Microsoft Dumps OneDrive Unlimited Storage

Say farewell to unlimited storage on Microsoft's OneDrive.

Office 365 subscribers must now make do with 1TB of free space rather than unlimited storage, while 100GB and 200GB new-user paid plans are getting replaced with a 50GB option for $1.99.

Free OneDrive storage, meanwhile, will decrease from 15GB to 5GB for existing and new users, and the 15GB camera roll storage is being discontinued.

All changes will begin rolling out early next year.

The sudden about-face is the result of a few rotten apples spoiling the bunch, according to Redmond.

"Since starting to roll out unlimited cloud storage to Office 365 consumer subscribers, a small number of users backed up numerous PCs and stored entire movie collections and DVR recordings," the OneDrive FAQ page said.

In some cases, that exceeded 75TB per user, or 14,000 times Microsoft's average.

"Instead of focusing on extreme backup scenarios, we want to remain focused on delivering high-value productivity and collaboration experiences that benefit the majority of OneDrive users," the company added.

In a bid to calm those who might be irked by the change, Microsoft reminded people how much can actually be stored within the new limits. OneDrive free with 5GB, for example, is enough to keep about 6,600 Office documents, or 1,600 photos (based on 9-megapixel JPEG images). And Office 365 with 1TB creates a cache for 1 million documents or 330,000 pictures.

To check on your current storage option, and see just how much space you're using, visit the Manage Storage page. And don't worry if you're already filled to the brim: Microsoft is notifying customers, who have 90 days or 12 months (depending on your plan) to make changes.

That may require removing files from your OneDrive, or purchasing additional storage; a new +50GB plan will be available next year, or you can upgrade to Office 365 for 1TB.

:story: PC Magazine