Forum Discussion
When the default sensitivity label is applied, an asterisk (*) appears next to the label.
- Nov 20, 2025
Hello Manu2360,
When a default sensitivity label is configured in Purview, Office applies that label only after the file is saved for the first time. If the document is new and unsaved, Word shows the default label in the title bar with an asterisk to indicate that the label is pending and will be applied upon save.
This is expected behavior: the asterisk means “label not yet committed because the file hasn’t been saved.”
Please refer to the Default Label section in this article: Apply sensitivity labels to your files - Microsoft Support
Hope this helps!
Please mark as solution, if you find the answer helpful. This will assist others in the community who encounter a similar issue, enabling them to quickly find the solution and benefit from the guidance provided.
Hello Manu2360,
When a default sensitivity label is configured in Purview, Office applies that label only after the file is saved for the first time. If the document is new and unsaved, Word shows the default label in the title bar with an asterisk to indicate that the label is pending and will be applied upon save.
This is expected behavior: the asterisk means “label not yet committed because the file hasn’t been saved.”
Please refer to the Default Label section in this article: Apply sensitivity labels to your files - Microsoft Support
Hope this helps!
Please mark as solution, if you find the answer helpful. This will assist others in the community who encounter a similar issue, enabling them to quickly find the solution and benefit from the guidance provided.