Microsoft discontinues direct file upload from URLs on OneDrive due to low usage, citing maintenance costs

Microsoft is continuously enhancing the user experience of OneDrive by introducing new features, while also being willing to retire less utilized functionalities. In a recent blog post, the company announced the discontinuation of the ability to upload files directly from URLs on OneDrive, citing low user engagement as the primary reason for this decision.

Despite being available as a preview feature for OneDrive Personal, the direct file upload from URLs will cease to be supported by Microsoft from March 29, 2024. The company highlights the low usage and high maintenance costs associated with this feature as factors contributing to its removal.

Microsoft advises users that the functionality may cease to operate without prior notice following the specified date. However, files previously uploaded to OneDrive from URLs will remain intact unless deliberately deleted by the user.

While the removal of this feature may disappoint some users, Microsoft assures the release of several beneficial AI features for OneDrive in the upcoming month. These include enhancements such as enabling Copilot to analyze files to address queries and generate document summaries, offering users valuable functionalities to compensate for the discontinued feature.

In a recent blog post, the company announced the discontinuation of the ability to upload files directly from URLs on OneDrive