Delete Azure Blob with Immutable Storage

Question

I no longer need our immutable data but can't delete it for over a month from now. Is there a way to request to bypass that and delete the storage to save us money?

Answer 1

Hello Tim Georghiou,

Thank you for posting your question in the Microsoft Q&A forum. 

Azure Blob Storage’s immutability policies (legal holds or time-based retention) are designed to prevent deletion or modification until the retention period expires. However, if you need to delete immutable data early to reduce costs, here are your options: 

• Disable Immutability Policies (If Possible) 
  • For time-based retention: Check if the lock period has already expired. If not, you must wait unless you have privileged access. 
  • For legal holds: You must remove the hold first via: 

        
            
        az storage container legal-hold clear --account-name <storage-account> --container-name                  <container> --tags <tag1> <tag2>  
        ```- **Alternative Cost-Saving Measures** 
    
    

  • If deletion isn’t possible, consider downgrading storage tier (e.g., from Hot to Cool/Archive) to reduce costs until the lock expires. 

Reference Microsoft documentation: 

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/storage/blobs/immutable-policy-configure-version-scope?tabs=azure-portal 

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-portal/supportability/how-to-create-azure-support-request

If the above answer helped, please do not forget to "Accept Answer" as this may help other community members to refer the info if facing a similar issue. Your contribution to the Microsoft Q&A community is highly appreciated.