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How to Choose and Purchase a OneDrive Storage Plan
Question details
The user wants to understand the different Microsoft OneDrive storage tiers available and how to select and purchase the one that best fits their personal or family needs.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Expanding cloud storage capacity or upgrading to a premium Microsoft 365 subscription tier.
- Observed behavior
- Needs to compare available plans (Free, Basic, Personal, Family) to make an informed purchasing decision.
Before purchasing a new plan, log in to your Microsoft account and check your current OneDrive storage usage to determine exactly how much additional space you actually need.
Compare and Buy a OneDrive Storage Plan
Review the available Microsoft storage tiers and purchase the one that perfectly matches your data and application needs.
Microsoft provides several tiers of cloud storage, ranging from a basic free option to comprehensive family plans that also include premium desktop Office applications.
Open your web browser and navigate to the official Microsoft OneDrive plans and pricing page to see the latest tier offerings.
Every Microsoft account includes 5 GB of free storage. If you only need a moderate increase, look at the Microsoft 365 Basic plan, which provides 100 GB of storage for a low monthly fee.
For heavy usage, evaluate Microsoft 365 Personal (1 TB for one person) or Microsoft 365 Family (up to 6 TB shared among up to six people). Both of these higher tiers also include premium Microsoft Office desktop apps.
Click the 'Buy now' or 'Upgrade' button beneath your chosen plan, sign in with your Microsoft account credentials, and follow the on-screen prompts to complete your payment.
Looking for Office Apps and Cloud Storage? Try WPS Office
If you are considering a Microsoft 365 subscription primarily for its Office applications and basic cloud storage, WPS Office offers a highly capable, free, and lightweight alternative. It provides excellent compatibility with Microsoft formats and features its own integrated cloud storage.
- 1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office Free from the official website and follow the quick, lightweight installation process.
- 2. Sign In to Unlock Cloud Storage: Create a free WPS account and sign in to instantly unlock 1 GB of WPS Cloud storage for your documents.
- 3. Open and Edit Microsoft Files: Drag and drop your existing Microsoft Office documents directly into WPS Office to continue editing without losing formatting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I share my OneDrive storage plan with my family members?
Yes, but only if you purchase the Microsoft 365 Family plan. This plan allows you to share up to 6 TB of total storage with up to six people, granting each person their own private 1 TB of space.
What happens to my files if I decide to cancel my OneDrive subscription?
If you cancel, your storage quota will revert to the free 5 GB limit. If your stored files exceed 5 GB, your account will become read-only. Your files will not be deleted immediately, but you won't be able to upload or sync new files until you free up space or resubscribe.
Does the 100 GB Microsoft 365 Basic plan include the desktop Office apps?
No, the Microsoft 365 Basic plan only includes 100 GB of OneDrive storage and an ad-free Outlook experience. To get the premium desktop versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, you must purchase the Personal or Family plan.
Is it possible to purchase more than 1 TB of storage just for myself?
Yes, if you already have a Microsoft 365 Personal or Family subscription, Microsoft allows you to purchase additional OneDrive storage in 200 GB increments, up to a total of 2 TB per individual user account.
