OneDrive File Size Limits
Upload limits and storage for Microsoft OneDrive
Maximum File Size
Per individual file
Free Storage
Basic account
Microsoft 365
Per user with subscription
OneDrive Detailed Limits
| Feature | Free | Microsoft 365 Personal | Microsoft 365 Family | OneDrive Standalone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| File Upload Size | 250 GB | 250 GB | 250 GB | 250 GB |
| Storage Space | 5 GB | 1 TB | 6 TB (1TB × 6 users) | 100 GB |
| File Versions | 25-500 versions | 500 versions | 500 versions | 500 versions |
| Personal Vault | 3 files max | Unlimited files | Unlimited files | Unlimited files |
| Ransomware Recovery | ❌ | ✅ 30 days | ✅ 30 days | ❌ |
| Password-Protected Links | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Office Apps Integration | Web only | Desktop + Web | Desktop + Web | Web only |
Supported File Types
📄 Office Documents
- Word: ✅ Real-time co-authoring
- Excel: ✅ Real-time co-authoring
- PowerPoint: ✅ Real-time co-authoring
- OneNote: ✅ Full integration
- PDF: ✅ Preview & annotate
Edit directly in browser
🎨 Media Files
- Photos: ✅ Auto-organize
- Videos: ✅ Stream up to 1080p
- Audio: ✅ Preview
- 3D models: ✅ Preview
Photos app integration
💾 Other Files
- ZIP/RAR: ✅ Extract online
- Code files: ✅ Syntax highlighting
- CAD files: ✅ Preview
- Any file type: ✅ Supported
100+ file type previews
OneDrive Best Practices
1. Use OneDrive Sync Client
Best for large files:
- Desktop app for Windows/Mac
- Files on Demand feature
- Background upload/sync
- Automatic retry on failure
2. Leverage Personal Vault
Extra security layer:
- Two-factor authentication
- Encrypted sensitive files
- Auto-lock after inactivity
- Microsoft 365: unlimited files
3. Optimize Storage
Maximize space:
- Clean up duplicate photos
- Use Office formats (don't count)
- Delete old file versions
- Empty recycle bin regularly
4. Collaborate Efficiently
Share and work together:
- Real-time co-authoring in Office
- Share links instead of copies
- Use Teams integration
- Track version history
Pro Tips
📱 Mobile App Features
- Camera upload: Auto-backup photos
- Offline files: Access without internet
- Scan documents: Built-in scanner
- Video streaming: Stream to TV
🔄 Files On-Demand
- Save hard drive space
- Access all files in File Explorer
- Download only when needed
- Cloud-only placeholders
🛡️ Security Features
- Ransomware detection & recovery
- Password-protected sharing
- Expiration dates on links
- Activity monitoring
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I upload files larger than 250GB to OneDrive?
No, 250GB is the absolute maximum per file across all OneDrive and SharePoint Online. For larger files, split them into smaller parts or use Azure Storage which is designed for enterprise-scale data with different limits and pricing.
How does OneDrive compare to Google Drive and Dropbox?
OneDrive: 250GB per file, 5GB free. Google Drive: 5TB per file, 15GB free. Dropbox: 50GB per file, 2GB free. OneDrive offers best Microsoft Office integration and good value with Microsoft 365 (1TB + Office apps for $6.99/mo).
What's included with Microsoft 365 subscription?
Personal ($6.99/mo): 1TB OneDrive + Office apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) + 60 Skype minutes. Family ($9.99/mo): Same benefits for up to 6 people (6TB total storage). Both include ransomware recovery and Personal Vault.
How does Personal Vault work?
Personal Vault is a protected area within OneDrive requiring two-factor authentication to access. Free accounts: 3 files max. Microsoft 365: Unlimited files. It auto-locks after inactivity and provides additional encryption for sensitive documents, passwords, and IDs.
Can I restore deleted files or previous versions?
Yes. Deleted files stay in recycle bin for 30 days (93 days for Microsoft 365). Version history keeps up to 500 versions. Microsoft 365 users get ransomware detection and can restore entire OneDrive to a previous state within 30 days.