Some strange bug is preventing Outlook from refreshing storage usage by mail

Question

Some strange bug is preventing Outlook from refreshing storage usage by mail

Chas4 0

Cleared out around 900+ emails from over the years (which should be around a few GB) and the storage usage didn't go down but went up even after I cleared them out of recover folder also. This bug will prevent me and others from being able to send and receive email even though there is lots of storage.

Is there a way to get it force refresh server side?

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Hornblower409 15,510

@Chas4 said

Cleared out around 900+ emails ... and the storage usage didn't go down ... Is there a way to get it force refresh server side?

Not that you can do. You will need to bring in Microsoft Support:

Logon to https://outlook.cloud.microsoft/
From the main menu: Help -> ? Help
{This should open the Help side panel}
Search Help -> {Your problem} and press Enter
Still need help? [Yes]
If you get "We're here to help": Tell us your problem -> {Your problem, again} [Get Help]
[Sign In] {Use any Outlook/Microsoft account}
Choose a support option -> Chat with a support agent in your web browser

Chas4 0 Reputation points

2026-09-16T09:58:41.8666667+00:00

Already tried that, but I am told I need to pay about $100 to talk to Microsoft support via chat
Hornblower409 15,510 Reputation points

2026-09-16T14:45:35.8666667+00:00

@Chas4 said

Already tried that, but I am told I need to pay about $100 to talk to Microsoft support via chat

Did you follow the exact steps I provided? If so, this is free Chat support for anyone with a Microsoft/Outlook account.

If anyone is requiring you to pay to access Chat Support, please provide a screen shot or details on exactly what is being asked of you.
Chas4 0 Reputation points

2026-09-16T21:02:08.06+00:00

As already stated already tried that and I am instead told to pay $100 (this was from the Microsoft chat) for Microsoft 365 to be able to chat with support
Hornblower409 15,510 Reputation points

2026-09-16T23:09:38.4833333+00:00

Chas4,

I don't doubt that you were ask to pay, I'm just trying to figure out where in the support process you ended up and this was presented as the only option. e.g. The system misdirected you to MS 365 support and thinks you need a subscription to continue. The documented Outlook.com support process should not require paying $100 merely to submit a support request.

Can you provide a screenshot of the page where Microsoft asks for payment?
Chas4 0 Reputation points

2026-09-18T13:17:55.1633333+00:00

Shouldn't that chat be the same one you would get in the Get Help program on Windows?
Hornblower409 15,510 Reputation points

2026-09-18T15:11:53.57+00:00

@Chas4 said

Shouldn't that chat be the same one you would get in the Get Help program on Windows?

No. The path I gave is suppose to put you in the outlook.com Support Que. Not Windows Support.
Chas4 0 Reputation points

2026-09-18T15:13:36.3066667+00:00

Didn't say Windows Support but the Get Help app that should be triggering the same chat
Hornblower409 15,510 Reputation points

2026-09-18T15:40:59.7466667+00:00

@Chas4 said

Didn't say Windows Support but the Get Help app that should be triggering the same chat

I will not even pretend to understand the Microsoft Support tree. What I gave you is the path that seems to work for most people with a outlook.com account problem.
Chas4 0 Reputation points

2026-09-21T00:03:43.8166667+00:00

Supposedly tier 2 case but have not heard back on when to reach out again
Hornblower409 15,510 Reputation points

2026-09-21T00:41:08.1533333+00:00

@Chas4 said

Supposedly tier 2 case but have not heard back on when to reach out again

I am glad you are getting some traction with Support.

If you would please, leave a comment here on any findings or fix that Support provides. It might prove useful to others facing this same issue.
Chas4 0 Reputation points

2026-09-21T03:38:59.9+00:00

I try to when I find issues like this and fixes also

That live chat doesn't let you save the chat as a download as there is a forced feedback thing that pops up blocking download of the chatting.

I got almost 12 years in Windows Insider (different machine and I try to not use regular accounts on that one)
Hornblower409 15,510 Reputation points

2026-09-21T03:44:10.33+00:00

@Chas4 said

live chat doesn't let you save the chat as a download

Yes. Seen that on other Chats as well. All I have come up with is to periodically take Screen Shots or use a screen capture program to record the whole thing.
Chas4 0 Reputation points

2026-09-23T00:47:27.67+00:00

Teir 2 from that chat take a while to respond?
Hornblower409 15,510 Reputation points

2026-09-23T01:21:01.3+00:00

Chas said

Teir 2 from that chat take a while to respond?

I have no idea. Never had a Tier 2 case.