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License & Subscription Issues

What Happens to OneDrive Bonus Storage After Canceling a Subscription?

Maira MehtabMaira Mehtab Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to know how much storage space will remain on their OneDrive account, specifically regarding their 30 GB legacy bonus space, after subscribing to a 100 GB plan and subsequently canceling it.

Product
Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS
not provided
Scenario
Canceling a paid OneDrive subscription while holding legacy or promotional bonus storage.
Observed behavior
There is uncertainty regarding whether the 100 GB plan is additive to the existing 30 GB, and whether the original 30 GB legacy storage will be permanently retained after the paid subscription expires.
Before you start

Before modifying your subscription, check your current OneDrive storage allocation by logging into your Microsoft account to see exactly how much space is currently categorized as 'bonus' or 'promotional'.

Solution 1Recommended

Reviewing OneDrive Storage Behavior and Policies

Understand how Microsoft handles your existing legacy storage when you upgrade to or cancel a premium plan.

When you subscribe to a 100 GB OneDrive plan, it generally represents the total capacity of your account rather than adding an extra 100 GB on top of your existing 30 GB space.

If you decide to cancel the paid subscription, the account typically reverts to its previous state. Most available guidance indicates that your existing 30 GB of legacy storage should remain after the paid subscription expires. However, because promotional and legacy terms can vary, it is highly recommended to verify this directly.

1
Log in to your OneDrive Account

Navigate to the official OneDrive website and sign in using your Microsoft account credentials.

2
Check Storage Breakdown

Click on the gear icon in the top right corner to access Settings, select 'Options', and then click on 'Manage storage'. Here you can view your current plan capacity and any active promotional bonuses.

3
Contact Microsoft Support for Confirmation

Because policies on grandfathered storage can change and user experiences vary, use the 'Help' feature to contact Microsoft OneDrive Support directly to confirm that your specific 30 GB legacy space will be preserved upon cancellation.

Conflicting Information: You might receive conflicting answers from different representatives regarding legacy storage. Always ask for a written confirmation or a link to the specific policy terms related to your account.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Does a 100 GB OneDrive subscription add to my existing 30 GB?

No, a 100 GB plan generally replaces your current limit, bringing your total storage capacity to 100 GB rather than adding up to a total of 130 GB.

Will I lose my files if my paid subscription expires?

Your files will not be deleted immediately, but if your total file size exceeds your reverted storage limit (e.g., your 30 GB legacy limit), your account will become read-only. You will need to delete files or purchase more storage before you can add new files.

Where can I see my exact promotional storage bonuses?

You can view a detailed breakdown of your storage, including referral or legacy bonuses, by navigating to the 'Manage storage' section in your OneDrive account settings online.

Can I restore my legacy bonus if it disappears after canceling?

Microsoft's policies on grandfathered storage vary. If your legacy bonus unexpectedly disappears after your subscription ends, you will need to contact Microsoft Support to request an investigation and potential reinstatement.