OneDrive will prevent screenshots of sensitive documents, but this restriction applies only when using Microsoft's browser.

      TL;DR: Starting in August, Microsoft Edge will prevent users from taking screenshots of sensitivity-labelled PDFs in OneDrive and SharePoint for enterprise accounts. Other browsers will not implement this restriction. This measure applies only to documents with a Purview Information Protection label that lack the Copy (EXTRACT) permission. In such cases, screenshot blocking will be enabled by default. Personal OneDrive accounts and files without labels will remain unaffected.

      This feature aims to align Microsoft’s desktop applications with its browser functionalities. Previously, Purview labels could restrict editing, printing, copying, and screenshotting in desktop apps, but similar controls were not consistently applied for PDFs viewed in the browser. Administrators will also have the option to disable local downloads, which prevents users from saving a secured document to view it outside of Edge. Microsoft’s AI-based security tools identified a record number of vulnerabilities in its software this year, and the new screenshot restriction aims to stop authorized users from leaking sensitive information they are allowed to access.

      Alternative browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and mobile browsers will not enforce this restriction. Microsoft cautions that users accessing protected documents outside Edge “may experience inconsistent enforcement” and encourages businesses to implement Conditional Access or browser-management policies to steer employees toward using Edge. The security enhancement is particularly beneficial for sensitive materials such as financial records, legal documents, and unreleased products. However, for the system to be effective, all individuals accessing the document must use Microsoft’s browser.

      This strategy highlights Microsoft's approach. Following Google’s AI search update, DuckDuckGo installations surged by 18% as users sought alternatives. Conversely, Microsoft is investing in features exclusive to Edge to incentivize IT departments to enforce its use. The screenshot restriction for sensitive PDFs represents a genuine security upgrade, while its exclusivity serves as a tactic to promote compliance. Support for additional browsers and mobile applications may come in the future, although Microsoft has not provided a timeline for this.