Google has introduced a new limit on the number of files that users can create and save in its Google Drive service. According to reports from Ars Technica, the company has implemented a cap of 5 million files, which applies to all users, regardless of whether they pay for extra storage. A Google spokesperson stated that it was designed to “maintain strong performance and reliability” and to prevent misuse of the platform.

It’s worth noting that the limit applies only to files created by individual users. This means that users can still have over 5 million files in the system as long as they are not solely created by them. If a user reaches the limit, they will receive a notification and can contact Google support for assistance.

While the 5 million file limit may seem excessive, some users have already reached it. One Reddit user with 7 million files in their Drive account claims that Google suddenly barred them from creating new files in February, despite not hitting the 2TB storage limit they pay for. Other users on Google’s issue tracker site also report encountering the limit around the same time, and some initially assumed it was a bug.

As noted by the Reddit post, the file cap means that users with an average file size over 400KB will reach their file limit before they run out of storage space. This could mean that some users are paying for more storage than they can use unless they compress their files into zip folders.

The move appears to have taken some users by surprise, with many complaining that Google did not give sufficient warning before implementing the policy. Some users have had to scramble to relocate or compress excess files since the cap came into effect. While most people are unlikely to have 5 million files stored in Drive, it would have been helpful if Google had provided more advanced notice to those who do.