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Total used storage 5.3GB but have 100GB storage plan

simon limb 0 Reputation points
2026-03-12T16:03:26.0066667+00:00

Hello,

I have a problem with my email account where it shows that I have used a total of 5.3GB of total used storage however I have paid for a subscription for 100GB of storage so that I can continue to use my emails. I am now getting an error message which states ' You're out of storage. You can't send email and wont be able to receive in 1 day'.

I use this email address to run my business and need access to this email address. Please could you advise as soon as possible to why I am not getting the 100GB of storage when I have selected 'Manage storage' and deleted any folders which I no-longer need.

Thanks

Microsoft 365 and Office | OneDrive | For business | Other

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  1. Q&A Assist
    2026-03-12T16:03:45.28+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    The warning is triggered by Microsoft unified storage, not just mailbox size. Even though the mailbox shows only 5.3 GB used and a 100 GB email quota, the overall Microsoft cloud storage (OneDrive + Outlook.com attachments + other Microsoft 365 data) is what controls the “You’re out of storage” / “Microsoft Unified Storage is full” behavior.

    When Microsoft storage is over quota:

    1. Sending and receiving email in Outlook.com is blocked, even if the mailbox itself is under its 100 GB email limit.
    2. OneDrive becomes read‑only and new files cannot be uploaded.
    3. Teams messages with attachments are also affected.

    To restore email functionality, storage must be brought back under the unified quota or additional storage must be purchased.

    Actionable steps:

    1. Check unified Microsoft storage usage (not just mailbox usage) and free up space:
      • Delete large or unneeded files from OneDrive (including Recycle Bin).
      • Delete large email attachments and empty Deleted Items and Junk Email.
      • Allow some time for the storage dashboard to refresh after cleanup.
    2. If using a free account and unified storage is still over quota after cleanup, purchase a Microsoft 365 subscription or extra storage using the official “buy a subscription” / “buy more storage” options referenced in the documentation.
    3. If already on a Microsoft 365 Personal/Family subscription and unified storage is full, consider adding more file storage on top of the included 1 TB using the documented “Upgrade” option.
    4. If the account is a work or school account (Exchange Online), confirm with the administrator that the mailbox limit has not been reduced below the default and that the mailbox is not actually at its configured quota.

    If the storage page still shows over‑quota status after freeing space and the subscription is active, contact Outlook.com/Microsoft account support using the built‑in Help → “Still need help?” flow so support can check the specific account’s storage state.

    References:

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