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How Microsoft Sway Video and Audio Upload Changes Affect Existing Sways

Natalie Taylor Oct 8, 2026 869 views

Question details

Understand the impact of Microsoft Sway's discontinued direct video and audio uploads on existing presentations and learn how to embed new externally hosted media.

How Microsoft Sway Video and Audio Upload Changes Affect Existing Sways

Product: Microsoft Sway
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Adding or maintaining multimedia content in Microsoft Sway presentations after recent feature changes.
Observed behavior: Direct uploading of audio and video files is no longer supported, requiring users to use embed codes from external sources like OneDrive or SharePoint.

Before you start

Ensure you have access to a cloud storage service like OneDrive or SharePoint, as you will need to host your media files externally to embed them into your new Sways.

Solution 1Recommended

Embed Externally Hosted Media via OneDrive or SharePoint

Since direct uploads are discontinued, use OneDrive or SharePoint to host your files and embed them into Sway.

Microsoft Sway no longer supports direct audio and video file uploads. To add new multimedia to your presentations, you must host the files on a supported cloud service and use an embed code.

Upload media to cloud storage

Generate an embed code

Once uploaded, right-click the file, select 'Embed' (or click 'Share' > 'Embed'), and copy the generated HTML embed code or iframe link.

Add media to Sway

Open your Sway presentation, click the '+' icon to add a new card, select 'Media', then choose 'Embed'. Paste your copied code into the embed card.

Embed Externally Hosted Media via OneDrive or SharePoint

Permission Settings: Ensure the sharing permissions on your OneDrive or SharePoint file are set to allow your intended Sway audience to view the media, otherwise it may display an error.

Solution 2

Verify Existing Sways with Embedded Media

Check if previously uploaded video and audio files in your existing Sways are still functioning correctly.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Create Seamless Multimedia Presentations with WPS Office

Avoid the hassle of externally hosting your audio and video files. WPS Presentation offers a free, lightweight Microsoft Office alternative that allows you to easily insert local media files directly into your slides without web hosting restrictions.

1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office for free from the official website and install it on your device.
2. Open WPS Presentation: Launch WPS Presentation and create a new slideshow or open an existing .pptx file.
3. Insert Media Directly: Go to the 'Insert' tab on the top ribbon and select 'Audio' or 'Video' to add local files straight from your computer.

Fully compatible with Microsoft PowerPoint (.pptx) formatsInsert local video and audio files directly without external hostingFree, lightweight, and incredibly easy to useFamiliar user interface for a seamless migration from Microsoft Office

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my existing video and audio files in Sway be deleted?

No. Existing videos or audio files already inserted into a Sway presentation will continue to work. The discontinuation only affects new direct file uploads.

Which external platforms can I use to embed videos in Sway?

You can embed videos from supported external platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, Microsoft Stream, OneDrive, and SharePoint by pasting their embed codes into an Embed card within your Sway.

Why does my embedded OneDrive video show an error in Sway?

This is usually caused by incorrect file sharing permissions. Make sure the video file in your OneDrive is shared with 'Anyone with the link can view' so that viewers of your Sway are authorized to see the content.

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