Hello all,

I am sending this email to everyone to inform you of the changes that are coming for Microsoft OneDrive Storage limits.

If you have received this email twice, I apologize, I want to make sure that everyone gets it.

If you are no where near the 100 gigabyte threshold, then this email will just be for information purposes.

This is a lengthy email that I encourage you to read, but long story short, after Feb 28^th you will have limited functionality in Onedrive unless you pare down to 100 gigs, or buy more storage. If you wish to purchase more Onedrive storage, please contact IST.

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Effective February 28th 2026, all OneDrive accounts that have purchased additional storage will have their quotas increased by the amount purchased.

All other staff will have their quotas adjusted to the default value of 100 GBs.

Staff under the quota will have full access to OneDrive, but may receive warning messages if they are at 80% capacity.

Those over the quota will be limited to Read Only access for files and folders stored in OneDrive.

This Read Only access will not affect Outlook, SharePoint, or other services. However, uploading, saving new files, and synchronizing local files will not be possible. Due to the lack of synchronization, deleting files must be done through the web version of OneDrive , and assistance from the IST Service Desk may be required to complete cleanup.

Staff will still be able to access their OneDrive files, but any edits must be saved as new copies in another storage location. Additionally, files shared with others will also be in Read Only mode and not editable.

While the deadline to meet the quota is February 28, 2026, please encourage your staff to take advantage of the available supports and resources to reduce their storage usage as soon as practical.

Supports and resources available

Alternative storage options for researchers: Explore the Research Data Storage Finder website, where they can identify services that may be suitable for their needs.
Instructor-led Course: Take advantage of our new course offering: Microsoft Storage Management, designed to provide guidance on managing digital storage within OneDrive and Outlook effectively. Visit the LOD registration site and search for Storage, then look for the M365: Microsoft Storage Management to find and register for a session.
Website resources:

Learn how to check and manage your storage levels and adopt best practices for your file storage
View Your change guide which includes checklists to help prepare for this change.

Thank you,

M365 Storage Optimization Project Team

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Please email me if you have any questions or concerns.

Thank you,

Jason Northage
IT4 - Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources
University of Manitoba
102-70 Dysart Road
Winnipeg, MB
R3T 2M6
Ph: 431-275-5477

"I do everything"

“The University of Manitoba campuses and research spaces are located on original lands of Anishinaabeg, Ininiwak, Anisininewuk, Dakota Oyate, Dene and Inuit, and on the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.

UM recognizes that the Treaties signed on these lands are a lifelong, enduring relationship, and we are dedicated to upholding their spirit and intent. We acknowledge the harms and mistakes of the past and the present. With this understanding, we commit to supporting Indigenous excellence through active Reconciliation, meaningful change, and the creation of an environment where everyone can thrive. Our collaboration with Indigenous communities is grounded in respect and reciprocity and this guides how we move forward as an institution.”