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suparno_sh's avatar
suparno_sh
Copper Contributor
Jul 10, 2025

OneDrive Storage Actual Limit

I have recently come across a weird issue. I am from India and I have a OneDrive storage paid subscription for 50GB data which is running since last 2 years without any issues. 2 days back My OneDrive stopped syncing, uploading and saving the files. A red cross was also appearing over the OneDrive icon. Every time I tried saving or uploading file, it was saying storage is full. But When I checked the storage status -it showed 29.7GB (59%) used and about 21GB (41%) is free. How is it possible? Initially I thought its an issue related to my OneDrive application in the Laptop. I unlinked the OneDrive, reset it, Uninstalled and re-installed it. But still the same. I tried uploading file from my android phone OneDrive- again its the same result. I tried through Web Browser -its the same message- storage full, but still showing 41% free. Then I logged a ticket with Microsoft support team. They checked it but could not resolve it. They escalated the case to the OneDrive team- but I am yet to get a call or any support from them. I waited for 2 days, still no call from OneDrive. But since all my working files are saved in cloud only, I was unable to work on files and time was running out. So today I logged in and did a tweak. I deleted few unnecessary files from my storage and almost freed up about 5GB storage space. So now the total used space gone down to 24.5GB. And guess what- the OneDrive started working absolutely fine. Now the question is- then what is the actual storage limit? Is it actually maximum 30GB in a 50GB plan? Or else what could be the reason for this unknown issue? I am still waiting for a support from the Microsoft team, but anyone here can possibly throw some light on this? Thanks.

2 Replies

  • suparno_sh's avatar
    suparno_sh
    Copper Contributor

    Hi,

    Thanks for your reply. The details provided by you are very insightful. Though the Onedrive team has started providing support to this issue, they have not been able to resolve it yet. And just now I am again stuck with the same issue but this time the storage consumption level is at 23.8 GB (47%). Same pop up message, it says storage is full, syncing stopped. Red cross appearing against Onedrive. Same scenario in web based Onedrive live via browser access.

    I am working through Windows 11 and mine is a home environment. No specific protection applied such corporate/ office malware protection software or data protection software.

    Thanks.

  • NikolinoDE's avatar
    NikolinoDE
    Gold Contributor

    There are many possible causes. Without more detailed information about your digital environment (operating system, OneDrive version, etc.), it's impossible to say for sure. Here are some possible causes, but we don't guarantee the exact cause.

    You saw:

    • 29.7GB used out of 50GB (41% free),
    • But syncing failed, and uploads were blocked with "storage full" messages,
    • OneDrive only resumed working after dropping usage to ~24.5GB.

    This suggests there's an invisible upper limit being hit somewhere—let’s explore the possible reasons.

    Possible Causes

    Indexing or Shadow File Limits

    Phantom/Orphaned Files

    Quota Sync Delay / Outdated Metadata

    Regional Service Limitations (India-specific?)

    Bug in Sync Engine or Storage Enforcement Logic

     

    Your case strongly points to OneDrive triggering sync blocking once ~30GB is used, despite a 50GB quota. This is likely:

    A conservative internal safety buffer,

    Or a storage sync bug.

     

    Hope this information helps you a little.

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