Microsoft to Soon Allow 5TB or 10TB Storage in OneDrive
Microsoft is stepping up its cloud storage game with a big announcement that will excite heavy users of OneDrive. By the end of 2024, the tech giant will roll out new subscription tiers that offer 5TB and 10TB of storage for OneDrive. This is a significant leap from the current limit of 2TB available under Microsoft 365 Personal and Family plans, and it addresses the growing demand for more space as digital data, especially large media files, continue to increase.
In this article, we’ll dive into the details of Microsoft’s upcoming storage upgrades, what this means for users, and how it compares to other cloud storage providers.
Microsoft OneDrive: Expanding Beyond 2TB
OneDrive has long been a popular choice for personal and professional cloud storage. Microsoft 365 subscribers have enjoyed 1TB of storage as part of their plan, with the option to increase it to 2TB. However, many users—especially those storing large volumes of photos, videos, or business documents—have outgrown this capacity. To meet this demand, Microsoft will soon allow users to expand their storage to 5TB or even 10TB.
With this expansion, Microsoft is competing directly with other cloud providers like Google Drive and Apple iCloud, which already offer plans that accommodate heavy storage needs. Google Drive allows users to go up to 10TB, while iCloud recently introduced a 12TB option. By introducing these new tiers, OneDrive is ensuring it remains competitive in the cloud storage arena.
Who Benefits From OneDrive’s New Storage Tiers?
These new storage options are ideal for users who handle large amounts of data regularly.
- Photographers and Videographers: High-resolution media files can take up a lot of space. Professionals who use cloud storage to backup or share projects will benefit immensely from the 10TB limit.
- Content Creators: Whether you’re a YouTuber or an influencer managing large video libraries, having access to 5TB or 10TB of storage ensures smoother workflow without constant worry about reaching storage limits.
- Small Business Owners: Businesses that handle heavy data sets—such as design firms or marketing agencies—can store multiple projects on OneDrive without running into space constraints.
- Families and Personal Users: With families now sharing more digital content than ever, particularly high-definition photos and videos, the 5TB or 10TB storage plans will allow them to keep memories safe without continually managing space
Why Microsoft Is Expanding OneDrive Storage
The announcement to allow more storage space comes at a time when the demand for cloud storage is skyrocketing. We’re living in an era where smartphones capture 4K videos, RAW images, and large game files are becoming standard. For example, a simple 10-minute 4K video file can take up more than 1GB.
Cloud storage is no longer a luxury but a necessity, and 2TB just doesn’t cut it for many users anymore. In response, Microsoft is stepping up its game. By offering larger storage plans, Microsoft is addressing this demand head-on and preventing users from moving to competitors like Google Drive or Dropbox.
How Will These New Plans Work?
The new 5TB and 10TB storage options will be tied to Microsoft 365 subscriptions, meaning users must be part of either the Personal or Family plan to unlock these higher tiers. Unfortunately, users who are simply looking for additional storage without the other benefits of a Microsoft 365 subscription, such as Office applications and Teams, may find this setup a bit limiting.
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This is particularly important for those who may not need the entire Microsoft 365 package but want more OneDrive space. That being said, the added productivity tools included in the subscription may still prove beneficial for many users.
How Does This Compare to Other Cloud Providers?
Microsoft is not the only player in the large-scale storage market. Both Google Drive and iCloud have made similar moves to cater to users with high storage needs:
- Google Drive: Google offers storage options of 2TB, 5TB, and even up to 10TB with Google One. These plans also come with additional perks such as access to Google experts and enhanced sharing options.
- Apple iCloud: Apple recently expanded its iCloud storage, offering up to 12TB. This makes it a premium choice for those deep into the Apple ecosystem.
Microsoft Unveils Massive 5TB and 10TB OneDrive Storage Plans for 2025
With the new 5TB and 10TB options, Microsoft will level the playing field with Google and Apple. However, Microsoft’s decision to bundle these plans with its Microsoft 365 suite adds a layer of productivity that competitors don’t offer. Subscribers will get more than just storage—they’ll also benefit from tools like Word, Excel, and OneNote
FAQs
What are the new storage options coming to OneDrive?
Microsoft will soon introduce 5TB and 10TB storage plans for OneDrive users who are subscribed to Microsoft 365 Personal or Family plans.
When will the new OneDrive storage plans be available?
Microsoft plans to roll out these new storage options by the end of 2024.
Can I purchase 5TB or 10TB storage without subscribing to Microsoft 365?
No, the new storage tiers will be bundled with Microsoft 365 subscriptions, meaning you must be a subscriber to access the additional storage.
How does OneDrive’s new storage compare to Google Drive and iCloud?
Google Drive offers up to 10TB, while iCloud recently expanded to 12TB. Microsoft’s new options will bring OneDrive up to par with these providers in terms of storage capacity.
What happens to the free OneDrive tier?
There is no indication that Microsoft will be increasing the storage for its free OneDrive tier, which currently offers 5GB.
Who will benefit most from OneDrive’s 5TB and 10TB storage?
Professionals who handle large files, such as photographers, videographers, and small business owners, will likely see the most benefit from these new storage plans.
Conclusion
Microsoft’s introduction of 5TB and 10TB storage plans is a welcome move for users with high data needs. Whether you’re storing personal memories or large professional projects, these new storage tiers provide the flexibility and space users have been asking for. While the need to subscribe to Microsoft 365 might not suit everyone, the combination of expanded storage and productivity tools creates a compelling offer that’s hard to ignore. With these new options, OneDrive positions itself as a formidable competitor in the cloud storage space.