> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex-xdr/insights-and-tips-cortex-xdr/data-and-platform-administration/data-retention.md).

# Data retention

Learn about data retention periods, storage tiers, lifecycle options, and ways to manage retention costs in Cortex XDR.

Default retention depends on your Cortex XDR license.

| Data type                        | Per Endpoint / Cloud per Host | Per GB     | Prevent      |
| -------------------------------- | ----------------------------- | ---------- | ------------ |
| Ingested data                    | 31 days                       | 31 days    | Not included |
| Cases and issues                 | 186 days                      | 186 days   | 186 days     |
| Agentic AI chats and artifacts   | 186 days                      | 186 days   | Not listed   |
| Query data                       | 186 days                      | 186 days   | 186 days     |
| Forensic data (Forensics add-on) | 365 days                      | Not listed | Not included |

### Retention add-ons

* **Additional 31-day hot storage for cases and issues** (per endpoint or per GB). This also extends agentic AI chats and artifacts.
* **Period-based hot storage:** Fully searchable retention for ingested data, cases, and issues (minimum one month).
* **Period-based cold storage:** Lower-cost retention for ingested data, with limited search (minimum six months).

View your purchased add-ons in **Settings** → **Cortex XDR License**. See [Data retention in Cortex XDR](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex-xdr-5.x/learn-about-cortex-xdr-5.x/cortex-xdr-license-plan/data-retention-in-cortex-xdr), [Data storage lifecycle](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex-xdr-5.x/learn-about-cortex-xdr-5.x/cortex-xdr-license-plan/data-storage-lifecycle), and [Dataset management](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex-xdr-5.x/configure-cortex-xdr/data-management/dataset-management).


---

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