Retention

Retention defines how long files, folders, and versions are kept on Files.com, how deleted content is handled, and how organizations protect critical files for compliance, audits, or recovery.

Files are often updated, replaced, or deleted during normal workflows, and important files can be lost in the process. Retention controls also protect against ransomware, malicious deletions, and large-scale accidental removals. Keeping prior versions or preserving deleted content for a defined period gives organizations a way to recover and maintain reliable access to essential files.

Site Administrators can choose from multiple retention options depending on their business, operational, or compliance needs.

File Expiration automatically deletes files from a folder after a set number of days, which manages storage and enforces lifecycle policies.

Archive Removed Files preserves files that are deleted or overwritten by moving them into an archive path. This provides a complete version history and protection against permanent data loss without affecting the user's workflow.

Retaining Deleted Files keeps backup copies of deleted files for a configurable number of days. During this period, Site Administrators can restore deleted content.

Archive Only Mode locks an entire site into a permanent archive state. Files can be created and read but never updated, renamed, or deleted. Once enabled, this mode cannot be turned off and is typically used for strict compliance requirements.