Microsoft Makes Concessions to Disgruntled OneDrive Fans

Facing mounting criticism of the way it handled its decision to limit OneDrive storage, Microsoft today announced some concessions to disgruntled fans.

No, the firm is not reinstating unlimited storage. And there’s no news about more paid tiers of OneDrive storage. But if you were upset about losing storage you previously got for free, or as part of a camera roll promotion, today’s news will be welcome.

“We’ve heard clearly from our Windows and OneDrive fans about the frustration and disappointment we have caused,” a Microsoft statement notes. “We realize the announcement came across as blaming customers for using our product. For this, we are truly sorry and would like to apologize to the community.”

That apology includes the following changes:

Customers of the free OneDrive service who have over 5 GB of content and who are directly impacted by the storage change will be given one free year of Office 365 Personal, which includes 1 TB of storage. An email with redemption information will be sent to such customers early next year.

Those enthusiasts and fans who are disappointed about Microsoft removing the 15 GB of free storage (and dropping it to 5 GB), and the 15 GB camera roll bonus can continue using that storage forever. But they’ll need to opt-in, and do so by January 31, 2016.

As was previously announced, Office 365 Home, Personal, and University subscriptions will continue to provide an additional 1 TB of OneDrive storage.

Finally, any subscriber who did receive additional storage as part of the now-discontinued unlimited offer can keep that storage for at least 12 months, Microsoft says. And anyone unhappy with the decision to not offer unlimited storage can receive a full refund.

“We are all genuinely sorry for the frustration this decision has caused and for the way it was communicated,” the Microsoft statement adds. “Thank you for sticking with us.”

Here’s the opt-in link.