Microsoft accidentally blocks people from editing OneDrive for Business files
A bug has people scrambling to find ways to access their files stored on OneDrive for Business.
What you need to know
- The storage limit of OneDrive for Business is accidentally being lowered for some users.
- The same issue switches stored files for some OneDrive for Business users to read-only mode.
- Microsoft has identified a fix for the issue and is testing it now
Updated August 26, 2021 at 1:35 PM EST: Microsoft explains that it's identified a fix for the issue but that it is still determining the full scope of impacted users. The company will determine the scope of the issue and then remediate it.
Microsoft's OneDrive for Business has an issue that wrongly restricts people's access to stored files. The bug makes the storage limit of OneDrive for Business accounts return to the default cap of 1TB, which switches some files to read-only mode. People have had to delete files to free up space in order to continue working.
"We're investigating an issue in which users' OneDrive for Business storage limits are lower than expected," says the Microsoft 365 Status account on Twitter (via Bleeping Computer).
According to Microsoft, the cause of the issue is OneDrive for Business not recognizing people's licenses. As a result, the cloud storage service reverts to the default limit of 1TB. The same incident also causes people to not be able to edit some of their stored files. Instead, OneDrive for Business only allows affected accounts to read files over the 1TB limit.
We've identified a fix which is undergoing testing. If successful, this will remediate the issue. More information can be found in the admin center under OD280960.We've identified a fix which is undergoing testing. If successful, this will remediate the issue. More information can be found in the admin center under OD280960.— Microsoft 365 Status (@MSFT365Status) August 26, 2021August 26, 2021
This issue could affect a large number of major corporations. According to Microsoft, 85% of Fortune 500 companies use OneDrive for Business.
Fortunately, Microsoft has already identified a fix for the issue and is testing it now. This is a developing story and we'll update it as more information comes in.
All the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards.

Sean Endicott is a news writer and apps editor for Windows Central with 11+ years of experience. A Nottingham Trent journalism graduate, Sean has covered the industry’s arc from the Lumia era to the launch of Windows 11 and generative AI. Having started at Thrifter, he uses his expertise in price tracking to help readers find genuine hardware value.
Beyond tech news, Sean is a UK sports media pioneer. In 2017, he became one of the first to stream via smartphone and is an expert in AP Capture systems. A tech-forward coach, he was named 2024 BAFA Youth Coach of the Year. He is focused on using technology—from AI to Clipchamp—to gain a practical edge.
