Having problems with one drive

Question

Problems with one drive. Said I was over limit. I deleted a lot of stuff and nothing changed. I completely deleted one drive and still can not sent emails. What can I do to be able to send emails again.

Answer 1

HI Norma Walker

I understand how frustrating this can be, especially after you’ve already deleted files but still can’t send emails.

Have you already tried the Q&A Assist suggestions? In addition, could you confirm:

• Does your storage now show under limit in both OneDrive and Outlook?
• Are you seeing any error message when sending email?

In the meantime, please try the following:

1, Double‑check OneDrive storage online

Go to https://onedrive.live.com/?v=managestorage:

• Confirm the storage bar shows below 100%
• If still full, continue below

2, Empty the OneDrive Recycle Bin

Deleted files still count until removed permanently

• In OneDrive (web) > click “Recycle bin” (left panel)
• Empty recycle bin

This will permanently delete files

3, Check Outlook mailbox storage

Email can also be blocked if mailbox storage is full

• Open Outlook.com
• Click “Settings” > “Account” > “Storage”
• Delete large emails (especially with attachments)
• Then empty the “Deleted Items” folder

After freeing space, wait up to 24 hours for sending to work again.

Please feel free to let me know how it goes. Thank you for your time and understanding.

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Answer 2

When OneDrive or Microsoft cloud storage is over quota, Outlook.com email sending and receiving is blocked even if files were deleted locally or OneDrive was uninstalled from the computer. The account storage must be back under quota in the cloud and then allowed time to update.

Use these steps:

1. Check actual cloud storage status
   1. Sign in to the Microsoft account in a browser and open OneDrive online.
   2. Use Storage used or Manage your OneDrive storage to see total used space and what is taking space, including the OneDrive Recycle Bin and any shared folders.
   3. If the message says Microsoft Unified Storage is full or shows usage over the limit, the account is still over quota.
2. Free up enough cloud storage
   1. In OneDrive online, delete large files and folders that are no longer needed.
   2. Empty the OneDrive Recycle Bin – items there still count toward the quota.
   3. Remove any large shared folders that were added to OneDrive if they are pushing the account over quota.
   4. If needed, buy more storage or a Microsoft 365 subscription using the Upgrades or buy more storage options.
3. Wait for the quota state to update
   • After freeing space or buying storage, it can take up to 24–48 hours for the storage status to fully update across Outlook.com and OneDrive.
   • During this time, email may still be blocked even though usage looks lower.
4. Verify Outlook.com mailbox storage
   • In Outlook.com, open the storage view (Manage storage) and confirm that:
     • Email storage is under its limit, and
     • Microsoft cloud/OneDrive storage is now under its limit.
5. If email is still blocked after 48 hours
   • Unlink and re-link the OneDrive client on the PC if it is still installed (this can force a refresh, but the key is that cloud storage must be under quota).
   • If, after at least 48 hours with storage clearly under quota, Outlook.com still cannot send or receive, contact Microsoft support from the account help options.

Key points:

• Deleting the OneDrive app from the computer does not reduce cloud storage; files must be deleted (and Recycle Bin emptied) in OneDrive online.
• If Microsoft cloud storage or email storage is over quota, Outlook.com will not send or receive email until the account is back under the storage limit.

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References:

• My OneDrive says it's full
• Microsoft storage quotas
• Storage limits in Outlook.com
• Outlook email stuck
• What does it mean when your OneDrive account is frozen?
• Storage showing full - Microsoft Q&A
• storage exceeded in outlook after purchasing MS 365 subscription - Microsoft Q&A
• Microsoft storage limit exceeded - Microsoft Q&A
• Unable to attach files in Outlook.com