OneDrive File Issues

Can You Delete Sway-Related MOV and MP4 Files from OneDrive?

Guest Writer Oct 9, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user wants to know if they can safely delete or move a OneDrive folder containing MOV and MP4 files linked to Microsoft Sway, as moving them previously caused videos to stop working.

Can You Delete Sway-Related MOV and MP4 Files from OneDrive?

Product: Microsoft OneDrive and Microsoft Sway
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Managing unknown OneDrive folders that contain video files tied to active Microsoft Sway presentations.
Observed behavior: Moving the OneDrive folder caused embedded videos in Microsoft Sway to break. Even after restoring the folder, Sway indicated it could not use the MP4 files or accept OneDrive links.

Before you start

Verify which video files are currently active in your Microsoft Sway presentations before attempting to move or delete any folders in your OneDrive account.

Solution 1Recommended

Restore the OneDrive Folder and Replace with Embedded Media

Move the affected files back to their original OneDrive location to restore path integrity, then re-upload unsupported videos directly into Sway as embedded media.

Microsoft Sway often relies on the exact original file paths in OneDrive to display media. Moving or renaming these folders severs the link, causing the videos to break.

Due to changes in Sway's media policies, direct OneDrive links for formats like MP4 may no longer be supported, requiring users to directly embed the media instead.

Restore the original folder

Log in to OneDrive and move the folder containing the Sway-related MOV and MP4 files back to its exact original directory structure.

Check the Sway presentation

Open Microsoft Sway, navigate to your presentation, and check if the previously broken videos have been restored.

Embed unsupported media directly

If Sway still refuses to play the MP4 files via OneDrive links, remove the existing video card. Click the '+' icon in your Sway Storyline, select 'Media', choose 'Video', and directly upload the file from your computer.

Restore the OneDrive Folder and Replace with Embedded Media

Sway Media Limitations: Sway has updated its guidelines to prioritize directly embedded video and audio. External OneDrive links for certain video formats may no longer function properly.

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Create Dynamic Presentations with WPS Office

If you are struggling with Microsoft Sway's complex cloud-linked media limitations, consider using WPS Presentation. It offers a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative that lets you embed media seamlessly without relying on strict cloud folder paths.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website, download the free suite, and install it on your device.
2. Create a Presentation: Open WPS Presentation, choose a professional template, or start a new blank presentation.
3. Embed Media Safely: Navigate to the 'Insert' tab, click 'Video', and select 'Local Video' to embed your MP4 or MOV files directly into the file.

Embed MOV and MP4 videos directly into your slides without linking issuesHighly compatible with Microsoft Office formats (PPT, PPTX)Free and lightweight alternative to Microsoft OfficeFamiliar user interface for seamless migration from Microsoft PowerPoint

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my Sway videos stop working when I moved them in OneDrive?

Sway presentations link directly to the specific file paths in your OneDrive. If you move, rename, or delete the folders containing those videos, Sway can no longer find the files, causing the embedded videos to break.

Does Microsoft Sway still support direct OneDrive video links?

Microsoft Sway has updated its policies and may no longer accept direct OneDrive links for certain formats, such as MP4 files. Users are advised to directly embed video and audio files into the Sway presentation.

Can I safely delete auto-generated Sway media folders in OneDrive?

No, you should not delete these folders if they contain media currently being used in active Sway presentations. Deleting them will remove the media source, permanently breaking the videos in your Sway.

Document & File Issues