Microsoft 365 - OneDrive Storage Quota Project
This is not a storage reduction change. The quota implementation will require no immediate action on behalf of users.
Key Drivers & Challenges
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Cost Management: The cost to purchase additional storage has increased significantly.
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Growth Trajectory: Microsoft 365 shared pooled storage (OneDrive, Exchange, SharePoint) is growing at ~5 TB per month.
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Compliance: We need to adhere to new Microsoft 365 licensing limits.
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User Impact: Changes will be made while ensuring no service disruption.
| Dates | Milestone |
|---|---|
| Jan 20 - March 18 | Inform and request feedback from the IT community |
| Mar 25 | Send a targeted email to Microsoft 365 accounts using more than 500 GB of OneDrive storage |
| Apr 08 | Send a final targeted email |
| Apr 16 |
Go-live:
|
| Dates | Microsoft 365 account creation date | Default Quota | Request more storage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Now - Apr 15 | Eligible Microsoft 365 accounts | 2 TB | N/A |
| Apr 16 - ongoing | Microsoft 365 accounts created before Apr 16 |
A quota will be set near existing usage to provide a buffer for uninterrupted work and collaboration. This applies to all accounts, including users consuming more than 500 GB. Example:
|
Yes |
| Microsoft 365 accounts created on or after Apr 16 | 25 GB | Yes |
Storage Increase Request Form
Availability: April 16, 2026 Request Form
|
Quota Request |
Result |
|---|---|
|
Less than 500 GB |
Automatically approved |
|
More than 500 GB |
Requires a brief manual review to ensure the request is for University-related work (Research, Instruction, or Administration). |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How can I prepare for this change?
Although this project does not require you to reduce your storage, you can still optimize your usage by doing the following:
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Check Your Storage: Review your current usage.
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Understand Usage: Learn what uses OneDrive storage.
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Clean Up Files: Remove duplicates, archive old or obsolete files, or move large datasets to approved long-term alternatives.
I am currently using more than 500 GB. Do I need to do anything?
No. If needed, you can request more storage once the request form is available. Please note, requests for more than 500 GB will need to be manually reviewed to ensure usage is for University-related work (Research, Instruction, or Administration).
Will my files be deleted if I am over the new 25 GB limit?
No. The change is not a storage-reduction project. For existing users, your quota will be set to a tier that accommodates your current data plus a buffer.
Does this affect my email, SharePoint sites, or other services?
No. This roll out focuses on OneDrive for Business storage. While SharePoint and email draw from the same Microsoft "pooled" storage, their quota management policies are handled separately.
What happens if I am a new student or employee after April 16?
All new Microsoft 365 accounts created after the go-live date will receive the default 25 GB OneDrive quota. If a higher limit is needed for your role or studies, you can request additional storage using our request form.
I requested more storage but I am capped at 100GB of OneDrive storage. Why?
Your account is not eligible for additional OneDrive storage. View OneDrive for Business eligibility. If you believe your account is eligible for more storage, please contact the DoIT Help Desk.
Support
KnowledgeBase: Microsoft 365 OneDrive
Feedback/Questions: msonedrive-storage-feedback@g-groups.wisc.edu
Help Desk: Contact the DoIT Help Desk for Microsoft 365 OneDrive support