A change in the logic of OneDrive's version history

In future, the logic of version history will be as follows:

1. Each version formed is automatically preserved for 30 days.
2. If there are more than one version for one hour, only one version of these will survive for 60 days.
3. If there is more than one version for a single day, only the first version will survive for 180 days.
4. If there are more than one version for one week, only the first version of the week will remain permanently or until the 500 version limit is reached.

Thus, at least one previous version of each file will remain permanently for a week, the other versions will be automatically deleted according to the logic above.

With this change, we aim to make it easier for users not to fill their OneDrive storage so easily in the future.

The change applies to new files and new version histories that will be formed as a result of editing previous files. The old version history of the previous files remains the same, but you can clean it yourself. Instructions: How to check OneDrive's version history.

Contact the ICT Services (ict@oulu.fi) if cleaning the version history feels overwhelming. We can clean up the version history with a minimum of one month old versions or older. (Updated 29 May 2026)

Manually change version history setting

After the change implemented by ICT, the user can change the settings of the version history if they wish. The version history settings can be modified as follows:

1. Log in to M365 at https://o365.oulu.fi.
2. Open OneDrive.
3. Click on the cog in the top right corner and select OneDrive Settings.
4. Click More Settings on the left side.
5. Under Can't find what you are looking for?, select Return to the old Site Settings page.
6. Under Site Administration, select Site libraries and lists.
7. Select Customize “Documents”.
8. Select Versioning settings.