Outlook saying I need more storage.

Anonymous
2023-02-17T14:48:45+00:00

Hi there,

I've used a live.com account for years, and have always logged in through my browser to view emails. Today, the page loaded with a thin red notification at the top stating "From February 1, you'll need more storage to send or receive email."

Obviously, for a start, it's 16 days past February 1 which is weird, and my email is all working fine at the moment.

Clicking on "Manage Storage" opens a window, which states that my total used for my Microsoft Storage (things backed up from a laptop I hardly use, didn't even realise that they were being backed up to be honest) is 7.8GB out of a 5GB limit. I tried unsyncing my desktop on said laptop, but all it's done is remove everything from that laptop, which is pretty frustrating as I just wanted to leave the data on there and just free up some space on the Microsoft storage.

Anyway, I'm not overly bothered by that by now, as I'm more worried about my emails not working. Separate to the Microsoft storage, it lists my "Email Storage", which is 7.6GB out of 15GB. Does anyone know why I'm getting notified that I'm in danger of losing my email and pushed to buy a ridiculously expensive price plan?

Thanks in advance

Outlook | Web | Outlook.com | Account management, security, and privacy

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments No comments

165 answers

Sort by: Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2023-12-10T15:30:12+00:00

    Hi Michael

    Thanks for the reply. I had around 200 replies, and so gave up replying. I keep 'Hotmail', having screenshotted and saved pics to laptop, deleting, and so keeping below limit. However, I emailed Microsoft (CEO office) and got a reply which ignored my complaints except one, and they then archived (closed) my issue (thanks, MS). This 'small' change in storage policy could give MS (my calculation) aound, if I remember, USD 6-10bn in extra annual income. I may continue complaining, including to the regulator, if and when I feel inclined. The woman who instigated YouTube advertising/ premium is now worth USD 600M. One objection to YT, apart from the relentless ads, is that you can no longer permanently download vids to your computer, even with Premium, I believe. I understand arrtists' rights. But mending your kitchen sink, or a million other 'for love' videos? There's nothing anymore of public sefvice in these giant companies. Anyway, good luck.

    Best wishes, Jonathan.

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments No comments
  2. Anonymous
    2024-01-24T23:21:55+00:00

    I'm having the same problem. Trying to get me to purchase Microsoft package which I don't need, can afford, or want. Not sure what the answer is.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  3. Anonymous
    2024-01-25T01:27:55+00:00

    Turn off "back up files" in Microsoft settings. This works on a computer. Do not open back up or it will auto turn back on. You can easily use a portable hard drive to back up your files.

    Not sure on phones but most have a cloud and do not use MS.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  4. Anonymous
    2024-01-25T08:54:43+00:00

    That message is so annoying. It keeps popping up every couple of days on my laptop, and is there every time I open Outlook on my phone. I've reduced my storage from 98% to 82% but still get the message. I just ignore it now, by closing the message.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  5. Anonymous
    2024-01-25T09:28:11+00:00

    I just got into my Microsoft account (I think by clicking on the message telling me I needed to buy storage space) and then deleted a whole bunch of attachments to my hotmails emails taking up a lot of storage space (photos, PDF files) to bring the percentage of space taken up down. I haven't had a problem since. For a long time, my documents were saved in One Drive without my realizing it so I had to shut that off and/or pay closer attention to where my documents are being saved.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments