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Rcvd msg from Microsoft that account storage is 80+% full, can't find how to fix?????

Al Christenson 80 Reputation points
2026-04-06T21:15:33.9866667+00:00

I rcvd a msg from Microsoft saying that my storage was over 80% full, and suggested that I remove files or delete emails with large attachments. I tried logging in to the account referenced in the email, and it told me I didn't have access rights and I should ask the site manager for help. I am a home account and I'm the only one on this system!!!! It also appears that my MS account is under another email address account, and I have no idea what is causing the problem. The other email account says it is 0% used out of 1 TB. The only thing I can think of is that perhaps the Office 365 was ordered under the other email address, but since I still can't access the details of that account, I am at a loss what to do. It says if it fills, it will cease sending emails, won't allow backups, stop access to OneDrive (I could care less about that! I don't knowingly use OneDrive!) .... Help. How do I contact Microsoft to straighten out whatever has been created for this mess??????

Microsoft 365 and Office | OneDrive | For home | Windows
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  1. Emmanuel Santana 38,175 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-04-09T10:19:15.3033333+00:00

    Hello. Can you please share a screenshot of what's shown on this site: https://onedrive.live.com/?v=managestorage

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  2. Q&A Assist
    2026-04-06T21:15:52.5166667+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    The message indicates that one of the Microsoft accounts tied to the email address in the notification is close to its Microsoft cloud storage limit (OneDrive + Outlook.com + other services), and if it stays over quota, services like email and OneDrive can stop working.

    Key points from the behavior described:

    • The warning email is going to one address, but sign-in and storage views show different usage for different accounts.
    • This commonly happens when more than one Microsoft account exists (for example, an older personal account created for Xbox, Skype, or Outlook.com) and that older account’s OneDrive or unified storage is full, even though the newer account shows plenty of space.

    What the warning means

    • If the message says storage is nearly full or over quota, it is referring to Microsoft unified storage.
    • When Microsoft storage is exceeded:
      • Cannot upload, edit, or sync new files to OneDrive; existing files become read-only.
      • Cannot send or receive email in Outlook.com, even if the mailbox itself is not full.
      • Cannot send or receive Microsoft Teams messages with attachments.
      • After 6 months over quota, OneDrive and all files in it may be deleted and become non‑recoverable.

    Why access might be denied

    • The email may reference an older or different Microsoft account (for example, an account created years ago for Xbox, Skype, or Outlook.com) that has its own OneDrive and storage.
    • That account can be tied to a different primary email/alias than the one currently used for Microsoft 365, so signing in with the newer address shows 0% used while the older account is actually full.

    How to resolve the storage problem

    1. Sign in with the exact email address that received the storage warning.
      • Use the sign-in link in the official Microsoft notice or go directly via the standard Microsoft sign-in page and enter the address that appears in the warning email.
      • Once signed in, check OneDrive and Microsoft storage usage.
    2. If sign-in fails due to forgotten username or password:
      • Follow the guidance under “You can't sign in to your Microsoft account” to recover the account and regain access.
    3. Once signed in to the correct account, get back under the storage quota by either:
      • Deleting files and folders from OneDrive (including large files, old backups, or content in services that store to OneDrive), or
      • Buying more storage or a subscription if that is preferred.
    4. If Microsoft unified storage is over quota:
      • Deleting OneDrive files and emptying the recycle bin will reduce usage.
      • After storage is back under the quota, Outlook.com and other services will resume normal operation.
    5. If the account has been inactive for a long time:
      • If OneDrive has not been used for two years, Microsoft may schedule it for deletion. Signing in to the account before the stated date reactivates it and prevents erasure, provided storage is brought back under the limit.

    How to stop the warning emails

    • Ensure the account that actually owns the storage (the one receiving the warning) is signed in and cleaned up.
    • If an old account is no longer needed, clean out its OneDrive and email so it is under quota; then it will stop generating “storage limit exceeded” or “files will be erased” notices.

    If sign-in issues continue

    • Use the official “You can't sign in to your Microsoft account” guidance to recover access to the account that is over quota.
    • Once access is restored, manage storage as above.

    References:

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