Azure OpenAI Responses API - conversation storage

Question

Azure OpenAI Responses API - conversation storage

Akundy, Vyas 120

Hi Team,

Regarding the suggestions here https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/ai-foundry/openai/api-version-lifecycle?tabs=python#api-evolution around moving towards the Responses AI and also the documentation around it I see that it is able to maintain the conversation state by just providing the "previous_response_id" as a parameter to the client.responses.create() call.

My question is where are these conversations being stored since we are no longer maintaining it on our side? Can we get access to where they are being stored if they are being help in any Azure Blob storage? OpenAI does mention in their documentation that they retain it for 30 days. Since we use the Azure OpenAI endpoint I wanted to know where the conversations are being stored inside Azure since we are only using an ID to track it.

Anshika Varshney 15,535 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-10-16T22:08:47.4833333+00:00

Hi Akundy, Vyas,

Welcome to microsoft q&a, and thanks for posting your question.

It looks like you are trying to understand where conversation data is stored when using the azure openai responses api, especially since conversations are linked through the previous_response_id parameter.

when using azure openai, all conversation data is handled securely within azure’s infrastructure. while the documentation confirms that data may be retained for up to 30 days for monitoring and abuse detection, it doesn’t specify the exact storage location (for example, whether it’s in azure blob storage or another internal system) this information isn’t publicly detailed for security and compliance reasons.

Reference: data handling and compliance standards

if you can share whether your goal is data retrieval, compliance documentation, or understanding the technical storage flow, then it will helpful.

Hope this clears things up!
Akundy, Vyas 120 Reputation points

2025-10-17T16:16:11.8733333+00:00

My goal is for our own internal compliance documentation to discuss with our architecture team and to also understand the storage flow since as an solution architect it would be good to know where it is being stored.
Anshika Varshney 15,535 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-10-21T12:31:01.0733333+00:00

Hi Akundy, Vyas,Did you get any chance to review the above response. Thank you!
Anshika Varshney 15,535 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-10-22T19:08:51.93+00:00

Hi Akundy, Vyas,

We haven’t heard from you on the last response and was just checking back to see if you have a resolution yet. In case if you have any resolution please do share that same with the community as it can be helpful to others. Otherwise, will respond with more details and we will try to help.
Akundy, Vyas 120 Reputation points

2025-10-22T19:10:51.9066667+00:00

Hi I think I am good with the explanation provided

Answer accepted by question author

0 additional answers

Your answer

Anshika Varshney 15,535 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-10-16T22:08:47.4833333+00:00

Hi Akundy, Vyas,

Welcome to microsoft q&a, and thanks for posting your question.

It looks like you are trying to understand where conversation data is stored when using the azure openai responses api, especially since conversations are linked through the previous_response_id parameter.

when using azure openai, all conversation data is handled securely within azure’s infrastructure. while the documentation confirms that data may be retained for up to 30 days for monitoring and abuse detection, it doesn’t specify the exact storage location (for example, whether it’s in azure blob storage or another internal system) this information isn’t publicly detailed for security and compliance reasons.

Reference: data handling and compliance standards

if you can share whether your goal is data retrieval, compliance documentation, or understanding the technical storage flow, then it will helpful.

Hope this clears things up!
Akundy, Vyas 120 Reputation points

2025-10-17T16:16:11.8733333+00:00

My goal is for our own internal compliance documentation to discuss with our architecture team and to also understand the storage flow since as an solution architect it would be good to know where it is being stored.
Anshika Varshney 15,535 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-10-21T12:31:01.0733333+00:00

Hi Akundy, Vyas,Did you get any chance to review the above response. Thank you!
Anshika Varshney 15,535 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-10-22T19:08:51.93+00:00

Hi Akundy, Vyas,

We haven’t heard from you on the last response and was just checking back to see if you have a resolution yet. In case if you have any resolution please do share that same with the community as it can be helpful to others. Otherwise, will respond with more details and we will try to help.
Akundy, Vyas 120 Reputation points

2025-10-22T19:10:51.9066667+00:00

Hi I think I am good with the explanation provided

Answer 1

As a Solution Architect, understanding the storage flow is crucial for aligning with internal compliance documentation and architectural standards.

When utilizing the Azure OpenAI Responses API, all conversation data, including user inputs, model outputs, and intermediate tool results, is temporarily stored within Azure's infrastructure to maintain conversational context. This data is retained for up to 30 days by default, primarily for monitoring and abuse detection purposes. Microsoft Learn

Key Points:

Data Retention: By default, response data is retained for 30 days. You can delete specific responses using the response.delete("{response_id}") method. Microsoft Learn

Data Storage Location: The exact storage location (e.g., Azure Blob Storage or another internal system) is not publicly detailed for security and compliance reasons.

Compliance and Security: Azure adheres to strict compliance and security standards, ensuring that data is handled responsibly. Microsoft Learn

Troubleshooting and Further Information:

For more detailed information on data handling, privacy, and security within Azure OpenAI, you can refer to the following resources:

Data, privacy, and security for Azure OpenAI Service

Azure OpenAI Responses API Documentation

If you require assistance in replicating this issue or need further clarification, please provide more details about your specific use case, and I'll be glad to assist you further.

Anshika Varshney 15,535 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-10-22T19:46:33.7566667+00:00

Hi Akundy, Vyas,

You're very welcome! I'm glad the information was helpful. If you need any further assistance or run into any issues during the cleanup, please don’t hesitate to reach out I’ll be happy to help.

Since I’ve converted comment into an answer, could you please take a moment to mark it as Accepted? This helps others in the community with the same question find the solution more easily.

Thank you!