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Managing Unlicensed OneDrive Accounts in Microsoft 365


Unlicensed OneDrive accounts can create unexpected challenges within your Microsoft 365 environment. These accounts, often associated with former employees or guest users, can consume storage space and pose security risks.  This blog post provides a clear overview of unlicensed OneDrive accounts, helping you identify and manage them effectively.





What are Unlicensed OneDrive Accounts?


Unlicensed OneDrive accounts belong to users who haven't been assigned a Microsoft 365 license. These accounts might exist due to:


  • Former Employees:  Accounts associated with past employees who haven't been disabled.

  • Guest Users:  Temporary accounts created for external collaborators.

  • Accidental Creation:  Accidental account creation through external sharing links.


Unlicensed accounts can linger in the background, silently consuming storage space and potentially harboring sensitive data.


Identifying Unlicensed OneDrive Accounts


Fortunately, Microsoft 365 offers tools to locate unlicensed OneDrive accounts. Here are two methods:


  • SharePoint Admin Center:  Navigate to the SharePoint admin center and explore the "Inactive Users" and "External Sharing" reports.


  • PowerShell Cmdlets:  Utilize cmdlets to identify unlicensed guest users.

Get-AzureADUser -Filter "UserType -eq 'Guest'"

By leveraging these tools, you can gain a clear picture of unlicensed accounts within your environment.


Managing Unlicensed OneDrive Accounts


Once identified, you can take decisive action to manage these accounts. Here are your options:


  • Convert to Licensed Users:  If the account represents a current employee requiring access, assign an appropriate Microsoft 365 license.


  • Disable Accounts:  For inactive users or guest accounts no longer needed, disable them to prevent further access and storage consumption.


  • Delete Accounts:  For accounts with no remaining data or future need, permanent deletion can be considered. (Proceed with caution!)


Important Note:  Always back up any critical data before disabling or deleting an account.


Need Help Managing Unlicensed OneDrive Accounts?





At LeewardCloud.io, we understand the complexities of Microsoft 365 administration. Our team of experts can assist you in:


  • Identifying unlicensed accounts

  • Developing a comprehensive management strategy

  • Implementing best practices for secure storage management


Contact LeewardCloud.io today for a free consultation and discover how we can help you optimize your Microsoft 365 environment and ensure data security.


Remember:  Unlicensed OneDrive accounts can pose security risks and consume valuable storage space. By following the guidance in this blog post and partnering with LeewardCloud.io, you can effectively manage these accounts and maintain a secure and efficient Microsoft 365 environment.

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