Forum Discussion
Email Storage Not Updating
I deleted some items so that my Microsoft storage would be under 5GB (it's at 3.8 GB according to OneDrive), but I still can't receive emails because Outlook thinks I'm still at 5.6 GB/5 GB even though I'm actually at 3.8 (the bar doesn't reach the end). It's been three days since I deleted the files. What should I do?
It sounds like Outlook’s storage calculation hasn't updated properly even after you've deleted files. Here are some steps to help resolve this issue:
1. Check the Deleted Items and Recoverable Items Folder
- When you delete emails, they move to the Deleted Items folder first.
- To free up space, permanently delete them:
- In Outlook Web App (OWA), go to Deleted Items.
- Click Empty folder to permanently remove the emails.
- Next, go to Recoverable Items (Shift+Delete items go here).
- In Outlook Web, navigate to Deleted Items.
- Look for "Recover deleted items" (a link above the list).
- Select and Permanently delete any remaining items.
2. Check Other Large Items (Calendar, Drafts, Sent)
- Attachments in Sent Items and Drafts can take up space.
- Go to these folders and delete large emails manually.
3. Clear Local Cache (if using Outlook Desktop)
If the issue persists, Outlook's local cache may not be syncing correctly.- For Windows:
- Close Outlook.
- Navigate to C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook
- Delete the .ost file (your account will re-sync when reopened).
- Restart Outlook.
- For Mac:
- Open Outlook.
- Go to Preferences > Accounts.
- Select your account and choose "Remove".
- Re-add the account to refresh storage.
1.Update the storage manually:Open Outlook and click “File” > “Messages” > “Cleanup Tools” > “Mailbox Cleanup “.
In the “Mailbox Cleanup” window, click “View Mailbox Size”.
After deleting unwanted emails or folders, click “Clean Now” to update the storage space.
2. Check Deleted Messages Folder: Open the “Deleted Messages” folder and empty the messages in it.
Right-click the “Deleted Messages” folder and select “Empty Folder.
3. Check Archive Settings: Open Outlook, click “File” > “Messages” > “Cleanup Tools” > “Archive”. “Check the archive settings.
Check the archive settings to ensure that old messages have been properly archived and storage space freed up.
4. Rebuild the Outlook profile: Open Control Panel > Mail > Show Profiles.
Delete the existing profile and recreate it.
Restart Outlook and reconfigure the account.
5. Using the Outlook Web App: Open a browser and access the Outlook Web App.
Log in to your account and check that the storage is updating properly.
6. Contact Microsoft Support: If none of the above methods work, it is recommended to contact the Microsoft Support team with detailed error messages and screenshots for further assistance.
