Microsoft warns again about unlicensed OneDrive accounts


January 23, 2025 by our News Team

Microsoft is implementing changes for OneDrive accounts, including making inactive, unlicensed accounts inaccessible and offering options for administrators to archive or remove these accounts before a January 27th deadline, with fees involved for archiving and reactivating accounts.

  • Accounts can be archived to safeguard contents
  • Licenses can be reassigned to prevent accounts from being deleted
  • Administrators have the power to navigate changes smoothly


Attention OneDrive account administrators at Microsoft, listen up! There are some important changes coming your way. Starting January 27th, any unlicensed OneDrive accounts that have been inactive for more than 93 days will become inaccessible to both users and administrators. But what exactly does this mean for you?

First, let’s clarify what we mean by an unlicensed account. An account is considered unlicensed when the Microsoft license is removed by the administrator or when the user is removed from the Active Directory. Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s dive into how you can avoid being affected by these changes.

One option for administrators is to archive the accounts. This allows you to safeguard the contents of the accounts while keeping them out of harm’s way. On the other hand, if there are no essential files or data in these accounts, you can simply remove them altogether. It’s all about finding the best approach for your specific situation.

But wait, there’s more! You also have the option to reassign licenses to these accounts before the dreaded January 27th deadline. By doing so, you can prevent them from being deleted. It’s like a get-out-of-jail-free card for your OneDrive accounts.

Now, let’s talk about the costs involved in archiving accounts. It’s important to note that there is a fee of $0.05 per GB per month. Additionally, if you ever need to reactivate an archived account, there’s an additional charge of $0.60 per GB. So, while archiving can be a useful solution, it’s essential to consider these costs before making a decision.

Why the costs, you ask? Well, it all comes down to the fact that the storage space occupied by archived accounts still needs to be maintained by Microsoft. And as we all know, maintaining servers and storage isn’t exactly cheap.

To wrap things up, we highly recommend that you check whether these changes will directly impact you before the implementation date. It’s always better to be prepared and avoid any unpleasant surprises down the road. So, take a moment to assess your situation and make the necessary adjustments if needed.

Remember, as a OneDrive account administrator, you hold the power to navigate these changes smoothly. Stay informed, make informed decisions, and keep your OneDrive accounts in tip-top shape. Happy managing!

About Our Team

Our team comprises industry insiders with extensive experience in computers, semiconductors, games, and consumer electronics. With decades of collective experience, we’re committed to delivering timely, accurate, and engaging news content to our readers.

Background Information


About Microsoft:

Microsoft, founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen in 1975 in Redmond, Washington, USA, is a technology giant known for its wide range of software products, including the Windows operating system, Office productivity suite, and cloud services like Azure. Microsoft also manufactures hardware, such as the Surface line of laptops and tablets, Xbox gaming consoles, and accessories.

Microsoft website  Microsoft LinkedIn
Latest Articles about Microsoft




Leave a Reply