Google Workspace Storage Cap and Shared Drive Changes Begin Aug. 1 | Information Technology | University of Pittsburgh
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Google Workspace Storage Cap and Shared Drive Changes Begin Aug. 1

Tuesday, July 19, 2022 - 08:30

Beginning on Monday, Aug. 1, 2022, the following changes will impact students, faculty, and staff using Google Workspace for Education accounts:

  • Google Workspace for Education storage will be limited to 15 GB*
  • Account owners and their collaborators will be unable to edit or upload files if their account exceeds 15 GB
  • Users will need to contact the Technology Help Desk to create new shared drives that belong to a team rather than an individual

Pitt Information Technology is making this change in response to Google ending unlimited storage for all Google Workspace for Education customers.

Alternate No-Cost Storage and Paid Options

Pitt IT encourages individuals currently storing data on Google Workspace to consider Microsoft OneDrive. Alternately, Microsoft Azure is available for those with more robust storage needs.

To accommodate circumstances that may make it difficult for some individuals to move Google Workspace data to another solution, Pitt IT will offer a cost-recovery option that provides additional Google Workspace storage. Individuals will be able to work with their department’s purchasing contact to purchase storage through PantherExpress in increments of 100 GB for a cost of $48 per account, per year. Details will be provided in the FAQ section below.

Shared Drives After Aug. 1

Beginning Aug. 1, all Google Workspace users will be unable to create new shared drives, which contain files that belong to a team rather than to an individual. Instead, those who need a new shared drive after Aug. 1 should submit a request through the Technology Help Desk. Pitt IT will evaluate the use case and, upon approval, create the shared drive. In the near term, existing shared drives created before Aug. 1 will continue to work as they do today.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I purchase additional Google Workspace storage through the cost recovery option?

More information, including a link to purchase additional storage via PantherExpress, is coming soon.  

What happens if my Google Workspace account already exceeds 15 GB?

Pitt IT is reaching out to individuals whose Google Workspace accounts already exceed the 15 GB storage limit to explain options and provide guidance.

How do I move my Google Workspace data to OneDrive?

The easiest way to move your data is to download your folders or files from Google Workspace to your local device, then upload them to Microsoft OneDrive.

How much storage space does OneDrive provide?

OneDrive provides up to 25 TB of storage space, with a 250 GB individual file size limit.

What is the difference between a shared drive and a shared file or folder in Google Workspace? 

A shared file or folder is an item that you own and have chosen to share with others. Shared files and folders are stored in your individual Google Workspace account and count against your 15 GB storage quota. If you leave Pitt, your collaborators lose access to your shared files and folders.  

Shared drives belong to a team rather than an individual. Even if members of the team leave Pitt, the shared drive remains. Shared drives are not part of your individual Google Workspace account and therefore do not count against your 15 GB storage quota. However, they do count against the University of Pittsburgh’s overall Google Workspace storage quota.