Required permissions settings to access items in Content Explorer

Nancy Daniel 20 Reputation points
2026-08-20T11:45:47.4566667+00:00

Hello Team,

I would like your guirdance in setting-up the required permissions in Purview (for myself) to access the items in Content Explorer (Classic). At present, when I try to access the list in Content Explorer, I get a blank screen with the name of the locations (Onedrive, Sharepoint, Teams, etc). When I click on the location tab, it gives an error message - You must be a member of the following role groups to use content explorer.

In Purview, I have the following Role group permissions set for me:

Compliance Administrator

Compliance Data Administrator

Compliance Manager Administrators

Data Security AI Admins

Data Security AI Viewers

Global Reader

I would want the rights for Content Explorer List Viewer. Can you guide me with the steps to set-up the permissions I require to access/view the list under Content Explorer?

Thanks for the support!

Microsoft Security | Microsoft Purview

2 answers

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  1. AI answer

    2026-08-20T11:46:05.0266667+00:00

    To access the Content Explorer tab and view the item list, two permission layers matter:

    1. Access to the Content Explorer tab
    2. Access to items inside Content Explorer

    Based on the roles listed, the missing permission is the second layer. For list-only access, the account must be added to the Content Explorer List viewer role group in Microsoft Purview. The current roles such as Compliance Administrator and Compliance Data Administrator can grant access to the tab, but they do not grant permission to view the item list.

    Use this setup:

    1. In the Microsoft Purview portal, go to Settings > Roles and scopes.
    2. Open Role groups.
    3. Search for Content Explorer List viewer.
    4. Open that role group and add the account as a member.
    5. Save the change.

    If content preview is also needed later, add the account to Content Explorer Content viewer as well. That role is separate and not cumulative with list viewer permissions.

    Important details:

    • The account used to access Content Explorer must be in one or both of these role groups: Content Explorer List viewer and/or Content Explorer Content viewer.
    • These role groups are independent. For list and location visibility only, Content Explorer List viewer is sufficient.
    • If item names must be visible, Content Explorer Content viewer is also required, because that role is required to view item names in list view when names might contain sensitive data.
    • A user who assigns this membership must be able to manage Purview role groups. In Microsoft Purview, users need to be a global administrator or have the Role Management role to view and modify role groups. The documentation also states that Role management role holders in Microsoft Purview can assign the necessary Content Explorer List Viewer and Content Explorer Content Viewer role group membership.

    If the role group is not visible in Roles and scopes, verify that the account performing the assignment has Role Management or Global Administrator permissions.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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  2. Himaja Y 375 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-08-20T12:05:56.59+00:00

    Hi @Nancy Daniel ,

    Thank you for providing the details.

    The error indicates that your account does not have the required Content Explorer List Viewer permission.

    Although you already have roles such as Compliance Administrator and Compliance Data Administrator, you need the specific Content Explorer List Viewer role to view the items and locations in Content Explorer (Classic).

    Steps to follow:

    Ask your Microsoft Purview administrator to:

    1. Open Microsoft Purview → Settings → Roles and scopes.
    2. Select Role groups.
    3. Search for Content Explorer List Viewer.
    4. Select Edit.
    5. Add your user account under Users/Groups.
    6. Save the changes.
    7. Sign out and sign in again to Purview.
    8. Open Data classification → Content Explorer (Classic) and test again.

    If you also need to view the actual content of the files, you will additionally need the Content Explorer Content Viewer role.

    For your current requirement—viewing the list of items and their locations—Content Explorer List Viewer should be sufficient.

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