Microsoft 365 is reducing the shared OneDrive storage pool for Family, Premium, and Pro plans from 6 TB to 2 TB. The change, announced on 8 Oct 2026, will apply to new subscriptions immediately and to existing ones at their first renewal on or after 2 May 2027. Subscribers who use more than the new limit may face higher costs or data migration.
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What Changed
Microsoft 365 has shifted from a per‑member 1 TB allocation to a shared storage pool for Family, Premium, and Pro plans. The total pool will now be 2 TB for Family and Premium, and 5 TB for the new Pro plan. AI usage credits will also become shareable among family members, replacing the current owner‑only model.
Who Gets It and When
- New Microsoft 365 Family, Premium, and Pro subscriptions starting 8 Oct 2026 will receive the shared storage model immediately.
- Existing subscriptions will transition at their first renewal on or after 2 May 2027, with advance notification.
- All family members’ accounts remain private; usage is deducted from the shared pool.
How to Use It
After the transition, users can continue to add files to their OneDrive as before. If the shared pool is exhausted, additional storage can be purchased in 1 TB increments (for Family and Premium) or via the Pro plan’s higher limits. Family owners can manage AI credit sharing through the Microsoft 365 admin center.
What It Means If You Are Choosing Microsoft 365
For most families that use less than 2 TB, the change will be invisible. However, households that previously relied on the full 6 TB may need to move data or pay extra. If you anticipate heavy OneDrive use, consider the new Pro plan’s 5 TB pool or explore alternatives such as Google One’s 2 TB shared plan for 6 users or Apple One’s iCloud+ bundles. Each offers comparable storage with different pricing structures and additional services.
FAQ
Will my existing files be moved automatically?
No. The shared pool simply changes the limit; files already stored remain in place. If you exceed the new limit, you will need to delete or move files to free space or purchase additional storage.
Can I still use the 1 TB per user benefit?
No. The per‑user 1 TB allocation is replaced by the shared pool. Individual privacy is maintained, but the total available space is capped.
What if I need more than 2 TB for my family?
Family members can purchase extra 1 TB increments, or the owner can upgrade to the Pro plan, which offers 5 TB shared storage and higher AI credit limits.
Bottom Line
The 2026 Microsoft 365 update introduces a shared storage model that reduces the total available space for Family, Premium, and Pro plans. While the change may be negligible for light users, families that previously exploited the 6 TB pool will need to adjust or pay for more storage. Evaluate your usage patterns and consider alternative plans or competitors if the new limits don’t fit your needs.