Microsoft has unveiled a new Microsoft 365 Basic plan that will replace the current OneDrive subscription. It offers 100 GB OneDrive cloud space for only $1.99. The new subscription option will serve a good alternative to the limited free plan and the expensive Microsoft 365 Personal plan.
Microsoft 365 Basic launches January 30th. It will please subscribers with 100GB of OneDrive cloud storage, removed ads in Outlook web and mobile clients, and advanced security features including inbox encryption, suspicious link checking, and attachment scanning for viruses and malware. OneDrive Existing 100GB subscribers will be automatically upgraded to Microsoft 365 Basic at no price increase.
So, the new plan comes with the following options.
- OneDrive space: 100GB
- No ads in Outlook on the web / mobile
- Encryption in Outlook, link and attachment checks for malware, and other security options.
- Personal Vault, advanced sharing options like passwords for links and expiring shares, data backup and recovery in OneDrive. Extra options will become available later this year.
- Tech support in online chat and via a phone call for apps and Windows 11
Thus, the main difference between the Basic plan and the Personal plan is that Microsoft 365 Basic does not provide access to Word, Excel, and PowerPoint applications. This means that subscribers will have to use the web version or mobile apps.
In addition, Office will be rebranded as Microsoft 365 at the end of January on both mobile and Windows. This change was announced last year. At the same time, the Microsoft Office brand will still exist in certain contexts.
Microsoft has no plans to increase the cost of Microsoft 365 subscriptions, but this may happen at any time if the company decides so.
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I’d rather have a “big family” plat with 12+ members.