Microsoft 365 to Launch New $1.99/Month Basic Subscription with 100 GB of OneDrive Storage

Microsoft has announced its plans to launch a new Microsoft 365 Basic tier later this month. The affordable plan costs $1.99 per month (or $19.99 per year), and includes 100GB of OneDrive cloud storage as well as an ad-free experience in the Outlook web app, with additional security features to follow later this year.

Microsoft highlighted that Microsoft 365 Basic subscribers will get access to the web-based Office apps. Users will also be able to contact support for Windows 11 and Microsoft 365 via phone and online chat. However, it doesn’t include the Office desktop apps already available for Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscribers.

“Initially, Microsoft 365 Basic will include essential peace of mind benefits like 100 gigabytes (GB) of cloud storage, ad-free and secure email with Outlook, and access to support experts for help with Microsoft 365 and Windows 11. And we plan to make Microsoft 365 Basic even better with advanced security features like ransomware recovery and password-protected sharing links in OneDrive later in 2023,” said Liat Ben-Zur, CVP for Modern Life, Search, and Devices.

Microsoft 365 Basic to launch later this month

It is important to note that Microsoft 365 Basic will replace Microsoft’s 100 GB OneDrive plan on January 30. The company will automatically upgrade all subscribers of its standalone OneDrive plan to Microsoft 365 Basic. However, this change will not impact Microsoft 365 Personal and Microsoft 365 Family plans.

Microsoft mentioned that it will roll out a simplified experience to let users view, upgrade, or manage OneDrive cloud storage. It will be accessible through Windows settings or a Microsoft account on the web on February 1.

Lastly, Microsoft announced that its new Microsoft 365 app is now available for web users. The app replaces the existing office.com portal, and it will begin rolling out to Windows, iOS, and Android users at the end of this month.