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How to Fix Microsoft 365 Storage Almost Full Warnings in Outlook and OneDrive
Question details
The user is continuously receiving 'storage almost full' warnings for Microsoft 365, despite having deleted emails, moved files, and emptied the recycle bin.
- Product
- Microsoft 365 (Outlook and OneDrive)
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Managing cloud storage and mailbox space within a Microsoft 365 Family subscription.
- Observed behavior
- A persistent storage warning continues to appear even after clearing out files, emails, and emptying the recycle bin.
Ensure you have access to your Microsoft account credentials and a stable internet connection to check your subscription status and storage metrics.
Verify Storage Usage Across Outlook and OneDrive Separately
Identify exactly which service is triggering the storage warning by checking your usage metrics for both the mailbox and cloud drive.
Microsoft 365 Family provides 1 TB of OneDrive storage and 50 GB of Outlook.com mailbox storage per person. A warning can trigger if either of these individual limits is approached.
Navigate to the Microsoft account dashboard on your web browser and sign in with your credentials.
Go to the 'Storage' section to view a detailed breakdown of your data usage.
Check the usage bars separately for OneDrive and Outlook.com to see which one is near its limit.
Ensure you review shared folders and permanently empty the recycle bin in both OneDrive and Outlook, as these count toward your total quota.
Confirm Subscription and Renewal Status
Ensure your Microsoft 365 Family subscription is active, as an expired or failed renewal will revert your account to the free storage limits.
Contact Microsoft Support for Backend Sync Issues
If the warning persists despite having sufficient storage and an active subscription, contact Microsoft directly to resolve backend sync errors.
Switch to WPS Office for a Seamless and Free Experience
If you are tired of managing expensive Microsoft 365 subscriptions and storage limits, WPS Office provides a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative. Enjoy a familiar interface with built-in tools for documents, spreadsheets, and presentations without the recurring costs.
- 1. Download the software: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the installer and follow the on-screen prompts to set up the software on your device.
- 3. Open your files: Launch WPS Office and easily open your existing Microsoft Office documents without losing formatting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Microsoft 365 storage full when I have a 1 TB limit?
Microsoft 365 splits storage between OneDrive (1 TB) and Outlook.com (50 GB). Even if your OneDrive has plenty of space, a full Outlook mailbox will trigger a storage warning.
Do shared folders count towards my OneDrive storage limit?
Yes, files added to shared folders that are synced to your OneDrive can consume your personal storage quota, potentially leading to a storage full warning.
How long does it take for the storage warning to disappear after deleting files?
It can take up to 24 hours for Microsoft servers to sync and update your storage quota after you delete files and empty the recycle bin.
