Microsoft Reduces Cloud Storage

Microsoft Reduces Cloud Storage

Time to get rid of unwanted files

Microsoft announced on 11/2 that it will reduce OneDrive storage, affecting both free subscribers and Office 365 users. Office 365 is the paid service for accessing Office apps over the cloud that also provides users with Skype minutes and online storage. The unlimited storage option has been eliminated; Office 365 subscribers will now be limited to 1 TB of OneDrive storage.

Since October 2014 when Microsoft began to offer unlimited cloud storage to Office 365 subscribers, some users backed up several PCs containing vast media libraries, exceeding 75 TB in some instances—enough that Microsoft couldn’t maintain “high-value productivity” for all OneDrive users.

Microsoft hopes to gradually transition people to the new storage limits, so Office 365 subscribers using more than 1 TB currently and free users exceeding 5 GB will be allowed to keep that extra space for one year, beginning in 2016, when the changes take effect.

OneDrive plan changes
In early 2016, look for these changes:

• Office 365 users will go from unlimited to 1 TB maximum storage
• Storage for free OneDrive users will decrease from 15 GB to 5 GB
• The 15 GB camera roll storage bonus will be eliminated
• Free users who have used more than 5 GB of storage will receive a free one-year subscription to Office 365
• The 100 GB and 200 GB plans are being eliminated for new users, replaced by a 50 GB plan for $1.99 per month
• Existing 100 and 200 GB OneDrive subscribers will not be affected

How to manage with less storage

Now is the time to purge your PC of items you shouldn’t be backing up anyway. System Mechanic from iolo technologies offers best-in-class repair and cleanup technology that keeps your OS healthy and fast, and can also help you clear out junk files and duplicate data that can otherwise further bog you down.

Easily find and get rid of your unwanted data files before they eat up your precious online storage. Here’s how:

Duplicate File Inspector^™ shows you a list of duplicate files that may be unnecessarily taking up drive space.

1. Start System Mechanic and click Toolbox » Individual Tools » Manage System Configuration
2. Find Duplicate File Inspector and click Start
3. Select Quick Search or Deep Search and click Analyze to determine the size of the duplicate file pool
4. Or, you may simply click Next to compile a list of files
5. Use the + button to the left of each file to see more info about it, including its location
6. Use the Sort by button to choose how you view the files in the list
7. Use the Tools dropdown to choose a removal method and remove files

For more information, visit https://www.iolo.com/products/system-mechanic/.

Junk File Finder™ searches for and removes obsolete files automatically or based on criteria you choose.

1. Start System Mechanic and click Toolbox » Individual Tools » Clean Up System Clutter
2. Find Junk File Finder and click Start
3. Select Quick Clean or Deep Clean and click Next to automatically remove junk files
4. Or, under Advanced, select Custom Cleanup and click Next
5. Follow the on-screen instructions, using the Help button for further info as needed
6. Use the Remove dropdown to choose a removal method and remove files

For more information, visit https://www.iolo.com/products/system-mechanic/.