Understanding Microsoft 365 shared storage
Microsoft 365 subscriptions now use shared cloud storage instead of individual user storage quotas.
Microsoft 365 Family and Premium subscriptions include 2 TB of shared cloud storage, and Microsoft 365 Pro includes 5 TB. The primary subscriber and up to five additional members draw from the same shared storage pool. Storage add-ons purchased by subscription members are automatically added to the shared pool. Eligible family members' free storage grants also contribute to the shared pool.
While storage quotas are shared, files remain private. Each member can access only their own files unless they explicitly share content with others. Shared storage changes how storage is allocated across the subscription, not who can see your files.
For existing Microsoft 365 Family and Premium subscribers, this change generally takes effect after the first subscription renewal on or after May 2, 2027, unless an eligible plan change occurs earlier.
This approach provides more flexibility by making storage available to the people who need it most.
How storage works by subscription
Microsoft 365 Basic
- Includes 100 GB of cloud storage for one person.
- Storage is available only to the account holder.
Microsoft 365 Personal
- Includes 1 TB of cloud storage for one person.
- Storage is dedicated to the account holder.
Microsoft 365 Family
- Includes 2 TB of shared storage for members of the subscription.
- Storage is shared across the subscription rather than assigned individually.
- Each person's files, photos, and documents remain private by default, even when using shared storage.
- Additional storage purchases are added to the shared storage pool.
Microsoft 365 Premium
- Includes 2 TB of shared storage for members of the subscription.
- Storage is shared across the subscription rather than assigned individually.
- Each person's files, photos, and documents remain private by default, even when using shared storage.
- Additional storage purchases are added to the shared storage pool.
Microsoft 365 Pro
- Includes 5 TB of shared storage for members of the subscription.
- Storage is shared across the subscription rather than assigned individually.
- Each person's files, photos, and documents remain private by default, even when using shared storage.
- Additional storage purchases are added to the shared storage pool.
Common questions
Why did storage change?
Shared storage provides greater flexibility for families. With shared storage:
- Storage automatically goes where it's needed.
- Members are less likely to run into individual storage limits.
- Unused storage can benefit the entire family.
- Additional storage purchases can help everyone with the subscription.
How much storage is included?
Microsoft 365 Family and Premium subscriptions include 2 TB of shared storage, while Microsoft 365 Pro includes 5 TB. The primary subscriber and up to five additional members (six members total) can use the storage. Storage comes from a single shared pool rather than separate per-person allocations. Existing subscribers in eligible markets might also qualify for transitional bonus storage. For more information, see Will I receive any additional storage during the transition to shared storage?
Will I receive any additional storage during the transition to shared storage?
Existing Microsoft 365 Family and Premium customers who meet eligibility requirements in supported markets might receive bonus storage when their subscription renews after shared storage rolls out.
For existing Microsoft 365 Family and Premium subscribers, the transition to shared storage generally takes effect after the first subscription renewal that occurs on or after May 2, 2027. Customers receive communications with more details before the change is applied to their subscription.
If you switch to another eligible Microsoft 365 subscription before your scheduled transition date, such as moving from Microsoft 365 Family to Microsoft 365 Premium, the shared storage model might be applied as part of that subscription change and could take effect before your first renewal after May 2, 2027.
You don't pay extra for this bonus storage. It's added to the storage included with your subscription.
What happens if I upgrade or downgrade my subscription before May 2, 2027?
If you're an existing subscriber and upgrade before May 2, 2027, your subscription moves to the shared storage model. For example, if you upgrade from Microsoft 365 Family to Microsoft 365 Premium before May 2, 2027, your new shared storage allocation is 2 TB.
If you downgrade before May 2, 2027, the downgrade alone doesn't move your subscription to the shared storage model. Your subscription continues under its current storage model until it renews on or after May 2, 2027. It then moves to the shared storage model for your plan. You'll receive a notification before this change.
When does this change go into effect for existing subscribers?
New and upgraded subscriptions include shared storage starting October 8, 2026. If you already have a subscription before October 8, 2026, your plan moves to shared storage when it renews on or after May 2, 2027. Nothing changes before then, and you'll receive an email before your renewal.
Why is Microsoft making this change?
The goal is to provide a more flexible experience. Shared storage helps ensure that one person doesn't run out of space while other members have unused storage available.
How do I manage my storage?
You can view and manage your storage at any time in your Microsoft account. The storage dashboard shows how much storage you're using and how much is available.
What happens if my family uses more than the storage quota?
You don't immediately lose access to your files. If your subscription approaches the 2 TB limit, you'll receive notifications so that you can plan ahead. You can free up space, purchase additional storage, upgrade your subscription, or take other steps to avoid disruption. If your subscription exceeds the limit, you can continue to access your files for up to one year while you manage your storage.
Can I buy more storage?
Yes. You can add storage to your subscription, up to a total of 10 TB, to give everyone more OneDrive storage.
What if I already use a lot of storage?
If you use a large amount of storage, you'll receive advance notice and transition support. Additional storage options might be available depending on your eligibility.
Is this change a reduction in storage?
Total storage varies by plan, but the shared storage model gives you more flexibility in how you use storage across the subscription. Instead of dividing storage into fixed per-person allocations, those who need it most can use the available storage. For example, if the subscription owner doesn't share the plan, they can use the full shared storage allotment. Similarly, if one member needs significantly more storage than others, they can use more of the shared pool without being limited by an individual allocation.
How do I cancel my subscription?
You can cancel your Microsoft 365 subscription at any time by signing in to your Microsoft account and managing your subscription settings.
To cancel your subscription:
Go to account.microsoft.com/services/microsoft365. If prompted, sign in with the Microsoft account that you used to purchase your Microsoft 365 subscription.
Select Cancel subscription. The option might be labeled Upgrade or Cancel.
Note
If you don't see an option to cancel but see a Turn on recurring billing link, your subscription is already set to expire on the date shown. You won't be charged after this date, and you can continue to use the subscription until it expires.
See the Please review section at the top of the cancel page.
Tip
This section might include less expensive subscription options.
Review the additional information on the page. At the bottom, select I want to keep my benefits if you decide to keep your subscription, or I don't want my subscription if you choose to cancel.
Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm your choice.
Note
If you cancel, you'll continue to have access to your subscription benefits until the end of your current billing period unless local laws or your purchase terms provide otherwise.
See also
What is Microsoft cloud storage?
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