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How to protect Microsoft 365 Groups data using Druva
As a Druva Cloud administrator, protecting Microsoft 365 Groups data is essential for ensuring business continuity and compliance. With Druva, you can automate backups or trigger them manually whenever needed.
This guide walks through the key steps for scheduling backups, initiating on-demand backups, and understanding what is included in the Group backup process.
What to do before backing up Groups data
Before you start a backup, make sure you:
Review the support matrix and tasks supported for Microsoft 365.
Complete all configuration steps for Groups.
For help with configuration, refer to:
How to automate discovery and backups
Druva can automatically:
Discover new Microsoft 365 Groups
Back up Group data
Enforce retention policies
For help with backup automation, refer to:
How to manually back up a Microsoft 365 Group
To trigger a manual (unscheduled) backup:
Sign in to the Druva Cloud Platform Console.
Go to Microsoft 365 > Groups.
Under the Configured Groups tab, click the name of the Group you want to back up.
If the Group is not yet configured, complete the configuration first.
Click Backup Now.
Once the process completes, the Backup Status will display “Backed Up Successfully.”
📝NOTE:
The Backup Now option is disabled for Groups that are marked as disabled.
You cannot restore a Group as a mail-enabled security group.
Mail-enabled security groups and Distribution groups can only be restored as Microsoft 365 Groups.
What does a Group backup include?
When Druva backs up a Microsoft 365 Group, it captures data from multiple sub-apps:
Group Site
Group Mailbox
Calendar (as part of Mailbox)
Metadata
Planner Metadata
Each sub-app is processed sequentially, and its status is tracked individually.
Status indicators during backup:
Pending: Waiting to be backed up.
Ongoing: Currently being backed up.
Complete: Successfully backed up.
The overall Group Backup Status reflects the combined outcome:
Backed Up Successfully: All sub-apps completed successfully.
Backed Up with Errors: One or more sub-apps failed.
To troubleshoot any issues, review the detailed Activity Logs.
Frequently asked questions
Can I back up a disabled Group?
No. The Backup Now button will be disabled for any Group marked as disabled.
Can I restore a Group as a mail-enabled security group?
No. Restoring to a mail-enabled security group is not supported. You can only restore as a Microsoft 365 Group.
Is the Group Calendar backed up separately?
No. The Group Calendar is included in the Mailbox data and is not listed separately.