Microsoft limits Skype file transfer to 100MB

Microsoft wants you to use its OneDrive service to share all your extra-large files, which is probably why the company decided to end the practice of allowing Skype users to share content over 100MB. Funnily enough, there’s a good chance many Skype users have yet to realize this new feature is even in place.

One of the great reasons for using Skype’s file transfer service was its ease of operation, getting files to whoever was on the other end. Since both parties are front and center, files could be easily dragged and dropped right into the user interface. With a click of the mouse, the receiving party can then proceed to download the file. It’s so easy that it comes as a surprise to know Microsoft is doing away with the transfer of large files.

We’re also surprised knowing that these files are never uploaded to Microsoft servers. Each file that is sent over Skype relies on a peer-to-peer connection, meaning that Skype users are using their own bandwidth to upload files to the recipient’s computer.

Outside of limiting file size to 100MB, Microsoft also added something else that should instead get fans excited. In the past, whenever a user lost his or her Internet connection while downloading a file, they would have to re-download the whole thing whenever the network was up and running again. This time around, the software giant is making it possible for the file download to be paused until everything is connected again.

Finally, there’s now a 30-day limit to how long a file will be available for download. Once this time has passed, the download button will gray out.

We’re glad for the new Skype update, but not so much when it comes down to the file sharing limit. Since we are using our own bandwidth to upload files, it follows that Microsoft shouldn’t place artificial limits on its functionality.

Learn more about file sharing on Skype here.

RELATED STORIES YOU NEED TO CHECK OUT:

• Microsoft to remove Skype video messaging feature from Windows Phone devices