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Fix Microsoft 365 Auto-Expanding Archive Stuck at 100 GB
Question details
A user's Microsoft 365 In-Place Archive has hit the 100 GB limit and is not expanding automatically, despite the user having an E3 license and auto-expanding archiving enabled.
- Product
- Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Trying to utilize the auto-expanding archive feature in Microsoft 365 to store emails beyond the initial 100 GB quota.
- Observed behavior
- The archive storage is stuck exactly at 100 GB and fails to allocate additional storage space automatically as expected.
Verify in the Microsoft Purview compliance portal that auto-expanding archiving is actually enabled for the organization or the specific user, and ensure the user is assigned a valid Microsoft 365 E3, E5, or Exchange Online Plan 2 license.
Open a Service Request for Backend Investigation
Since the license is correct and the feature is enabled, this is a backend provisioning issue that requires intervention from Microsoft Support.
Exchange Online Plan 2 is included with a Microsoft 365 E3 license, meaning auto-expanding archiving should function normally. Sometimes, backend provisioning delays or system glitches prevent the automatic allocation of the next storage segment. Admin intervention is required to unblock it.
Have your organization's Microsoft 365 global administrator log into the Microsoft 365 admin center.
Click on 'Help & support' or the 'Support' tab located in the left-hand navigation menu.
Create a new support ticket detailing that the auto-expanding archive for the specific user is stuck at 100 GB despite having an E3 license.
If your Microsoft 365 subscription was purchased through a Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) or reseller, contact that provider directly so they can raise the backend ticket on your behalf.
Manage Your Documents Efficiently with WPS Office
While Microsoft handles your backend email archiving, you may be looking for a lightweight, cost-effective solution for your daily document editing needs. WPS Office offers a free, highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint without the heavy subscription fees.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the 'Download' button to get the free installer.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the downloaded setup file and follow the simple on-screen instructions to install WPS Office on your device.
- 3. Open Your Files: Launch WPS Office and open your existing Microsoft Office documents directly; they will open seamlessly with original formatting preserved.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does auto-expanding archiving take to add more space?
After auto-expanding archiving is enabled, it can take up to 30 days for the additional storage space to be fully provisioned and visible in the user's archive mailbox.
Which licenses support Microsoft 365 auto-expanding archiving?
Auto-expanding archiving requires Exchange Online Plan 2, which is included in Microsoft 365 E3, E5, and specific Exchange Online Archiving add-on subscriptions.
Can I force the auto-expanding archive to provision faster?
No, the auto-expansion is an automated backend process managed by Microsoft. Administrators cannot force a manual expansion. If it stalls at 100 GB, you must contact Microsoft Support.
