Retention and legal hold

Retention, file locks and legal hold for important data

Choose how long deleted files stay in the trash and old versions are kept, from 7 days to 10 years. Lock files until a date so nobody can delete or overwrite them. Admins can place a legal hold that freezes data while it matters.

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  • Free Windows and Android apps
Why upload.am

Why control retention yourself

Set the periods

Trash and versions are kept from 7 days up to 10 years, for your account or a whole team.

Locks that cannot be shortened

A locked file cannot be deleted, renamed or overwritten until the date you choose, and a lock can only be extended.

Legal hold

Hold the whole team, a folder, a file or one member’s files. Held files cannot be erased permanently, do not expire and are not cleaned up.

Second chance for expired files

A file whose storage period ran out waits for two weeks in “Expired files” and can be restored with one click.

upload.am vs. a typical file hosting service

Most free file hosts give you one thing: a link. upload.am is cloud storage and backup with built-in secure file sharing built in. Here is the difference for this feature:

On the free plan upload.am Typical file host
Choose trash and version retention up to 10 years Included Not available
Lock files and folders until a date Included Not available
Legal hold on team, folder, file or member Included Not available
Automatic lock for every new team file Included Not available
Restore expired files for two weeks Included Not available
More than a file sharing link

Cloud storage, backup and secure sharing in one free account

upload.am is cloud storage and backup with secure file sharing built in: a cloud cabinet that keeps your files, a backup service that protects your folders and photos, a sync service that keeps your computer and your cabinet identical, and sharing controls (password, expiry, download limits) on top. One login, one storage pool, one set of links.

Cloud storage

25 GB free, folders, search, previews, versions and trash in your online file manager.

Backup service

The Windows app backs up the folders you choose. The Android app backs up photos, video, audio and contacts.

Sync service

Live sync in the Windows app keeps a folder identical on your PC and in your cabinet, including files added from the web.

Secure file sharing

Password, download limit, expiry, group links, Inbox and Drop Rooms.

Get the free Windows app See every feature

What each control does

Retention

How long deleted files stay in the trash and how long old versions are kept.

File lock

Blocks deletion, renaming and overwriting until a date. Lock single files or whole folders, or set an automatic lock for new team files.

Legal hold

For admins. Held files can still be moved to the trash and restored, but cannot be erased for good or expire.

Expired files

Restore a file whose period ran out so its link works again.

Which plans include it

Retention and file locks help every account that sets them. Legal hold is included in Enterprise. Server backups with restore to a date are part of backup and recovery. See plans and pricing.

How to set retention

  1. 1

    Open security settings

    Choose how long the trash and versions are kept.

  2. 2

    Lock what matters

    Lock a file or folder until a date.

  3. 3

    Place a hold

    Admins choose the scope: team, folder, file or member.

  4. 4

    Release it

    Remove the hold when the matter is closed.

Frequently asked questions

Can a lock be shortened?

No. A lock can only be extended.

Can held files be deleted?

They can go to the trash and be restored, but not erased permanently.

Who can place a hold?

Team admins, on Enterprise.

How long can I keep versions?

From 7 days up to 10 years.

Related features

Backup and ransomware recovery

Daily server backups, ransomware alerts and a one-step restore to a chosen moment.

Learn more →

Sensitive data detection

Finds card numbers, IBANs, private keys and access keys in team files and labels them Internal, Confidential or Restricted.

Learn more →

Team workspace

Shared storage with roles, groups, guests, sharing policies, an audit log and files that belong to the company.

Learn more →

All features · Plans and pricing · FAQ

Keep important data exactly as long as you must

Book a demo to see retention and legal hold.

Create a free account Plans and pricing

25 GB free. No credit card required.