SharePoint Document Issues

Fix SharePoint Storage Usage or Quota Not Updating

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user needs to resolve an issue where SharePoint Online storage usage metrics or site quota capacity fails to reflect recent changes, such as file deletions or quota increases.

Product: SharePoint Online
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Managing SharePoint site storage capacity and monitoring available quota limits after deleting files or adjusting settings.
Observed behavior: The displayed storage usage or quota remains completely unchanged despite recent modifications to the site's files or administration settings.

Before you start

Verify that you have permanently emptied both the first-stage and second-stage recycle bins, as items stored there will continue to consume your site's storage quota.

Solution 1Recommended

Wait for System Synchronization

SharePoint requires time to process storage metric calculations across its server infrastructure.

Unlike local hard drives, SharePoint Online uses a timer job system to calculate storage metrics. This means changes are not reflected in real-time.

Allow 24 to 48 hours for updates

Wait for a full 24 to 48 hours after making significant storage changes, such as deleting bulk files or having an admin expand your quota limits.

Check the site usage report again

Navigate to 'Site Settings' (the gear icon), select 'Site information', click 'View all site settings', and then click 'Storage Metrics' under 'Site Collection Administration' to verify the updated capacity.

Solution 2

Submit a Service Request via Microsoft 365 Admin Center

If the 48-hour window has passed without any updates to the quota, backend intervention is required.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why doesn't my SharePoint storage decrease immediately after deleting files?

SharePoint places deleted files into the Recycle Bin, and eventually into the Second-Stage Recycle Bin. Files residing in either of these bins still count toward your total site storage quota until they are permanently deleted or automatically expire after 93 days.

How do I view my current detailed SharePoint storage metrics?

If you have Site Owner permissions, go to 'Site Settings' via the gear icon, look under the 'Site Collection Administration' section, and click on 'Storage Metrics'. This dashboard displays exactly which folders and files are consuming your space.

Can a regular user submit a support ticket for SharePoint storage issues?

No. Typically, only users with Microsoft 365 admin roles (such as Global Admin or SharePoint Admin) have the necessary permissions to access the Admin Center and submit technical service requests directly to Microsoft.

Document & File Issues