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How to Get More Storage for a 50 GB Business Outlook Mailbox
Question details
The user needs to increase the storage capacity of a 50 GB Microsoft 365 business mailbox that has reached its limit.
- Product
- Microsoft 365 (Outlook)
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- A business email account is running out of space, and the user is looking for a way to add a storage add-on to a single 50 GB mailbox.
- Observed behavior
- Microsoft 365 business plans typically do not offer standalone storage add-ons for individual mailboxes, requiring alternative archiving or upgrade solutions.
Before proceeding, check your current mailbox usage in Outlook by navigating to File > Info to verify how much space is remaining and identify any large attachments that can be deleted.
Enable an Archive Mailbox via Microsoft Purview
The best way to get more space without upgrading is by having your IT administrator enable an archive mailbox, which provides an additional 50 GB of storage for older emails.
In most Microsoft 365 business plans, there is no separate storage add-on for a single mailbox. However, administrators can enable a built-in archive feature that gives users a secondary mailbox exclusively for older data.
Ask your Microsoft 365 administrator to sign in to the Microsoft Purview compliance portal using their admin credentials.
In the left navigation pane, click on 'Data lifecycle management', then select 'Exchange (legacy)', and click on 'Archive'.
Select the user whose mailbox needs more storage, and click on 'Enable archive' in the details pane. It may take a short while for the archive mailbox to appear in the user's Outlook client.
Export Older Emails to a Local PST File
If an archive mailbox is not an option, you can free up space in your primary mailbox by backing up older emails to a local Outlook Data File (.pst) and deleting them from the server.
Upgrade the Microsoft 365 Subscription
If your organization frequently hits the 50 GB limit, upgrading the Microsoft 365 subscription tier is the most comprehensive solution.
Try WPS Office for Seamless Document Management
While resolving your Outlook mailbox storage limits is essential for your emails, managing your daily documents shouldn't cost you extra. WPS Office is a free, lightweight, and powerful alternative to Microsoft Office, providing a complete suite for your productivity needs.
- 1. Download the Software: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button for your operating system.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded installer and follow the quick on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
- 3. Open Your Office Files: Launch WPS Office and instantly open your existing Microsoft Office files without losing any formatting or layout settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a storage add-on just for one Outlook mailbox?
Generally, no. Most Microsoft 365 business plans do not offer individual storage add-ons for a single mailbox. To get more space, you must enable an archive mailbox or upgrade the user's subscription plan.
How much space does an archive mailbox add to my account?
Depending on your specific Microsoft 365 subscription, an archive mailbox typically adds a standard 50 GB of extra storage. Some enterprise plans offer auto-expanding archiving that can grow up to 1.5 TB.
How do I check my current Outlook mailbox storage usage?
Open the Outlook desktop application and go to 'File' > 'Info'. Under the 'Mailbox Settings' section, you will see a visual bar indicating how much of your 50 GB limit has been used and how much free space remains.
What happens if I reach the 50 GB mailbox limit?
If your mailbox reaches its maximum capacity, you will no longer be able to send or receive new emails. Senders will receive a bounce-back message until you free up space or increase your storage capacity.
