OneDrive File Issues

Why OneDrive Shows 5 GB Storage While Outlook Shows 15 GB

Huda Qurayshi Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is confused by the discrepancy between Outlook.com's 15 GB storage limit and OneDrive's 5 GB limit, which is causing over-quota errors and preventing access to files.

Why OneDrive Shows 5 GB While Outlook.com Shows 15 GB of Storage

Product: OneDrive, Outlook.com
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Checking storage limits and troubleshooting account over-quota errors that prevent accessing or syncing cloud files.
Observed behavior: The OneDrive app reports a 5 GB storage limit and states the account is over quota, while Outlook.com displays a 15 GB storage limit with available space.

Before you start

Ensure you are logged into your Microsoft account on a web browser so you can view the detailed breakdown of your cloud and email storage.

Solution 1Recommended

Review Storage Usage and Free Up Microsoft Cloud Space

Learn how Microsoft divides your storage quotas and take steps to clear out unnecessary files to get back under your 5 GB limit.

Microsoft separates its free tier into two distinct quotas: a 15 GB Outlook.com mailbox quota (for emails only) and a 5 GB Microsoft Cloud storage quota. The 5 GB cloud allowance is shared by your OneDrive files, photos, Microsoft 365 app content, and Outlook.com email attachments.

If you exceed the 5 GB cloud limit, you will not be able to sync new OneDrive files or send/receive emails with attachments, even if you have space left in your 15 GB email quota.

Sign in to Microsoft Account Storage

Open a web browser and navigate to the official Microsoft Account page. Log in and go to the 'Storage' section under the 'Services & subscriptions' or 'Dashboard' tab.

Check the storage breakdown

Look at the visual breakdown to see how much space is being consumed by 'Microsoft storage' (5 GB limit) versus 'Email storage' (15 GB limit). Note whether OneDrive files or Outlook attachments are taking up the most space in the 5 GB tier.

Delete large files and attachments

Click 'Free up space' or navigate directly to OneDrive and Outlook.com. Delete large videos, photos, or old documents stored in OneDrive. In Outlook, sort your emails by size and delete those with large attachments.

Empty the Recycle Bin

Deleted items still count toward your storage limit until permanently removed. Go to the Recycle Bin in OneDrive and the 'Deleted Items' folder in Outlook.com, and empty them completely.

Review Storage Usage and Free Up Microsoft Cloud Space

Storage update delay: After deleting files and emptying your recycle bins, it may take up to 24 hours for Microsoft's servers to update your quota and restore your file access.

Solution 2

Purchase Additional Microsoft Cloud Storage

If you cannot delete enough files to stay under the 5 GB limit, you can upgrade your storage plan directly through Microsoft.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Edit and Save Documents Locally with WPS Office

If strict cloud storage limits are preventing you from managing your documents, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a lightweight, free alternative to Microsoft Office that makes it easy to save your files locally on your hard drive, allowing you to bypass cloud quotas entirely.

1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the 'Free Download' button.
2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded installer file and follow the quick on-screen instructions to set up the software on your computer.
3. Save files locally: Open WPS Office, create or edit your documents, and use 'Save As' to store them directly on your computer's hard drive instead of the cloud.

Save documents directly to your local drive to avoid 5 GB cloud storage limits.Highly compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx), Excel (.xlsx), and PowerPoint (.pptx) formats.Free and lightweight alternative with a familiar, easy-to-use tabbed interface.Includes built-in PDF editing tools without requiring an expensive subscription.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Does deleting text-only emails free up my 5 GB Microsoft storage?

No. Deleting standard text emails only frees up space in your 15 GB Outlook mailbox storage. To free up your 5 GB Microsoft cloud storage, you must delete files directly from OneDrive or delete emails that contain large attachments.

Why did my OneDrive storage limit suddenly change to 5 GB?

Microsoft's standard free tier includes 5 GB of cloud storage. If you previously had more space, it is likely that a temporary promotion expired, or a past Microsoft 365 subscription lapsed, reverting your account back to the default 5 GB limit.

Can I transfer my OneDrive files to a local hard drive instead of deleting them?

Yes. You can log into OneDrive on the web, select the files or folders you want to keep, and click 'Download'. Once they are securely saved to your local computer or an external hard drive, you can safely delete them from OneDrive to free up cloud space.

Document & File Issues