# DefaultRetention
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The container element for optionally specifying the default Object Lock retention settings for new objects placed in the specified bucket.

**Note**  
The `DefaultRetention` settings require both a mode and a period.
The `DefaultRetention` period can be either `Days` or `Years` but you must select one. You cannot specify `Days` and `Years` at the same time.

## Contents
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 ** Days **   <a name="AmazonS3-Type-DefaultRetention-Days"></a>
The number of days that you want to specify for the default retention period. Must be used with `Mode`.  
Type: Integer  
Required: No

 ** DefaultEventHold **   <a name="AmazonS3-Type-DefaultRetention-DefaultEventHold"></a>
The default event hold duration to be applied to new objects placed in the specified bucket. When configured, new objects will automatically have an event hold enabled with this duration.  
Type: [EventHoldDuration](API_EventHoldDuration.md) data type  
Required: No

 ** Mode **   <a name="AmazonS3-Type-DefaultRetention-Mode"></a>
The default Object Lock retention mode you want to apply to new objects placed in the specified bucket. Must be used with either `Days` or `Years`.  
Type: String  
Valid Values: `GOVERNANCE | COMPLIANCE`   
Required: No

 ** Years **   <a name="AmazonS3-Type-DefaultRetention-Years"></a>
The number of years that you want to specify for the default retention period. Must be used with `Mode`.  
Type: Integer  
Required: No

## See Also
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For more information about using this API in one of the language-specific AWS SDKs, see the following:
+  [AWS SDK for C\+\+](https://docs.aws.amazon.com/goto/SdkForCpp/s3-2006-03-01/DefaultRetention) 
+  [AWS SDK for Java V2](https://docs.aws.amazon.com/goto/SdkForJavaV2/s3-2006-03-01/DefaultRetention) 
+  [AWS SDK for Ruby V3](https://docs.aws.amazon.com/goto/SdkForRubyV3/s3-2006-03-01/DefaultRetention)