> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://developer.harness.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://developer.harness.io/harness-platform/3.0/harness-platform-resources/references/entity-retention-policy.md).

# Entity retention policy

This topic lists the Harness entity retention policy.

#### Retention Policy Defaults <a href="#retention-policy-defaults" id="retention-policy-defaults"></a>

All Harness entities share the same retention policy. You can change the retention policy.

The default retention policy for deleted entities is 6 months. This includes entity Ids.

#### Reduce the Retention Policy <a href="#reduce-the-retention-policy" id="reduce-the-retention-policy"></a>

You can’t reduce the retention policy below the default of 6 months.

You can reduce a policy that is greater than 6 months.

If you reduce the retention policy, it effects existing entities. If existing entities current timestamp is longer than the newly defined policy they are removed from Harness.

#### Extend the Retention Policy <a href="#extend-the-retention-policy" id="extend-the-retention-policy"></a>

You can extend the retention policy by contacting Harness.

If you extend the retention policy:

* The new retention policy applies on all entities. You can’t have different policies per Project, Pipeline, etc.
* The new retention policy will affect all existing entities and their retention will be extended by the new policy. An extended retention policy does not affect newly created entities only.

#### See also <a href="#see-also" id="see-also"></a>

* [Entity Identifier Reference](/harness-ai/use-harness-platform/references/entity-identifier-reference.md)
* [Harness Entity Reference](/harness-ai/use-harness-platform/references/harness-entity-reference.md)
* [Entity Deletion Reference](/harness-ai/use-harness-platform/references/entity-deletion-reference.md)