Question:

Could you clarify the recent changes to OneDrive storage limits for A1 educational tenants? It appears that individual user space has been reduced to a non-negotiable 100GB, with the total tenant capacity set at 100TB. This adjustment seems to have been implemented immediately, without prior notification, causing significant concern among our nearly 1000 users, comprising both staff and students. We became aware of this issue only after a user reported a reduction in her OneDrive limit from the usual 1TB. Is this information correct, and if so, can you provide further details on this sudden policy shift?

Answer:

In recent developments, Microsoft has announced a significant change to the OneDrive storage policy that affects A1 educational tenants. This change has been a source of confusion and concern among educational institutions, particularly those with a large number of users who rely on OneDrive for storage and collaboration.

As of February 1, 2024, Microsoft has implemented a new storage limit for users of Office 365 A1, the no-cost subscription plan designed for educational institutions. The changes are as follows:

–

Individual User Limit: Each user is now allocated a maximum of 100GB of OneDrive storage. This is a substantial decrease from the previous limit, which was often up to 1TB

per user.

–

Total Tenant Capacity: The total storage available for the entire educational tenant is capped at 100TB

. This pooled storage is shared across all users within the tenant.

Why the Sudden Change?

The decision to reduce storage limits was not made lightly. Microsoft cites the need to manage resources more effectively and to address security risks associated with unchecked data growth. With the proliferation of stored files and data, educational institutions have become prime targets for cybercrime, and this policy shift aims to mitigate such risks.

How Will This Affect Users?

For institutions with a large number of users, this change poses a challenge. Many schools and universities have nearly 1000 users, including staff and students, who will be affected by the reduced storage capacity. The lack of prior notification has added to the frustration, leaving IT administrators scrambling to adjust and communicate the new limits to their users.

What Can Institutions Do?

Microsoft is providing tools to help manage this transition. These tools, available in the Microsoft 365 Admin Center, allow IT administrators to visualize current storage allocation and usage, and to manage stored data more effectively. Additionally, schools have the option to purchase incremental storage based on their needs.

Looking Ahead

While the immediate impact of these changes may cause inconvenience, Microsoft’s goal is to ensure that educational customers continue to receive generous allowances and support during this transition. The introduction of new management tools and the option to purchase additional storage offer some flexibility to institutions as they navigate these changes.

In conclusion, the new OneDrive storage limits for A1 educational tenants represent a significant shift in Microsoft’s policy. It is essential for educational institutions to understand these changes, assess their impact, and utilize the available tools to manage their storage needs effectively.

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For more detailed information and assistance with the transition, educational institutions can refer to the official Microsoft documentation and support channels.