Microsoft revamped its free online storage service SkyDrive this week (big week for online storage, right?) with new desktop apps and better syncing—but, sadly, a reduced storage limit for new users: from the 25GB previously offered to 7GB. Existing Windows Live account users can claim the 25GB of free space for a limited time. Here's how.


First, if you're an existing SkyDrive user already using more than 4GB as of April 1, according to this MSDN blog post, you're already upgraded and grandfathered into the 25GB storage plan. You're good.

But if you're an existing SkyDrive account holder who doesn't have that much uploaded already, you should log into your account at skydrive.live.com, then click the "Manage storage" link on the left navigation pane. In the next screen, click the "Free upgrade!" button to increase your storage limit from 7GB to 25GB. It's a quick and painless process.


You may be able to get 25GB of SkyDrive storage even if you're not a current SkyDrive user. According to a Slickdeals post, if you have a Windows Live account (e.g., @live.com or @msn.com) or Hotmail the upgrade may work for you. Click on SkyDrive from within Hotmail or sign in with your WIndows Live account at the SkyDrive link below for the upgrade.

The new SkyDrive now has a 2GB per file limit rather than 300MB, new paid storage plans, and Dropbox-like single-folder syncing (read more about the changes at MSDN). As before, SkyDrive offers in-browser Microsoft Office document editing and creating capabilities, and if you grab the upgrade before this limited time offer ends (no word on when it expires), a pretty attractive amount of free storage space.

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SkyDrive | via MSNBC and Slickdeals