Microsoft Reminds Remaining OneDrive Users About Storage Changes

The other day I noted that Microsoft had begun emailing customers who were impacted by its decision to reduce free OneDrive storagefrom 15 GB to 5 GB. Well, they’re emailing users who were not impacted by this change—because they opted to retain their previous 15 GB storage levels—as well.

Here’s the email.

Important changes to OneDrive

As you know, the amount of storage that comes with most OneDrive accounts is changing from 15 GB to 5 GB. You previously confirmed your desire to keep your 15 GB of free storage (and the 15 GB camera roll bonus if you have it). As a result, your account will not be affected by these changes.

We want to apologize for any inconvenience these changes may have caused you. We listened to our users’ feedback, and we are committed to making OneDrive the best option for people who want to be productive and do more.

Thank you for using OneDrive.

This addresses one of two concessions that Microsoft made in late 2015, after it had announced it would reneg on its unlimited OneDrive storage pledge for Office 365 subscribers: It would let those enthusiasts and fans who were disappointed about Microsoft removing the 15 GB of free storage (and dropping it to 5 GB), and the 15 GB camera roll bonus, to continue using that storage forever.

The other concession was addressed earlier this week, with Microsoft offering customers of the free OneDrive service who were using over 5 GB of storage one free year of Office 365 Personal, which includes 1 TB of storage.

Naturally, neither addresses the remaining point of contention: What about those people who have been paying for additional OneDrive storage and/or Office 365? It is a bit odd that Microsoft has found two ways to reward customers that have never paid them a cent for OneDrive, while those who have been paying all along get nothing.