Microsoft OneDrive now has custom file-sharing features

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Key notes

  • New file-sharing capabilities similar to Google Drive are now making their way to Microsoft’s OneDrive.
  • This has been one of Google Drive’s best features and now Microsoft's users can have a piece too.
  • The update is currently in the rollout phase but users should expect it by the end of the month.
You can now comment on your photos and files on OneDrive

Google Drive and Microsoft’s cloud storage service both have an option to share files with specific people. But Google’s system is more flexible: it lets users revoke individual sharing links, for example. 

Now, Microsoft is joining the club as it is about to release an update that will bring that feature to OneDrive.

A number of other improvements are also being planned for the OneDrive service. In the coming months, Microsoft is planning to launch a new feature that will allow users to view recently modified files, as well as update notifications for individual files.

New file-sharing capabilities now on OneDrive

Microsoft has announced that users of its OneDrive cloud storage service can now share folders with other people and edit permissions before copying or sharing a link. 

This means that if you have a file or folder on your PC you want to share with someone else, you can generate a link that will give them quick and easy access to what you’ve got.

We are updating the copy link command to give customers the ability to change their link type and permissions prior to generating a new link and pasting it into the app of their choice,

In addition, an option that allows users to remove shared links and revoke access permissions will be added as well.

The feature is currently in the process of rolling out but should take effect for all OneDrive users by the end of the month.

Is it better than Google Drive?

The functionality bears a striking resemblance to functionality already available with rival service Google Drive, which has long offered the ability to tweak access permissions before copying a link, including choosing whether recipients can edit the content or not.

Before this latest upgrade, Microsoft had been trying to play catch up with Google Drive in terms of features, but so far its efforts haven’t paid off with increased market share.

Microsoft is keenly aware that it needs to improve its standing in order to have any hope of challenging Google but the release of this feature is a step in the right direction.

What do you think of the new OneDrive file-sharing feature? Does it give Google Drive a run for its money? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.