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License & Subscription Issues

How to Get More OneDrive Cloud Storage Than 5 GB

Maira MehtabMaira Mehtab Sep 20, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to know how to increase their OneDrive cloud storage capacity beyond the free 5 GB limit.

Product
OneDrive
Device & OS
not provided
Scenario
The user has reached the 5 GB free storage limit and needs additional cloud storage space for files and documents.
Observed behavior
The current Microsoft account is restricted to the default 5 GB of free OneDrive cloud storage.
Before you start

Before purchasing additional storage, check your current OneDrive usage and empty the recycle bin to see if you can free up enough space without upgrading.

Solution 1Recommended

Upgrade Your OneDrive Storage Plan

Purchase a standalone storage plan or upgrade your existing Microsoft 365 subscription to increase your cloud storage capacity.

Microsoft provides several upgrade paths for users who have exceeded the free 5 GB limit. You can opt for a basic 100 GB storage plan or a comprehensive Microsoft 365 Personal or Family subscription, which includes 1 TB of cloud storage per user.

1
Sign in to OneDrive

Go to the OneDrive website and sign in with the Microsoft account currently limited to 5 GB.

2
Access Storage Management

Click on the gear icon in the top right corner to open Settings, select 'Options', and then click on 'Manage storage' in the left sidebar.

3
Select an Upgrade Option

Click on 'Upgrade' or 'Get more storage' to view available plans. You will typically see options for a 100 GB plan or a Microsoft 365 Personal/Family plan.

4
Complete the Purchase

Choose the plan that fits your needs, follow the on-screen prompts to enter your payment details, and confirm the purchase to immediately increase your storage limit.

Microsoft 365 Benefits: Upgrading to a Microsoft 365 Personal or Family plan not only grants you 1 TB (1000 GB) of OneDrive storage but also provides access to premium desktop versions of Office applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Free Microsoft Office alternative

Looking for a Cost-Effective Office Suite with Cloud Features?

If you are running out of OneDrive storage and want to avoid expensive Microsoft 365 subscriptions, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a free, highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office, complete with its own integrated WPS Cloud storage to keep your essential documents synced and secure.

  1. 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and click 'Download WPS Office Free'.
  2. 2. Install the Suite: Run the downloaded installer and follow the quick setup instructions.
  3. 3. Sign In for Cloud Benefits: Open WPS Office, create a free account, and log in to activate your built-in WPS Cloud storage space.
Includes integrated WPS Cloud storage for easy and secure document syncingFully compatible with Microsoft Office formats (DOCX, XLSX, PPTX)Lightweight installation saves local device storage spaceFree to download and use for all essential office tasks
microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get more than 5 GB of OneDrive storage for free?

Microsoft no longer offers standard promotions to permanently increase your free storage beyond the base 5 GB limit. You can occasionally get temporary bonuses from referrals, but a paid plan is required for a permanent upgrade.

Does Microsoft 365 Basic include more cloud storage?

Yes, subscribing to the Microsoft 365 Basic plan increases your OneDrive cloud storage limit to 100 GB and removes ads from Outlook web and mobile.

How do I check what is taking up space in my OneDrive?

Log into your OneDrive account on the web, click the gear icon for Settings, select 'Options', and click 'Manage storage'. There, you can see a breakdown of your files and click 'What's taking up space?' to view your largest files.