Microsoft Purview · Information Protection

Content Explorer Content Viewer

View actual contents of classified and labeled files for detailed classification verification.

Scope: Full Content Explorer access including file viewing

Permissions

  • All Content Explorer List Viewer permissions
  • View in-place rendering of file content
  • Read documents, emails, and files
  • Verify classification accuracy
  • Review sensitive content matches
  • Export evidence for compliance verification

Common use cases

  • Verifying auto-labeling accuracy
  • Investigating classification errors
  • Confirming sensitive content matches
  • Auditing protection effectiveness
  • Training and tuning classification models

Best practices

  • Access content only when necessary for verification
  • Document justification for each file view
  • Use for spot-checking classification accuracy
  • Coordinate with legal on content review protocols
  • Minimize scope of content review to what is needed
  • Use just-in-time access where possible

Security considerations

  • Extremely sensitive - can view all classified content
  • Must comply with privacy laws and regulations
  • All content access is logged and auditable
  • Should be limited to senior compliance staff
  • Consider using PIM for time-limited access
  • Require documented justification for each access

Official Microsoft Learn documentation →

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