Still keeping data in unlicensed Microsoft OneDrive? Act now or lose it forever

Microsoft OneDrive website under a magnifying glass. Microsoft OneDrive is a file hosting service.

(Image credit: IB Photography via Shutterstock)

Data from unlicensed Microsoft OneDrive accounts will be archived after 93 days beginning this month
After a further 93 days, it will be deleted forever
Act quickly (and pay a fee) to restore access

Back in August 2024, Microsoft warned users with unlicensed OneDrive cloud storage accounts that they would be locked after a period of inactivity to improve security.

The change is on track to come in on January 27, 2025, with OneDrive data from unlicensed accounts which have been inactive for 93 days set to be removed or archived.

Such accounts typically come about when individuals leave an organization, if a user is deleted from the SharePoint admin center or if an admin revokes a user’s license.

Unlicensed OneDrive account holders, beware

Prior to the change, organizations were able to retain data for free by disabling accounts and removing licenses, however Microsoft has decided this is a security and compliance risk and will therefore be enforcing its new policy later this month.

After 93 days, affected data will move to the recycle bin. After a further 93 days in the recycle bin, the data will be permanently deleted.

Retention policies or legal holds on data from unlicensed accounts will cause the data to be archived rather than permanently deleted, however organizations will be charged $0.60/GB to regain access and a $0.05/GB monthly fee thereafter.

A help article details the process of setting up an Azure subscription in Syntex pay-as-you-go, and notes it could take up to 24 hours for the data to become accessible again. Reactivated accounts will remain active for a further 30 days before being automatically archived again.

The company confirmed: “Archived OneDrive accounts fully honor retention policies, settings, and litigation holds.” Changes to retention policies will also be reflected in archived accounts.

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With several years’ experience freelancing in tech and automotive circles, Craig’s specific interests lie in technology that is designed to better our lives, including AI and ML, productivity aids, and smart fitness. He is also passionate about cars and the decarbonisation of personal transportation. As an avid bargain-hunter, you can be sure that any deal Craig finds is top value!