Microsoft 365 Basic Adds OneDrive Security and Mobile Features

Microsoft has just introduced new OneDrive security and mobile features to Microsoft 365 Basic, the $1.99/month plan for consumers that replaced the company’s OneDrive 100GB plan last year. The new additions include ransomware detection and recovery, an expanded Personal Vault, and more.

Microsoft 365 Basic already offered the same 100GB of OneDrive storage, ransomware protection for files and photos stored in the cloud, and an ad-free experience in Outlook and the web and mobile. Microsoft said last year that more security features would come to Microsoft 365 Basic by the end of 2023, and they have finally arrived this week after what appears to be a slight delay.

Here are all the new security features now available with a Microsoft 365 Basic subscription:

Ransomware detection and recovery: Users will now receive a notification and email from OneDrive when the service detects unusual file modifications, encryption actions, and other signs of potential ransomware activity. If necessary, the service will then guide users through the process of restoring OneDrive files to a previous time.

Personal Vault improvements: Users can now store an unlimited number of files in Personal Vault, a OneDrive folder that protects its content with two-factor authentication. Previously, Personal Vault could only store 3 files.

Password-protected and expiring sharing links: Microsoft 365 Basic subscribers can now get advanced controls when sharing OneDrive files with a link. They can restrict the link to specific recipients, choose a date for links to expire, or set up a password to access the shared file or folder.

Offline Files and Folders on mobile: The OneDrive mobile app now lets Microsoft 365 Basic users enable offline access for select files and folders, with changes being automatically synced with the cloud once the app reconnects to the Internet.

At just $19.99/year, Microsoft 365 Basic should be a no-brainer if you don’t need more than 100GB of cloud storage and the desktop version of the Office apps. The subscription also provides access to support experts for Microsoft 365 and Windows 11.