Microsoft Reduces OneDrive Storage for Office 365 Users, Eliminates Unlimited Storage Option

According to an announcement made by Microsoft, the company is making changes to its OneDrive cloud storage service, reducing the amount of storage space both Office 365 and free users are granted. In addition, the company is also eliminating the unlimited storage tier.

The company says that the changes were needed to “ensure that we can continue to deliver a collaborative, connected and intelligent service.”

Office 365 Home, Personal and University subscribers will no longer have access to unlimited storage. Instead, these users will be limited to 1TB of storage. The 100GB and 200GB plans are being eliminated for new users and will be replaced with a 50GB plan for $1.99 a month, which will launch in early 2016.

Free OneDrive users will see their storage decreased from 15GB to 5GB, with the 15GB camera roll storage bonus also being eliminated. These changes will also roll out in early 2016.

Microsoft says it wants to make the transition for its users as easy as possible, outlining the steps its taking to notify users of the change. Office 365 subscribers that have more than 1TB of storage will be notified and will be allowed to keep their increased storage for 12 months. Office 365 customers who no longer desire the service because of the change will be given a pro-rated refund.

Free users who have used more than 5 GB of storage will have access to all their files for 12 months after the changes go into effect in early 2016 and will receive a free one-year subscription to Office 365. If you are an individual OneDrive subscriber to the 100GB or 200GB plans, you will not be affected.