microsoft purview information protection doesn't support labelling for the current file format. the file might be an old office format

Nelson Thomas 0 Reputation points
2025-04-24T06:12:51.1733333+00:00

Error Code

Trying to access a Test standard and followed the instructions and not able to still access with the above Error message

Microsoft Purview
Microsoft Purview
A Microsoft data governance service that helps manage and govern on-premises, multicloud, and software-as-a-service data. Previously known as Azure Purview.
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  1. Ganesh Gurram 6,280 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff
    2025-04-24T07:36:38.2866667+00:00

    @Nelson Thomas

    It looks like you're trying to apply Microsoft Purview Information Protection labels to a file, but you're getting the following error:

    "Microsoft Purview Information Protection doesn't support labelling for the current file format. The file might be an old Office format."

    This error usually means that the file you're working with is in an older Office format—for example, .doc, .xls, or .ppt instead of the newer formats like .docx, .xlsx, or .pptx. Microsoft Purview labels only work with modern Office file formats, and unfortunately, the older formats aren't supported for labeling.

    User's image

    Please try the following steps:

    1. Open the file in the latest version of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, or PowerPoint).
    2. Go to File > Save As.
    3. Save it in the modern format (e.g., .docx, .xlsx, or .pptx).
    4. Reopen it in the Microsoft Purview Information Protection viewer and try again.

    For more details refer: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/purview/sensitivity-labels-office-apps#office-file-types-supported

    Hope this helps. Do let us know if you have any further queries.


    If this answers your query, do click Accept Answer and Yes for was this answer helpful. And, if you have any further query do let us know.


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