SharePoint / OneDrive – Cannot Edit Files After License Ended

User cannot edit files in OneDrive or SharePoint after their Microsoft 365 license was removed, expired, or reassigned.

Typically:

• Files open as read-only
• Sync issues occur
• Sharing/editing is blocked

When a license (e.g., OneDrive/SharePoint-enabled SKU) is removed:

• The user's OneDrive site may become locked
• The site can enter a read-only or “no access” state
• Backend provisioning flags are not automatically reverted when the license is reassigned

1. Verify license:

• Confirm the user has an active Microsoft 365 license that includes SharePoint/OneDrive.

2. Verify OneDrive site exists:

• URL format:

https://domainname-my.sharepoint.com/personal/username_domainname_com

3. Check site lock state (SharePoint Admin Center):

• Active
• Read-only
• No access

Prerequisites:

• Must be Global Admin or SharePoint Admin

Steps:

• Log into Microsoft 365 Admin Center.
• In the same authenticated browser session, open:

https://aka.ms/PillarLockedSite

• Run the diagnostic.
• When prompted, provide the affected user’s OneDrive URL:

https://domainname-my.sharepoint.com/personal/username_domainname_com

5. Follow remediation prompts.

The diagnostic checks:

• Site lock status
• Provisioning state
• Backend configuration inconsistencies
• Known post-license-removal issues

• 1. Go to SharePoint Admin Center.
• 2. Navigate to:
  • Sites → Active sites
• 3. Search for the user’s personal site.
• 4. Review:
  • Site status
  • Lock state
• 5. If necessary, change lock state to:
  • Unlock

• Reassigning a license does NOT always automatically unlock the OneDrive site.
• The PillarLockedSite diagnostic is the preferred low-risk remediation method.
• Avoid deleting and recreating the site unless absolutely necessary.

• Global Administrator
• SharePoint Administrator

• Initial documentation – OneDrive locked after license removal scenario