How to Check and Reduce Microsoft Account Storage Usage
Question details
The user wants to check their Microsoft account storage capacity and learn how to free up space across services like OneDrive and Outlook without buying more storage.
- Product
- Microsoft Account
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Managing cloud storage limits and freeing up space to ensure email and file syncing continue working.
- Observed behavior
- The Microsoft account is approaching or has reached its maximum storage limit, requiring the user to review their usage and delete unnecessary files or emails.
Ensure you have your Microsoft account email and password ready so you can sign in to OneDrive and Outlook via your web browser.
Review Storage Usage and Clean Up OneDrive
Use the OneDrive web portal to check exactly what is taking up your Microsoft account storage and delete unneeded files.
Microsoft account storage is shared across OneDrive, Outlook.com attachments, and Microsoft 365 apps. Deleting large files and emptying the OneDrive recycle bin is the fastest way to reclaim space.
Open your web browser and navigate to https://www.onedrive.com/. Log in using your Microsoft account credentials.
Click on the gear icon (Settings) in the top right corner and select 'Options', or look at the storage meter located at the bottom left of the OneDrive sidebar to see your total usage.
Navigate through your folders, select any large or unnecessary files you no longer need, and click 'Delete' on the top menu bar.
Click on 'Recycle bin' in the left-hand navigation pane, then click 'Empty recycle bin' at the top of the screen to permanently free up the storage space.
Remove Large Outlook Messages and Attachments
Free up additional Microsoft account storage by deleting emails with large attachments from your Outlook inbox.
Running Out of Microsoft Storage? Try WPS Office
If you are constantly battling storage limits on your Microsoft account, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a lightweight, free alternative that offers its own dedicated WPS Cloud storage for your documents, so you can save space and work seamlessly without paying for expensive upgrades.
- 1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS Office website to download the free suite for your PC or mobile device.
- 2. Sign Up for Free Cloud Storage: Create a free WPS account to instantly access your dedicated WPS Cloud storage space.
- 3. Save and Sync Documents: Open your existing Office files in WPS and save them directly to WPS Cloud, reducing the storage burden on your Microsoft account.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if my Microsoft account storage is completely full?
If you exceed your Microsoft storage limit, you will not be able to upload, edit, or sync new files to OneDrive. Additionally, you will not be able to send or receive emails in Outlook until you free up space or buy more storage.
Do deleted Outlook emails free up Microsoft storage immediately?
Deleting emails moves them to the 'Deleted Items' folder, where they still count against your storage quota. You must manually empty the 'Deleted Items' folder to permanently recover that storage space.
How long do deleted files stay in the OneDrive recycle bin?
For personal Microsoft accounts, deleted items are kept in the OneDrive recycle bin for 30 days before they are automatically and permanently deleted. You can manually empty it at any time to instantly free up space.
Can I increase my Microsoft storage without deleting files?
Yes, if you prefer not to delete files or emails, you can purchase more storage directly from Microsoft by upgrading your account or subscribing to a Microsoft 365 plan.
