Microsoft cuts OneDrive cloud storage allowances

Starting early next year, Microsoft is cutting the OneDrive storage allowances of both free users and paying subscribers. Free OneDrive storage will decrease from 15GB to 5GB for all users, and the 15GB camera roll will be discontinued entirely. 100GB and 200GB paid plans will both be discontinued, and replaced with a 50GB USD$1.99 per month option.

And coming into effect immediately, Microsoft is axing Office 365 subscribers' unlimited storage, taking them back to 1TB. Customers with an excess of 1TB will be able to keep their increased storage for at least 12 months.

When the changes come into effect, free users will be provided with 90 days to downsize if they're using more than the new 5GB capacity. If they are still over quota after the 90 day period, they account will become read only. After 9 months, the account will be locked, and content may be deleted after one year.

Customers currently on 100GB or 200GB paid plans will be able to continue using them for the foreseeable future.

Microsoft says the changes come as a result of users treating OneDrive as an "extreme backup" solution, racking up as much as 75TB of stored data.

"These changes are needed to ensure that we can continue to deliver a collaborative, connected, and intelligent service," wrote the OneDrive team on the official blog. "They will allow us to continue to innovate and make OneDrive the best option for people who want to be productive and do more."