SERVER STORAGE EXCEEDED, even though I have hardly used any space

It seems you are encountering a "server storage quota exceeded" error in Excel, despite having a premium family subscription. This issue can arise if your OneDrive storage has reached its limit or if there are configuration issues with your OneDrive account. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot:

1. Check Your OneDrive Storage: Verify how much storage you are using in OneDrive. If you are close to or have exceeded your storage limit, you may need to delete some files or purchase additional storage.
2. Unlink and Relink OneDrive: Sometimes, unlinking and then relinking your OneDrive account can resolve sync issues. This can help refresh the connection and may fix the storage error.
3. Reset OneDrive: If the above methods do not work, consider resetting the OneDrive app. This will reset all settings and may resolve any underlying issues.
4. Sync Issues: For the syncing problems with shared files, ensure that the shared files are configured correctly for offline access and check for any conflicts that might be causing the sync to fail. You can resolve conflicts by choosing the appropriate option when prompted by OneDrive.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, you may want to reach out to Microsoft support for further assistance.

References:

• Unable to reach the server error when sharing files or folders in SharePoint or OneDrive
• Error 0x8004def7 when signing in to OneDrive

Hi, Aakriti Construction

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A forum.

Sorry for this frustrating experience regarding your Excel and OneDrive. Here are some workarounds you can try for your issues mentioned above:

Fix: Excel shows “server storage quota exceeded” (Family/Premium consumer account)

Why this happens (most common causes)

• OneDrive thinks your storage is full or the app isn’t signed in with the right account, so Office apps block saves.
• A stuck Office/OneDrive cache or “Processing changes” loop can make saves fail with quota-style errors.

Workarounds (Windows or macOS, 6 quick checks)

• Verify actual storage > open Manage storage and confirm available GB; if it looks wrong, give it up to 24 hours after subscription updates to reflect.
• Confirm the account in Excel equals the OneDrive sync account > in OneDrive Settings > Account, and in Excel File > Account, the same Microsoft account should be shown. Mismatches cause “Upload blocked.”
• Unlink/relink OneDrive > OneDrive Settings > Account > Unlink this PC/Mac, then sign in again and reselect your folders. You won’t lose files.
• Reset OneDrive (clears stale state) > run the OneDrive reset command, then start OneDrive again; reapply “Choose folders” if you used selective sync.
• Clear the Office document cache if the tray icon sits on “Sync pending” or saves keep failing.
• Check service health if the issue persists, in case there’s a live incident impacting saves/sync.

Tip

If a TMP file or a hidden file is blocking the folder, rename/move/upload it manually, or restart and try again.

Fix: Shared files across OneDrive are not syncing (have to save repeatedly)

Likely causes

• OneDrive sync app stuck on “Processing changes,” outdated client, or file/path limits; or you’re signed in with a different account than the one the item was shared to.

Steps to stabilize sync (Windows/macOS)

• Update OneDrive to the latest version, then restart the device.
• Verify you can view the shared folder on OneDrive.com, then re-add it to your sync if needed.
• Unlink/relink OneDrive (refreshes permissions and shared links).
• Reset OneDrive, then re-enable Files On-Demand after sync is stable.
• Shorten long paths or filenames (total path ≤400 characters) and avoid deep nesting; reshare after renaming.
• Move hidden/TMP files out of the folder or upload them via web; delete only when you’re sure they’re not in use.
• If the icon is stuck on Sync pending, delete the Office document cache and retry.
• Check service health to rule out a platform-side issue.

Note

You won’t lose data by unlinking or resetting the OneDrive app; your files remain accessible on OneDrive.com.

If you still see the quota error after the steps above

Make sure Excel is saving to a location where you have modify + delete rights (network shares can block the temp-rename sequence Excel uses). Try saving locally, then copying to the share.

Hope this helps. Feel free to get back if you have other questions.

If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment."    

Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread. 

Hi Aakriti Construction

It has been a while and I am writing to see how things are going with this issue.

Have you had a chance to check the replies provided?

Any update would be appreciated.