For many people, cloud storage is almost essential now. There’s no shortage of services to choose from, but Google Drive and Microsoft’s OneDrive are among the most popular. For users of Microsoft’s cloud storage, there is bad news – not to mention unwanted ads for OneDrive in the Windows 11 Start menu.
The company announced that starting next year it will consolidate cloud storage into Microsoft 365 Apps. In practice, this means that Outlook.com users will actually have less storage space for their personal files because email attachments will soon eat up OneDrive quotas.
The change comes in February, so those affected have some time to look for another cloud storage solution or consider upgrading to a more generous OneDrive tier.
The impact of this policy change on users will depend on how they use Outlook.com (or indeed, whether they use it). If you’re the type of person who gets a lot of attachments, or even someone who has used attachments as a way to boost cloud storage by sending files to yourself, the effect may be standard.
Microsoft barely shouted about the changes, but revealed more in a support document:
“ Starting February 1, 2023, cloud storage used across Microsoft 365 apps and services will include Outlook.com attachment data and OneDrive data. All data will continue to be protected by Microsoft’s comprehensive set of security features.
This update does not affect the amount of storage space in your Outlook.com mailbox. However, it can reduce the amount of cloud storage you need to use your OneDrive. If you reach your cloud storage quota, your ability to send and receive email in Outlook.com will be disrupted.”
The company continues to elaborate on what counts towards your OneDrive storage quota:
- OneDrive files and photos, for example:
– Personal files that you store, download, and sync from your computer or mobile device, such as Office documents, mobile camera roll, screenshots, and other files and images that have been stored on your OneDrive, including the Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders.
– All items in your trash. - Outlook.com attachments.
- Teams message attachments and records.
Source: Microsoft
And you?
What is your opinion on the matter?
Will this decision by Microsoft have a significant impact on your use of OneDrive?
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