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Fix OneDrive Showing Only 5 GB Storage with Microsoft 365
Question details
The user's OneDrive account is displaying a storage limit of 5 GB instead of the 1 TB normally included with an active Microsoft 365 subscription.
- Product
- OneDrive / Microsoft 365
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Checking available cloud storage capacity or uploading files to OneDrive.
- Observed behavior
- OneDrive warns about low storage space or displays a 5 GB limit, indicating it is reading the user's free account allocation rather than their active premium subscription.
Ensure you have the exact email address and password tied to your purchased Microsoft 365 subscription, and verify that the subscription has not expired.
Verify Your Subscription and Switch to the Correct Account
Since OneDrive allocates 5 GB for free accounts and 1 TB for Microsoft 365 accounts, logging in with the correct premium account credentials will resolve the discrepancy.
A common cause of this issue is having multiple Microsoft accounts. Your device might be automatically logging you in with an older, free Microsoft email rather than the one you used to purchase Microsoft 365.
Open your web browser and go to https://www.office.com/ to access the official Microsoft portal.
Log in using the email address directly associated with your active Microsoft 365 subscription.
Click on your profile picture in the top right, go to 'My Microsoft account', and navigate to 'Services & subscriptions' to confirm your 1 TB storage plan is currently active.
Open the OneDrive desktop app settings on your computer, click on the 'Account' tab, and select 'Unlink this PC'.
Sign back into the OneDrive app using the verified Microsoft 365 account credentials to access your 1 TB of storage.
Tired of Subscription Hassles? Try WPS Office
If managing Microsoft 365 subscriptions, accounts, and storage limits is becoming a headache, WPS Office is the perfect solution. It offers a lightweight, completely free office suite with built-in cloud storage, an intuitive interface, and no confusing subscription tiers.
- 1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installer for your Windows, Mac, or Linux device.
- 2. Sign Up for Cloud Access: Create a free WPS account to instantly unlock your dedicated cloud storage space.
- 3. Save and Sync Automatically: Create or open a document, then click 'Save to Cloud' to automatically sync your files across all your connected devices without worrying about tight storage limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my 1 TB of OneDrive storage suddenly drop to 5 GB?
This typically happens if your Microsoft 365 subscription has expired, the recurring billing failed, or if you accidentally switched your primary device login to a standard, free Microsoft account.
Can I transfer my 1 TB of storage to a different Microsoft account?
No, the 1 TB of OneDrive storage is permanently tied to the specific Microsoft account that purchased and holds the Microsoft 365 subscription. You cannot merge it with a different free account.
How do I check which account is currently signed into OneDrive?
Right-click the OneDrive cloud icon in your taskbar (Windows) or menu bar (Mac), click the gear icon to open 'Settings', and navigate to the 'Account' tab to view the active email address.
Does WPS Office include its own cloud storage?
Yes, WPS Office provides integrated cloud storage (WPS Cloud) for registered users, allowing you to seamlessly back up, share, and collaborate on documents natively.
