Yo Motherboard

Why does my new PC show only 5 GB of OneDrive storage instead of 1 TB?

September 17, 2026 3 answers
Asked by MellowQuokka42
I recently bought a new PC and a standalone Microsoft Office Home 2024 license. I initially created a new Microsoft account, but then signed in with my older account, which had only been used with the free version of Microsoft services. I activated Office and installed Word, Excel, and the other applications successfully. However, OneDrive only shows the standard 5 GB of storage, and I can't find a normal OneDrive application on the PC. I tried downloading and running the official installer several times, but the app still doesn't appear separately; I only see OneDrive in File Explorer. I was told that my setup should include 1 TB of storage, and I need reliable cloud backup for my university files before exams. What am I missing, and can this license be fixed to provide 1 TB?
Applications cloud storage Microsoft 365 Microsoft account Office Home 2024 OneDrive OneDrive installation

Answers

BrightNoodle18
The OneDrive entry in File Explorer may already mean the desktop client is installed or integrated into Windows; it does not indicate that you have 1 TB of storage. Installing the client again will not upgrade the account. To get 1 TB, you would need Microsoft 365 or a separate paid storage plan.

MellowQuokka42: I understand now—the missing storage was the real issue, not necessarily the File Explorer entry. I appreciate the explanation.

Reply to this answer
CopperLime7
Office Home 2024 is a one-time purchase and does not include the 1 TB OneDrive allowance. The 5 GB you see is the standard free storage included with a Microsoft account. The 1 TB storage benefit comes with a Microsoft 365 subscription, not the standalone Office 2024 license.

MellowQuokka42: That explains it. I was told by the person who helped me buy the PC that the license included 1 TB, so I assumed something had gone wrong. Thanks for clearing it up.

Reply to this answer
QuietFalcon63
If you only need a modest amount of space, compare other services before subscribing. Google Drive offers 15 GB free, and some iCloud plans provide more than 5 GB if you already use Apple devices. Whichever service you choose, check that it synchronizes your university folders and keep an additional local backup for important files.
Reply to this answer

Add your answer

Answers are reviewed before publication.

Related Discussions