storage outlook full, deleted everything on onedrive but its not updating my storage space

kek 0 Reputation points
2026-11-13T09:38:29.2266667+00:00

Can't email anymore because storage limit got reached. it says onedrive has files. but i deleted it all. it does not update. help!

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  1. SD - IA 183.2K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-11-13T10:14:41.9+00:00

    Hi,

    I will walk through a few steps with you. Some of these are just to help figure out what is wrong, not to fix it right away. So if nothing changes after a step, that is normal. I will keep going until we solve it.

    If you go to https://onedrive.live.com/largestfiles page to verify the largest files and https://onedrive.live.com/?view=1&v=managestorage&sw=bypassConfig to view the Storage space, does it help you out in anyway?

    For your information that for me, these pages are not working due to an ongoing Microsoft outage, so it may not work for you, and it also might be the case that you are having these issues due to the same outage as well.

    Before trying anything else, I recommend waiting a few hours until the outage is resolved.

    I look forward to hearing from you to get the results of the troubleshooting.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-11-13T09:38:49.09+00:00

    Deleting OneDrive files does not always update Microsoft storage immediately. While the storage status is still over quota, Outlook.com can block sending and receiving email, and OneDrive files stay read-only.

    Try this:

    1. Check Microsoft storage usage in the Microsoft storage area of the account dashboard to confirm whether the account is still over the cloud storage quota.
    2. In OneDrive, open Manage your OneDrive storage and make sure the Recycle bin is empty. Items in the Recycle Bin still count toward storage.
    3. In Outlook.com, go to Settings > Account > Storage and free up mailbox space if needed. Outlook mailbox storage is separate, and consumer mailboxes are limited to 100 GB.
    4. Check the Outbox and mailbox storage in Outlook.com, because mailbox content can also prevent mail flow.
    5. If storage was just cleared or extra storage was purchased, the updated quota can take up to 24 hours to appear. If it still has not updated after 48 hours, contact support.

    Important effects while over quota:

    • OneDrive: cannot upload, edit, or sync new files.
    • Outlook.com: cannot send or receive email if cloud storage quota or mailbox quota is exceeded.
    • After 3 months over the OneDrive limit, the account can be frozen.
    • After 6 months, Microsoft might delete the OneDrive and its files.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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