Microsoft OneDrive is one of the most widely used cloud storage platforms for storing, syncing, backing up, and sharing files across computers and mobile devices. If you’re looking for 1TB of OneDrive storage, one of the most common ways to get it is through a qualifying Microsoft 365 subscription, which typically includes 1TB of OneDrive cloud storage per user.
While a standard Microsoft account includes a limited amount of free OneDrive storage, the full 1TB allocation is generally associated with Microsoft 365 Personal, Family, business, education, or workplace plans. Free trials and promotional offers may also provide temporary access to additional OneDrive storage.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to get 1TB of OneDrive storage, how much OneDrive storage Microsoft provides for free, the differences between OneDrive storage plans, pricing and storage limits, and how to determine which option is right for personal or business use.
What Is OneDrive and Why Use It?
Microsoft OneDrive is a cloud storage and file synchronization service that allows you to store files online and access them from computers, smartphones, tablets, and web browsers. OneDrive is integrated with Windows and Microsoft 365, making it easy to work with documents created in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other Microsoft applications.
Files stored in OneDrive can be synchronized between your computer and the cloud, allowing changes made on one device to appear automatically on your other connected devices. You can also access your files through a web browser when you’re away from your primary computer.
Key Benefits of Microsoft OneDrive
Access files from virtually anywhere
OneDrive lets you access your documents, photos, and other files from supported devices using your Microsoft account. This can be especially useful when working from multiple computers or switching between office, home, and mobile devices.
Automatically sync important files
OneDrive can synchronize files and folders between your computer and Microsoft cloud storage. Windows users can also configure OneDrive to help protect commonly used folders such as Desktop and Documents.
Share files and collaborate with others
Files and folders stored in OneDrive can be shared with coworkers, clients, family members, or other users without sending large email attachments. Microsoft 365 users can also collaborate on supported Office documents.
Recover previous versions of files
OneDrive provides file version history for supported files, allowing you to restore an earlier version when a document is accidentally changed or overwritten.
Integrate with Microsoft 365
OneDrive works closely with Microsoft 365 applications and services, providing cloud-based file storage that can be accessed from Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, and other Microsoft tools.
For businesses, OneDrive can also provide centralized cloud file storage as part of a broader Microsoft 365 environment, helping employees securely access and collaborate on company files from different locations and devices.
How Much Free OneDrive Storage Do You Get?
Microsoft provides 5 GB of free OneDrive cloud storage with a standard Microsoft account. This free storage can be used for documents, photos, videos, and other files that you want to store in the cloud and access across your devices.
For users with relatively small storage needs, 5 GB may be enough for basic documents and occasional file sharing. However, it can fill up quickly if you use OneDrive to store large numbers of photos, videos, computer files, or other data.
Is 1TB of OneDrive Storage Free?
A standard free Microsoft account does not include 1TB of OneDrive storage. The commonly advertised 1TB of OneDrive storage is generally included as a benefit of qualifying Microsoft 365 subscriptions.
Depending on the Microsoft 365 plan, you may receive:
- 5 GB with a free Microsoft account
- 100 GB with eligible Microsoft storage or subscription options
- 1 TB with Microsoft 365 Personal
- Up to 6 TB total with Microsoft 365 Family, with 1 TB available to each of up to six people
- 1 TB or more per user with certain Microsoft 365 business and organizational plans
Microsoft may also offer trials, educational licenses, workplace accounts, or promotional offers that provide access to additional OneDrive storage.
If you’re specifically searching for 1TB of OneDrive storage for free, check whether you already have access through your employer, school, existing Microsoft 365 subscription, or an eligible promotional offer before purchasing another plan.
How to Get 1TB of OneDrive Storage
There are several legitimate ways to get 1TB of OneDrive cloud storage, with a Microsoft 365 subscription being the most common option. You may also already have access to OneDrive storage through your employer, school, or another organization.
1. Get 1TB of OneDrive with Microsoft 365 Personal
Microsoft 365 Personal is designed for one person and includes 1TB of OneDrive cloud storage along with access to Microsoft 365 applications and services.
This option is well suited for individuals who need considerably more storage than the free OneDrive plan provides and want to store documents, photos, videos, and other files in the Microsoft cloud.
With 1TB available, OneDrive can also be used to synchronize files between multiple devices and provide access to important files while away from your primary computer.
2. Get OneDrive Storage with Microsoft 365 Family
Microsoft 365 Family provides Microsoft 365 benefits for multiple people. Each eligible user receives their own OneDrive storage allocation rather than everyone sharing a single OneDrive account.
This can provide up to 6TB of total OneDrive storage, with up to 1TB available per person for as many as six users.
Microsoft 365 Family can be a good option for households where several people need their own cloud storage, Microsoft applications, and individual Microsoft accounts.
3. Get OneDrive Through a Business Microsoft 365 Plan
Businesses using Microsoft 365 may receive OneDrive for Business storage for each licensed user, depending on the Microsoft 365 plan and licensing configuration.
OneDrive for Business is particularly useful for organizations because employees can store and access work files while the business maintains administrative control over Microsoft 365 accounts, permissions, security settings, and access.
Organizations considering OneDrive should evaluate their Microsoft 365 licensing, security requirements, file-sharing policies, and backup strategy rather than selecting a plan based solely on storage capacity.
4. Check Your Workplace or School Account
Before purchasing additional OneDrive storage, check whether your employer, school, university, or other organization already provides Microsoft 365.
Many organizations provide users with Microsoft 365 accounts that include OneDrive storage as part of their existing license. If you already have an organizational Microsoft account, sign in to OneDrive with that account to determine how much storage is available.
Keep in mind that files stored under a workplace or school account may be controlled by that organization and could become inaccessible if your account is disabled or you leave the organization.
5. Look for Microsoft Trials or Promotional Offers
Microsoft and its partners may periodically offer trials or promotions that include additional OneDrive storage. These offers can sometimes be associated with Microsoft 365 trials, new computers, mobile devices, or other Microsoft products and services.
Promotional storage should not be considered permanent unless the terms of the offer specifically state otherwise. Always check the expiration date, renewal terms, and storage allocation before relying on a promotional offer for long-term file storage.
Can You Get 1TB of OneDrive Completely Free?
Microsoft’s standard free OneDrive account does not include 1TB of permanent cloud storage. If you see an offer advertising “free 1TB OneDrive storage,” verify that it comes directly from Microsoft or an authorized provider and review the terms carefully.
Legitimate access to 1TB without purchasing a separate personal subscription may be available through an employer, school, Microsoft 365 trial, bundled license, or qualifying promotion.
For most individual users who want their own permanent 1TB OneDrive allocation, a qualifying Microsoft 365 subscription is the standard way to obtain it.
OneDrive Storage Plans and Pricing
Microsoft offers several OneDrive storage options for individuals, families, and businesses. The amount of storage available depends on whether you use a free Microsoft account, purchase additional cloud storage, or subscribe to a Microsoft 365 plan.
For many users, the biggest difference between the plans is the jump from the limited storage included with a free Microsoft account to the 1TB of OneDrive storage included with Microsoft 365 Personal and other qualifying Microsoft 365 subscriptions.
OneDrive Free vs. Paid Storage
| OneDrive Option | Storage | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Free Microsoft Account | 5 GB | Basic documents and light personal use |
| Microsoft 365 Basic | 100 GB | Personal users who need more cloud storage |
| Microsoft 365 Personal | 1 TB | Individuals with larger storage needs |
| Microsoft 365 Family | Up to 6 TB total | Families and households with multiple users |
| Microsoft 365 Business Plans | Varies by plan | Businesses and organizations |
Microsoft 365 Family provides separate storage allocations for eligible users rather than placing the entire storage capacity into one shared OneDrive account.
Business storage can vary depending on the Microsoft 365 or OneDrive for Business license assigned to the user, so organizations should verify the storage limits and features included with their specific licensing.
How Much Does 1TB of OneDrive Cost?
There generally isn’t a single universal price for “1TB of OneDrive” because Microsoft bundles OneDrive storage with different Microsoft 365 subscriptions.
For an individual, Microsoft 365 Personal is one of the most common ways to obtain 1TB of OneDrive storage. The subscription also includes additional Microsoft 365 applications and features, making the cost more than simply a charge for cloud storage.
Families can consider Microsoft 365 Family, which can provide separate 1TB storage allocations for multiple users. Businesses have their own Microsoft 365 licensing options that may include OneDrive for Business along with email, collaboration, security, and administrative features.
Because Microsoft can change subscription pricing and plan features, check Microsoft’s current Microsoft 365 plans before purchasing or upgrading a subscription.
Which OneDrive Storage Plan Do You Need?
The right amount of OneDrive storage depends on what you plan to store.
A free 5 GB account may be sufficient if you primarily store documents and a small number of photos. Users storing large photo libraries, videos, computer folders, or years of personal files may benefit from 100 GB or 1TB of storage.
For businesses, storage capacity is only one consideration. Organizations should also consider user management, file permissions, secure sharing, account security, data retention, backup, and employee access when choosing a Microsoft 365 plan.
If you already subscribe to Microsoft 365, check your existing account before purchasing additional storage. You may already have substantially more OneDrive storage available than you are currently using.
How to Set Up and Use OneDrive
Once you have a Microsoft account or Microsoft 365 subscription that includes OneDrive storage, you can begin storing and synchronizing files across your devices. OneDrive is built into Windows 11 and is also available for Mac, iPhone, iPad, Android, and through a web browser.
1. Sign In to OneDrive
Open OneDrive on your computer or visit OneDrive through your web browser and sign in using the Microsoft account associated with your storage or Microsoft 365 subscription.
If you have both a personal Microsoft account and a work or school account, make sure you sign in with the account that contains the OneDrive storage you want to use.
2. Set Up OneDrive on Your Computer
On a Windows PC, search for OneDrive from the Start menu and open the application. Enter your Microsoft account information when prompted and follow the setup process.
OneDrive will create a OneDrive folder on your computer. Files placed in this folder can synchronize with Microsoft’s cloud service and become available on your other connected devices.
3. Choose Which Folders to Sync
You can control which OneDrive files and folders are available on a particular computer. This is useful when your OneDrive account contains more data than you want stored locally on the device.
OneDrive also supports features that can help synchronize important Windows folders, such as Desktop and Documents, with your OneDrive account.
4. Use Files On-Demand to Save Computer Storage
OneDrive Files On-Demand allows you to see files in File Explorer without necessarily storing a full local copy of every file on your computer.
Files can remain available online and download when needed, helping conserve disk space on computers with smaller solid-state drives.
You can also choose important files or folders that you want to keep downloaded and available when you don’t have an internet connection.
5. Access OneDrive from Other Devices
After your files have synchronized, you can access them from other computers and mobile devices by signing in to the same Microsoft account.
The OneDrive mobile app can also be used to view, upload, organize, and share files while away from your computer.
6. Share Files and Folders
OneDrive allows you to share individual files or entire folders with other people. Depending on the sharing settings available to your account, you can control whether recipients can view or edit the content.
Business users should be particularly careful when sharing company information externally. Microsoft 365 administrators can configure sharing and security policies to help control how organizational data is accessed.
OneDrive Sync Is Not the Same as Backup
OneDrive can provide valuable protection by keeping files synchronized with Microsoft’s cloud service and offering features such as version history. However, file synchronization should not automatically be considered a complete backup strategy.
If a file is deleted, changed, encrypted, or affected by an account-related issue, those changes may also affect synchronized data. Businesses using Microsoft 365 should consider whether they need a separate backup solution for OneDrive, SharePoint, Exchange Online, and other Microsoft 365 data.
How to Check Your OneDrive Storage
If you’re unsure how much OneDrive storage you have or how much space you’re currently using, you can check your storage directly through your Microsoft account or OneDrive.
Your available storage will depend on whether you’re using a free Microsoft account, Microsoft 365 subscription, or a OneDrive for Business account provided by your employer or organization.
Check OneDrive Storage Online
One of the easiest ways to check your OneDrive storage is through a web browser:
- Sign in to OneDrive with your Microsoft account.
- Open your OneDrive settings or storage information.
- Review your total storage capacity and the amount currently being used.
This can help you determine whether you’re approaching your OneDrive storage limit and whether you need to delete files, manage existing data, or increase your storage.
Check Which Files Are Using Your OneDrive Storage
If your OneDrive account is getting full, review the files and folders consuming the most space. Large videos, photo collections, backups, archived files, and duplicate data can consume significant amounts of cloud storage.
Before deleting files, make sure you understand whether they are synchronized with a computer or other device. Deleting a synchronized file from OneDrive may also remove it from other locations where that OneDrive account is syncing the file.
Check Your Microsoft 365 Subscription
If you expected to have 1TB of OneDrive storage but see a smaller amount, verify which Microsoft account you’re using and whether your Microsoft 365 subscription is active.
This is particularly important if you have multiple Microsoft accounts, such as:
- A personal Microsoft account
- A work Microsoft 365 account
- A school or university account
- An older Microsoft account associated with another email address
Your OneDrive storage is associated with the specific Microsoft account and subscription you’re signed into.
OneDrive for Business Storage
If your OneDrive account is provided by your employer, your available storage may be controlled by your organization’s Microsoft 365 licensing and administrative settings.
Microsoft 365 administrators can review user licensing and OneDrive settings when an employee does not have the expected storage capacity or is approaching an organizational storage limit.
How to Increase OneDrive Storage
If you’re running out of OneDrive storage, you have several options for increasing the amount of cloud storage available to your account. The best option depends on your current Microsoft account, subscription, and whether you’re using OneDrive for personal or business purposes.
Upgrade Your Microsoft 365 Plan
For personal users, upgrading to a Microsoft 365 subscription is one of the most common ways to increase OneDrive storage.
If you’re currently using the free OneDrive storage included with a Microsoft account, moving to an eligible Microsoft 365 plan can significantly increase your available storage. Microsoft 365 Personal, for example, includes 1TB of OneDrive storage for one user.
Before upgrading, check your existing Microsoft subscriptions. You may already have OneDrive storage included with a Microsoft 365 plan that hasn’t been activated or is associated with a different Microsoft account.
Add More OneDrive Storage
Depending on your Microsoft subscription and the options currently available, Microsoft may allow you to purchase additional cloud storage beyond the amount included with your existing plan.
Check your Microsoft account and current OneDrive storage options to determine whether additional storage can be added without changing your entire Microsoft 365 subscription.
Free Up Existing OneDrive Space
Increasing your storage isn’t always necessary. If your OneDrive account is approaching its limit, first review what is consuming the available space.
Consider removing or relocating:
- Large videos you no longer need in OneDrive
- Duplicate photos and files
- Old downloads and archives
- Unnecessary shared or personal files
- Files that no longer need to be stored in the cloud
Be careful when deleting synchronized files. Removing a file from OneDrive may also remove it from computers and other devices synchronized with the same account.
Increase OneDrive Storage for Business Users
Businesses using OneDrive through Microsoft 365 should review the user’s assigned license and current storage configuration before purchasing additional capacity.
If an employee is running out of OneDrive space, a Microsoft 365 administrator can determine whether the issue involves the user’s license, storage allocation, unnecessary data, or how the organization is using OneDrive and SharePoint.
For businesses with significant amounts of data, simply increasing individual OneDrive storage may not always be the best solution. SharePoint, Teams, or another business storage platform may be more appropriate for shared organizational files, while OneDrive is generally better suited to files associated with an individual user.
Before Buying More Storage
If you’re regularly running out of OneDrive space, take a moment to evaluate how you’re using the service. Moving everything into one user’s OneDrive account can create file-management and access problems, particularly in a business environment.
Personal files, shared company documents, long-term archives, backups, and collaborative data may have different storage requirements. Choosing the right Microsoft 365 storage location can make files easier to manage, secure, share, and recover.
OneDrive Storage Limits Explained
OneDrive storage limits depend on the type of Microsoft account or Microsoft 365 subscription you have. Your total storage capacity determines how much data you can keep in OneDrive, but there are also limits and restrictions that can affect individual files, syncing, and how OneDrive is used.
Understanding these limits can help you avoid synchronization problems and determine whether your current OneDrive plan provides enough capacity.
What Is the OneDrive Free Storage Limit?
A standard Microsoft account includes 5 GB of free OneDrive storage. This storage is associated with your Microsoft account and can be used for documents, photos, videos, and other supported files.
Once you approach or exceed your available storage, you may need to remove files, purchase additional storage, or upgrade to a Microsoft 365 plan with a larger OneDrive allocation.
What Is the OneDrive Storage Limit with Microsoft 365?
Microsoft 365 Personal typically includes 1TB of OneDrive storage for one person, while Microsoft 365 Family can provide 1TB per person for up to six people.
OneDrive for Business storage depends on the Microsoft 365 or OneDrive license assigned to the user and the organization’s configuration. Businesses should verify the limits associated with their specific Microsoft 365 licensing rather than assuming every business account has the same storage capacity.
Is There a Maximum File Size in OneDrive?
In addition to your overall storage capacity, OneDrive has limits on the size of individual files that can be uploaded or synchronized.
Very large files may take considerably longer to upload or sync, particularly on slower internet connections. Organizations working with large video, design, engineering, database, or archive files should consider file-size requirements when deciding whether OneDrive is the appropriate storage platform.
What Happens When OneDrive Is Full?
When your OneDrive account reaches its storage limit, your ability to upload and synchronize additional files can be affected.
If you’re approaching your limit, you can:
- Review and remove files you no longer need
- Empty the OneDrive Recycle Bin when appropriate
- Move archival data to another suitable storage location
- Upgrade your OneDrive or Microsoft 365 storage
- Review whether large files are being stored in the appropriate Microsoft 365 location
Before deleting files to create space, remember that OneDrive synchronizes data between the cloud and connected devices. Deleting a synchronized file may remove it from other locations as well.
OneDrive Storage vs. Computer Storage
OneDrive cloud storage and the physical storage inside your computer are two different things.
For example, you could have 1TB of OneDrive cloud storage while using a computer with a much smaller solid-state drive. OneDrive Files On-Demand can help manage this difference by allowing files to remain stored primarily in the cloud while still appearing in File Explorer.
This makes it possible to maintain a large OneDrive library without downloading every file to your computer at the same time.
Is 1TB of OneDrive Storage Enough?
For most individual users, 1TB of OneDrive storage is a substantial amount of cloud storage. It provides enough capacity for large collections of documents, photos, presentations, spreadsheets, and other everyday files while still leaving room for future growth.
One terabyte equals approximately 1,000 GB of storage, which is significantly more than the 5 GB included with a standard free Microsoft account.
What Can You Store in 1TB of OneDrive?
How long 1TB lasts depends heavily on the types of files you store.
Documents, spreadsheets, PDFs, and presentations generally consume relatively little space, meaning 1TB can hold a very large collection of typical business or personal documents.
Photos and videos require considerably more storage. High-resolution photos, 4K video, large design files, and other media can consume hundreds of gigabytes much more quickly.
For someone primarily using OneDrive for Microsoft Office documents and everyday files, 1TB may provide years of storage capacity.
Is 1TB Enough for Business Use?
For an individual employee, 1TB of OneDrive storage is often more than enough for normal business documents and day-to-day files. However, businesses should consider more than the amount of storage available to each user.
OneDrive is primarily designed around files associated with individual users. Documents that belong to a department, team, or the organization itself may be better stored in SharePoint or Microsoft Teams, where access does not depend on a single employee’s OneDrive account.
A well-designed Microsoft 365 environment typically uses different services for different purposes:
- OneDrive for an individual’s work files
- SharePoint for shared company and departmental files
- Microsoft Teams for team collaboration and access to shared content
- Microsoft 365 backup for independent protection and recovery of important cloud data
When Might You Need More Than 1TB?
You may need additional storage if you regularly work with large amounts of:
- High-resolution photos
- Video and multimedia
- Engineering or design files
- Large archives
- Research data
- Other storage-intensive files
Before simply purchasing more OneDrive capacity, businesses should determine whether the data actually belongs in an individual user’s OneDrive account.
Choosing the appropriate Microsoft 365 storage location can improve collaboration, security, access management, and long-term control of company data.
OneDrive for Business: How Companies Use OneDrive with Microsoft 365
OneDrive for Business provides cloud file storage for employees using Microsoft 365. While the basic concept is similar to personal OneDrive, business accounts are managed through an organization’s Microsoft 365 environment and can be controlled by administrators.
For small and medium-sized businesses, OneDrive can help employees securely access work files from the office, home, or while traveling while keeping those files connected to the company’s Microsoft 365 environment.
OneDrive for Individual Employee Files
OneDrive is generally best suited for files associated with an individual employee. Users can store working documents, spreadsheets, presentations, PDFs, and other business files in their OneDrive account and access them from authorized devices.
This can be particularly useful for businesses with remote or hybrid employees because users don’t have to rely exclusively on files stored on a single office computer.
OneDrive vs. SharePoint for Business Files
One of the most important decisions businesses make when adopting Microsoft 365 is determining whether files belong in OneDrive or SharePoint.
OneDrive is generally appropriate for an individual’s work files, while SharePoint is better suited to files that belong to a department, team, project, or the organization as a whole.
For example, an employee’s working notes or draft documents might be stored in OneDrive, while company policies, shared accounting documents, project files, or departmental resources may be better stored in SharePoint.
Using the appropriate location can make company information easier to manage when employees join, change roles, or leave the organization.
Secure File Sharing and Collaboration
OneDrive allows employees to share files and folders with coworkers and, when permitted, people outside the organization.
Microsoft 365 administrators can configure sharing policies and security settings to help control how company information is accessed. Businesses should establish appropriate policies for external sharing rather than allowing users to distribute sensitive files without oversight.
Managing OneDrive Users and Access
Because OneDrive for Business is connected to Microsoft 365 user accounts, administrators can manage licenses, identities, permissions, and access as part of the organization’s broader Microsoft 365 environment.
Proper administration becomes especially important when:
- New employees are onboarded
- Employees leave the company
- User accounts are compromised
- Access permissions change
- Files need to be transferred to another employee
- Microsoft 365 licenses are added or removed
A structured onboarding and offboarding process can help prevent company files from becoming inaccessible when an employee leaves.
OneDrive Security for Businesses
Businesses should protect Microsoft 365 and OneDrive accounts with appropriate security controls, including multi-factor authentication, strong identity and access policies, secure sharing settings, endpoint protection, and ongoing account monitoring.
Organizations should also periodically review who has access to sensitive information and whether external sharing links are still necessary.
OneDrive can be an important component of a company’s cloud strategy, but it works best when it is properly configured as part of a broader Microsoft 365 security, collaboration, and data protection strategy.
Is OneDrive a Backup? Understanding OneDrive Data Protection
OneDrive provides several features that can help protect files, including cloud synchronization, version history, the Recycle Bin, and the ability to restore certain files. However, OneDrive synchronization is not the same as having an independent backup of your data.
Understanding the difference is particularly important for businesses that rely on Microsoft 365 to store important company information.
OneDrive Sync vs. Backup
OneDrive is primarily a cloud storage and synchronization service. When a file is added or changed in a synchronized OneDrive folder, those changes can be synchronized between the computer and Microsoft’s cloud service.
This provides convenience and some protection against a computer failure because synchronized files are not stored exclusively on the local device.
However, synchronization can also replicate unwanted changes. If a file is accidentally deleted, overwritten, moved, or otherwise changed, that action may synchronize across connected devices and the cloud.
A separate backup creates an independent copy of data that can be retained and recovered according to the organization’s backup and retention requirements.
OneDrive Version History and File Recovery
OneDrive includes version history for supported files, which can help users recover an earlier version when a document has been accidentally modified or overwritten.
Deleted OneDrive files may also be recoverable from the Recycle Bin for a period of time.
These are valuable recovery features, but businesses should not assume they provide the same protection as a dedicated Microsoft 365 backup solution.
Does OneDrive Protect Against Ransomware?
Storing files in OneDrive can provide additional recovery options when files are affected by unwanted or malicious changes, particularly when previous file versions remain available.
However, businesses should use multiple layers of cybersecurity rather than relying on OneDrive alone for ransomware protection.
Endpoint security, multi-factor authentication, account monitoring, email security, user awareness, secure Microsoft 365 configuration, and reliable backups can all play a role in protecting business data.
Should Businesses Back Up OneDrive?
Businesses should evaluate whether important OneDrive and Microsoft 365 data requires an independent backup and recovery solution.
Microsoft 365 can contain critical information across multiple cloud services, including:
- OneDrive
- SharePoint
- Exchange Online
- Microsoft Teams
- User mailboxes and files
An independent Microsoft 365 backup can provide another recovery option when important cloud data is accidentally deleted, intentionally removed, corrupted, or otherwise unavailable.
Build a Complete Microsoft 365 Data Protection Strategy
OneDrive is an important part of Microsoft 365, but cloud storage should be only one component of a broader business data protection strategy.
Organizations should consider how Microsoft 365 accounts are secured, where company files are stored, who can access them, how data is shared, how long information must be retained, and how critical files can be recovered if something goes wrong.
Combining properly configured OneDrive and Microsoft 365 services with appropriate cybersecurity and backup controls can provide businesses with a more resilient approach to protecting their data.
OneDrive vs. Other Cloud Storage Options
Microsoft OneDrive is one of several major cloud storage services available for storing and accessing files online. Other popular options include Google Drive, Dropbox, and Apple iCloud.
The best cloud storage service depends on how much storage you need, which devices and applications you use, and whether the service is intended for personal or business use.
OneDrive vs. Google Drive
OneDrive and Google Drive both provide free cloud storage and offer additional storage through paid subscriptions.
OneDrive is particularly well integrated with Windows and Microsoft 365, making it a natural choice for users who regularly work with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and other Microsoft services.
Google Drive is closely integrated with Google’s ecosystem, including Gmail, Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Workspace.
For businesses, the decision often depends less on storage capacity and more on whether the organization primarily operates within Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace.
OneDrive vs. Dropbox
Dropbox is another widely used cloud storage and file synchronization platform. Like OneDrive, it allows users to synchronize files between devices and share files with other people.
OneDrive can be particularly attractive to Microsoft 365 subscribers because cloud storage is already included with many Microsoft 365 plans. Organizations using Microsoft 365 may therefore be able to use OneDrive without purchasing a separate cloud storage platform for every employee.
OneDrive vs. iCloud
Apple iCloud is closely integrated with iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices and is commonly used for photos, device data, and files within the Apple ecosystem.
OneDrive supports Apple devices as well but may be a better fit for users and businesses that rely heavily on Windows and Microsoft 365 applications.
Which Cloud Storage Is Best?
There isn’t one cloud storage service that is best for everyone.
For users already working extensively with Microsoft applications, OneDrive offers a significant advantage through its integration with Microsoft 365 and Windows. Google Drive may make more sense for users centered around Google Workspace, while iCloud is particularly convenient for people heavily invested in Apple’s ecosystem.
Businesses should consider additional factors beyond the amount of free storage offered, including:
- Account and identity management
- Security and multi-factor authentication
- File-sharing controls
- Employee onboarding and offboarding
- Collaboration requirements
- Data ownership and retention
- Backup and recovery
- Integration with existing business applications
Choosing a cloud storage platform based solely on which provider offers the most free space may not provide the best long-term solution, particularly for business data.
Microsoft OneDrive Storage and Pricing – Frequently Asked Questions
How much free OneDrive storage do you get?
Microsoft provides 5 GB of free OneDrive cloud storage with a standard Microsoft account. This storage can be used for documents, photos, videos, and other files. Users who need more storage can upgrade to an eligible paid storage option or Microsoft 365 subscription.
Is OneDrive free?
Yes. You can use OneDrive for free with a Microsoft account, which includes 5 GB of cloud storage. Additional storage and features are available through paid Microsoft and Microsoft 365 plans.
Does OneDrive give you 1TB for free?
No. A standard free Microsoft account does not include 1TB of OneDrive storage. 1TB of OneDrive is commonly included with qualifying Microsoft 365 subscriptions, while temporary access may sometimes be available through trials, workplace or school accounts, or promotional offers.
How do I get 1TB of OneDrive storage?
One of the most common ways to get 1TB of OneDrive storage is through an eligible Microsoft 365 subscription, such as Microsoft 365 Personal. You may also have OneDrive storage through a Microsoft 365 Family, business, workplace, or educational account.
How much does 1TB of OneDrive cost?
The cost of 1TB of OneDrive depends on the Microsoft plan providing the storage. Microsoft commonly includes 1TB with qualifying Microsoft 365 subscriptions rather than selling it simply as a standalone 1TB cloud storage plan. Check Microsoft’s current plans and pricing before purchasing or upgrading.
What is the OneDrive free storage limit?
A standard free Microsoft account includes 5 GB of OneDrive storage. Once you approach the storage limit, you may need to delete unnecessary files, free up existing space, or upgrade your storage.
Does Microsoft 365 include OneDrive storage?
Yes. Many Microsoft 365 subscriptions include OneDrive cloud storage. Microsoft 365 Personal commonly includes 1TB for one person, while Microsoft 365 Family can provide individual storage allocations for multiple users. Business storage depends on the organization’s Microsoft 365 licensing.
How can I check how much OneDrive storage I have?
Sign in to OneDrive or your Microsoft account and review your storage information. You should be able to see your total available storage and how much is currently being used.
If you have multiple personal, work, or school Microsoft accounts, make sure you’re signed in with the account associated with the OneDrive storage you want to check.
Can I increase my OneDrive storage?
Yes. Depending on your current account and subscription, you may be able to increase your OneDrive storage by upgrading your Microsoft 365 plan or purchasing additional storage.
Before upgrading, check whether you already have unused OneDrive storage included with an existing Microsoft 365 subscription.
What happens when OneDrive storage is full?
When you reach your OneDrive storage limit, your ability to upload or synchronize additional files can be affected. You can free up space by reviewing unnecessary files and your OneDrive Recycle Bin or increase your available storage through an eligible Microsoft plan.
Is OneDrive storage the same as computer storage?
No. OneDrive storage is cloud storage, while your computer’s SSD or hard drive provides local storage.
For example, you can have 1TB of OneDrive cloud storage while using a computer with much less physical storage. OneDrive Files On-Demand can help you access cloud files without keeping a full local copy of every file on your computer.
Is OneDrive a backup?
OneDrive provides cloud storage, file synchronization, version history, and recovery features, but OneDrive synchronization is not the same as an independent backup.
Businesses storing important data in Microsoft 365 should evaluate whether they need a separate backup solution for OneDrive, SharePoint, Exchange Online, Teams, and other cloud data.
Is 1TB of OneDrive storage enough?
For most personal users and many individual business users, 1TB provides a substantial amount of storage for documents, photos, spreadsheets, presentations, and other everyday files.
Users working extensively with high-resolution video, photography, engineering files, design projects, or other large data sets may require additional capacity.
Should businesses use OneDrive or SharePoint?
Businesses commonly use both. OneDrive is generally best suited for an individual employee’s work files, while SharePoint is better suited to shared departmental, project, team, and organizational files.
Using the appropriate Microsoft 365 storage location can make company data easier to manage, secure, share, and retain when employees join or leave the organization.
Need Help Managing OneDrive or Microsoft 365?
OneDrive is easy to start using, but managing Microsoft 365 across an entire business can become more complicated. User accounts, licensing, file permissions, SharePoint, security, backups, and employee access all need to be configured and maintained properly.
Landon Technologies provides Microsoft 365 consulting and support for small and medium-sized businesses, helping organizations securely manage their Microsoft cloud environment.
Our Microsoft 365 services can include:
- Microsoft 365 setup, migration, and administration
- OneDrive configuration and troubleshooting
- SharePoint and cloud file management
- User account and license management
- Employee onboarding and offboarding
- Multi-factor authentication and account security
- OneDrive and SharePoint permissions
- Microsoft 365 backup and recovery
- Email and Microsoft 365 security
- Ongoing remote IT support
Microsoft 365 Support for Businesses
Whether you’re moving company files to OneDrive, configuring SharePoint, managing Microsoft 365 users, or trying to improve the security and reliability of your existing Microsoft environment, our team can help.
Learn More About Microsoft 365 Consulting & Support
More Small Business Technology Tips
Looking for more practical technology guidance? Visit our Small Business Tech Tips section for helpful articles about Microsoft 365, cybersecurity, cloud services, computer troubleshooting, data protection, and other technology topics for businesses.