Why can't I create a retention label in Purview as the Global Admin and the Compliance Admin?

Question

Why can't I create a retention label in Purview as the Global Admin and the Compliance Admin?

Koko Clinical Quality 5

Screenshot 2025-06-09 135020

Screenshot 2025-06-09 154745

Regardless of whether I use Records Management or Data Lifecycle Management, I am unable to create a retention label.

Client Error: Object reference not set to an instance of an object.

Diagnostic information:**{Version:1.0.2129.0,Environment:WUSPROD,DeploymentId:aks-scc-prod-westus,InstanceId:akswpool0000fk,SID:02b32b5a-4bcc-4ef3-991f-ea1d76a683bb,CID:5c48d8aa-52df-4c72-8774-d9edde6bdabd}

Time:2025-06-10T01:47:38.083Z

Not sure if this matters, but my location in Azure is set to West US 2.

Krupal Bandari 770 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-06-10T05:00:52.2066667+00:00
Hi @Koko Clinical Quality
The error message "Object reference not set to an instance of an object" typically points to a missing or improperly configured element in the system. While it’s often related to backend logic, there are some known causes and practical steps you can try to resolve it:

Even as a Global Admin or Compliance Admin, creating retention labels requires a specific Purview role. Please ensure your account is assigned the Data Lifecycle Management Contributor role.

File Plan Descriptors: If you're using file plan fields like Reference ID, Department, or Regulation, try leaving them blank. These fields can trigger validation issues if not properly configured.

Browser Cache or Session Issues: Try using a different browser or open the Purview portal in private/incognito mode (Edge or Chrome recommended). Also consider clearing your cache.

Region-Specific Limitations: Since your Azure environment is in West US 2, check if the retention label feature is fully deployed in that region. Some newer regions may have delayed rollout or sync issues.

Try creating a basic retention label with:

Only a label name

A retention period (e.g., 1 year)

Skip all optional file plan fields

Use the “Retain only” action

kindly refer this:

Permissions for retention labels

File Plan Manager in Purview

I hope this helps! Please let us know how it goes.

If you found this useful, consider upvoting the comment so it can help others in the community too.
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Krupal Bandari 770 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-06-11T01:45:13.6466667+00:00

HI @Koko Clinical Quality
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.
Johnston, Michael R (Enact MI) 5 Reputation points

2025-06-11T20:02:09+00:00

I'm also receiving this error and have tried on two computers in Edge standard mode and inprivate mode. I do not see the Data Lifecycle Management Contributor role listed in Purview. I do have the Compliance Administrator role group assigned in Purview as well as the Compliance Administrator role in Entra. I'm also a global administrator. The error provides no useful information. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

2 answers

Your answer

Krupal Bandari 770 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-06-10T05:00:52.2066667+00:00

Hi @Koko Clinical Quality
The error message "Object reference not set to an instance of an object" typically points to a missing or improperly configured element in the system. While it’s often related to backend logic, there are some known causes and practical steps you can try to resolve it:

Even as a Global Admin or Compliance Admin, creating retention labels requires a specific Purview role. Please ensure your account is assigned the Data Lifecycle Management Contributor role.

File Plan Descriptors: If you're using file plan fields like Reference ID, Department, or Regulation, try leaving them blank. These fields can trigger validation issues if not properly configured.

Browser Cache or Session Issues: Try using a different browser or open the Purview portal in private/incognito mode (Edge or Chrome recommended). Also consider clearing your cache.

Region-Specific Limitations: Since your Azure environment is in West US 2, check if the retention label feature is fully deployed in that region. Some newer regions may have delayed rollout or sync issues.

Try creating a basic retention label with:

Only a label name

A retention period (e.g., 1 year)

Skip all optional file plan fields

Use the “Retain only” action

kindly refer this:

Permissions for retention labels

File Plan Manager in Purview

I hope this helps! Please let us know how it goes.

If you found this useful, consider upvoting the comment so it can help others in the community too.
Deleted

This comment has been deleted due to a violation of our Code of Conduct. The comment was manually reported or identified through automated detection before action was taken. Please refer to our Code of Conduct for more information.
Krupal Bandari 770 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-06-11T01:45:13.6466667+00:00

HI @Koko Clinical Quality
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.
Johnston, Michael R (Enact MI) 5 Reputation points

2025-06-11T20:02:09+00:00

I'm also receiving this error and have tried on two computers in Edge standard mode and inprivate mode. I do not see the Data Lifecycle Management Contributor role listed in Purview. I do have the Compliance Administrator role group assigned in Purview as well as the Compliance Administrator role in Entra. I'm also a global administrator. The error provides no useful information. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

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Answer 2

Johnston, Michael R (Enact MI) 5

I found a solution. Use PowerShell to connect to Security and Compliance Powershell. Once signed in, run this command:

Enable-ComplianceTagStorage

Once completed, you should be able to create retention labels without the error. Microsoft needs to make this requirement much more clear in their documentation on Data Lifecycle Management.

Smaran Thoomu 24,260 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-06-12T04:38:22.15+00:00

Hi @Koko Clinical Quality

Have you tried the above solution? Please let us know if it still doesn't work, and we will check what went wrong. We have also received your feedback and are checking on it. We need your confirmation on the above solution.
Krupal Bandari 770 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-06-13T03:50:41.3433333+00:00

Hi Koko Clinical Quality
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.

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Why can't I create a retention label in Purview as the Global Admin and the Compliance Admin?

2 answers

Your answer