Microsoft Storage Limits

Update:
August 2025

McMaster will not move forward with implementing new Microsoft storage limits in fall 2025, as the university continues to monitor and explore opportunities to manage overall storage capacity.

Read the Daily News article

What You Need to Know

McMaster University follows Microsoft’s global storage guidelines for academic institutions, which apply to services like Outlook and OneDrive. Community members are encouraged to stay within the individual storage limits outlined below to support efficient and sustainable digital practices.

By managing storage thoughtfully, we help ensure McMaster continues to benefit from secure, eco-friendly, and well-organized digital environments.

Storage Limits

Outlook Mailboxes and OneDrive

User type Outlook Primary Mailbox  Outlook (Online Archive) OneDrive
Students Enrolled Prior to 2024 100GB 100GB 1TB
Students Enrolled 2024 Onwards 100GB 100GB 20GB
Employees (including Emeriti) 100GB 100GB 1TB
Faculty 100GB 100GB 1TB
POI/Affiliates 50GB 50GB 100GB
Role-based accounts 50GB 50GB n/a
Retirees 50GB n/a n/a

POI (Person of Interest): An individual who is not in the employ of McMaster and requires access to university systems in order to carry on collaboration with the university.
Role-based Accounts: An account not specifically assigned to a named individual, but rather a role, department or event is considered a role based account.

SharePoint

Type Storage 
Teams & Microsoft Groups 1TB (1024 GB)
SharePoint Standalone Site (Employees and Emeriti only) 5TB (5024 GB)

Information Box Group

Where can I find tips to manage and declutter my files? Join the Digital Declutter Challenge

Managing a cluttered digital environment can be challenging, but we’re here to help. The Digital Declutter Challenge offers helpful videos, tips and tools to help you store, organize and manage your files more efficiently.

News and Updates

Learn more

FAQs, tutorials and tips are available on the Discover and Learn SharePoint site.

Visit the Microsoft Storage Information Page (requires MacID)