Microsoft 365 limits cloud storage, causing Outlook outage for free users

The latest update to Microsoft 365 makes OneDrive.com handle Outlook attachments (counting towards cloud storage), which is confusing some users.

This new update means those using free Microsoft 365 may experience difficulty sending or receiving emails if they reach their cloud storage quota, even if their storage exceeds OneDrive's new 5GB quota.

According to Microsoft's documentation, all registered Outlook.com users have up to 15GB of cloud storage and 5GB of OneDrive storage, which is in line with industry standards. However, Microsoft has made significant changes to this storage policy. Starting February 1st, attachments now count toward OneDrive allowance.

Table source: Microsoft | WindowsLatest.com Screenshot

Microsoft account holders will only have 5GB of cloud storage for their attachments, instead of 15GB . While the 15GB quota serves no purpose as it will continue to contain text, Outlook.com attachments are now part of the 5GB quota on OneDrive. If you use up all 5GB of OneDrive storage, you won't be able to send or receive email attachments.

OneDrive's 5GB can now handle Outlook attachments, so you'll hit the 5GB limit first instead of Outlook's 15GB (which now only includes text).

"Starting February 1, 2023, cloud storage used in Microsoft 365 apps and services will include Outlook.com attachment data and OneDrive data," the tech giant said in a support statement expressed in the document.

Microsoft 365 support provided us with the following statement:

You have 5 GB of free cloud storage for your Microsoft account's files and photos in OneDrive, Outlook. com and your Microsoft 365 apps. You also get 15 GB of free Outlook.com email storage, separate from your Microsoft cloud storage.

In other words, Microsoft 365 free account holders have two options: purchase storage space or subscribe or delete emails with large attachments to free up space.

Users protest and criticize Microsoft's confusing cloud storage policy

The move has caused confusion and frustration among some users as more and more users notice changes in storage space.

One user commented that they had 15GB of free Outlook storage and 5GB of free OneDrive storage and were confused as to why their attachments needed to be stored twice.

"It seems like MS is copying files unnecessarily to make people pay for extra storage, and my attachments don't need to be stored twice," one user noted in a Microsoft answer thread.

Another user said they no longer trust Microsoft and are switching to another email provider.

Other users are confused about storage policies and requirements. While some users believe their total storage includes Outlook attachments, others are unsure if the storage only includes messages.

As mentioned at the beginning, if you want to send or receive emails smoothly, you need to free up space and delete messages with attachments. Otherwise, you pay for Microsoft 365.

The tech giant is warning users that their cloud storage quota must stay below the 5GB quota or their "ability to send and receive email in Outlook.com will be disrupted."

The move comes after Microsoft announced a new Outlook for Windows experience for paid and free account holders.

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