Changes to OneDrive Storage Policies for Unlicensed OneDrive Accounts

Microsoft has recently announced an important update regarding OneDrive storage policies for business and enterprise unlicensed accounts. This change, set to take effect between late January and March 2025, aims to streamline storage management and ensure better resource allocation.

Key Points of the Update

1. Archiving of Unlicensed Accounts: Unlicensed OneDrive accounts inactive for over 90 days will be archived. While these accounts will be inaccessible to users, they will remain visible to administrators. This measure allows admins to decide whether to archive, delete, or renew these accounts
2. Impact on Users and Admins: For users, this means that any unlicensed accounts not accessed within the specified period will no longer be available. Administrators, however, will retain visibility and control over these accounts, enabling them to manage storage more effectively
3. Exemptions for Education Tenants: It’s worth noting that education tenants are currently exempt from this policy change. This exemption ensures that educational institutions can continue to use OneDrive without disruption

What This Means for Your Organization

Organizations should prepare for this update by reviewing their current OneDrive accounts and identifying any unlicensed accounts that may be affected. Administrators should consider the following steps:

• Audit Existing Accounts: Conduct a thorough audit of all OneDrive accounts to identify unlicensed accounts that have been inactive for over 90 days.
• Communicate with Users: Inform users about the upcoming changes and encourage them to access their accounts if they wish to retain them.
• Plan for Archiving or Deletion: Develop a plan for archiving or deleting unlicensed accounts, ensuring that important data is preserved or migrated as needed.

Conclusion

This update is part of Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to optimize its services and provide better user resource management. By taking proactive steps now, organizations can ensure a smooth transition and continue to benefit from OneDrive’s robust storage solutions.

Stay tuned for more updates!