Cloud storage is a convenient and easy way to store big files to be accessed on nearly any device at a later time. The storage can get expensive and restrictive, however. Thankfully Microsoft and Google are both offering free cloud storage to users completing simple tasks.

USA Today reports Microsoft will be giving away 100 GB of free cloud storage for two years, and Google will be giving away 2 GB of storage for users' lifetime. Both companies are giving away the data to users who perform simple tasks and keep their account settings up to date.

Microsoft is giving away 100 GB of free cloud storage to users for two years as long as they sign up for Bing Rewards. Bing Rewards is a program for users of the Bing search engine that rewards users for performing searches with points. Those points can be turned into gift cards or to enter contests.

Another part of the deal for users to secure the free 100 GB of storage space is to subscribe to the Bing Rewards newsletter. Users can always unsubscribe at any time.

The savings realized by this free offer is about $50 over two years. Microsoft normally charges $1.99 per month for 100 GB of OneDrive storage. With this promotion, users will get two years for free.

Meanwhile, Google will not be offering much free data, but they will give 2 GB of storage to users confirming their accounts. The company wants users to go into their accounts, verify their phone numbers, an alternate e-mail address and a security question in case their account is ever compromised or locked out to them. 

Microsoft's free storage promotion goes until the end of the month. The free storage space will be delivered to users immediately. Google's free storage will expire Feb. 17, and the company will deliver the free storage space at the end of the month.

It is rare for a company to offer very much free online cloud space. For example, Dropbox, an online cloud storage provider, provides a limited amount of free storage space to new users. To unlock more data, users can join services, install apps or refer friends to the website.