Google Drive has begun limiting how many files its users can create and save on the file-sharing platform. Even if users pay for extra storage, the tech giant reportedly imposes a cap.
So if you are fond of backing up relatively large system files on Google Drive, you might want to think twice this time around.
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 08: People walk past the Google pavilion at CES 2020 at the Las Vegas Convention Center on January 8, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Google Drive File Creation Limitation
As per The Verge, Google Drive now limits the number of files users can create or save on the platform. They could now only create a maximum of 5 million files.
The spokesperson of Google, Ross Richendrfer, told The Verge that the new limit seeks to "maintain strong performance and reliability" of the file-sharing platform. On top of that, the additional measure also aims to prevent "misuse" of the systems of the service.
The Google spokesperson reveals that once users reach the file creation limit, they will receive a notification. From there, they may reach out to Google support to talk about the problem.
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How Does the File Creation Limit Work
Although Drive now has a 5 million limit, it only applies to the files users have "created" on the platform. And as such, the files users have "shared" to their Drive do not count.
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The logo of Google internet giant is seen on the opening day of the Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) audiovisual and systems integration exhibition in Barcelona on January 31, 2023.
With that, users may still have at least 5 million files as long as not all of these were created by the Google Drive user.
The renowned tech firm further assures that the new limitation only affects a "vanishingly small" number of users. In other words, most users should be able to go on with their lives after all despite the new file creation limitation, at least according to the search giant.
However, Engadget notes in its report that the new limit that Google imposed carries a problem for heavy users. Some folks might end up hitting the limit before the storage they paid for actually runs out.
The news outlet notes that 2TB Google One users might enter into problems if their average file size is roughly 400KB or even lower. At that rate, these accounts might get a limit notification before even reaching their storage capacity.
The Verge highlights that Google failed to tell affected users about the new maximum file cap before it started quietly rolling out. But then again, the tech giant believes that only a relatively few folks will encounter the limit.
For most of us, who would never create up to a whopping 5 million files, we may continue using Google Drive without running into this limitation.
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