Key points
- Microsoft 365 Family, Premium and Pro plans will share 2TB of cloud storage among all users.
- The change applies to subscription renewals occurring after May 2, 2027.
- Microsoft cites better allocation of unused space as the reason for the policy shift.
Microsoft is altering how cloud storage is allocated for its Microsoft 365 Family, Premium and Pro plans. Instead of each user receiving 1TB of personal space, subscribers will share a single 2TB pool. This adjustment affects accounts with up to six users, significantly reducing the total available capacity for households where everyone stores large amounts of data.
In plain English
Previously, every person on a shared Microsoft 365 account got their own 1TB of cloud storage. Under the new rules, the entire group shares one 2TB bucket. If you have six people on the plan, the total storage drops from 6TB to 2TB. This means families where multiple members save photos, documents and backups will have less room unless they buy extra space.
The background
According to Tom’s Hardware, Microsoft stated the change ensures storage goes where it is needed most. The company noted that unused space from one user can now benefit others in the household. Additionally, any extra storage purchased by the primary subscriber will be available to everyone on the plan, rather than being locked to a single account.
What changes now
The new policy takes effect for subscriptions renewed after May 2, 2027. Users can change their plan earlier if they wish to avoid the switch. Some subscribers may receive bonus storage during the transition, though Microsoft did not specify eligibility criteria. The move comes as hardware shortages drive up storage costs, with enterprise SSD prices surging significantly in recent months.
What to do and how to stay safe: Microsoft 365
- Check your current Microsoft 365 plan details to see if you are on Family, Premium or Pro.
- Review how much cloud storage each family member uses to determine if 2TB is sufficient.
- Monitor your account notifications for updates regarding the May 2027 renewal deadline.
- Consider purchasing additional storage tiers if your household exceeds the new shared limit.
Step-by-step guide: Cloud Logging and Monitoring: Benefits, Limits and Real-World Trade-offs
General security guidance from the RedTeam Log newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
When does the new storage limit start?
The change applies to subscription renewals after May 2, 2027.
Which Microsoft 365 plans are affected?
The Microsoft 365 Family, Premium and Pro plans are affected by this change.
Can I buy more storage if I run out?
Yes, additional storage can be purchased, starting at $1.99 per month for 200GB.
