will be set to “Sensitive” by default.

Starting on Friday, June 12, 2026, UIT will administratively change the sensitivity labels of existing unlabeled M365 files to “Sensitive” by default. It may take up to three weeks for all files to update.

Sensitivity labels, which classify and protect data by applying electronic tags to M365 files, were rolled out to the university community on April 9, 2026. Changing new and existing M365 files to “Sensitive” by default is phase two of the project.

If a user needs to downgrade a file’s classification label (set it to “Personal,” “Public,” “General,” or “Sensitive-External”), they may change the label on a per-file basis with a justification provided (example below).

Justifications include:

• Previous label no longer applies
• Previous label was incorrect
• Other (explain) — Do not enter sensitive information

A justification is not required if the security of the label is upgraded (set to “Restricted-External” or “Restricted”).

For more information, including instructions on how to change a label, please access this IT Knowledge Base article (login required).

If you have questions, your local IT support staff may be able to assist, or you may contact your respective help desk:

• Campus UIT Help Desk: 801-581-4000
• University of Utah Health ITS Service Desk: 801-587-6000