4shared for Windows

Quick summary of 4shared for Windows

4shared is a cloud-storage service with a dedicated desktop client for Windows, plus web and mobile access. Free accounts can receive up to 100 GB of space, and the platform combines file hosting with easy sharing tools so you can send documents, photos, music and video to others via links or by connecting social accounts.

Principal capabilities

• Backup and file recovery (desktop sync required) — scheduled server-side backups protect synced folders and deleted items are kept in a recycle bin for at least 24 hours. Premium subscribers get full access to these backup and restore features.
• On-the-fly compression utility — compress files online before downloading or sharing to save bandwidth and time.
• Social and embed sharing — generate public links, embed content on web pages, or push files to linked social media profiles automatically.
• Drag-and-drop uploads from your desktop — add files to your account quickly by dropping them into the app or web interface.
• Integrated malware scanning — uploaded content is screened automatically to reduce the risk of infected files.

Streaming media from your desktop or phone

Windows users can stream stored audio and video directly from the desktop client: locate the media file and choose the stream option to play it in a popup window. Mobile apps add convenience features such as creating playlists and queuing tracks for continuous playback. All media can be shared via links so recipients can stream without downloading.

Backups and restoring deleted items

To enable continuous backups you must install the desktop application and include desired folders in the sync list. 4shared’s servers perform regular backups for synced content; deleted files remain recoverable from the recycle bin for a minimum of 24 hours. Note that full backup and recovery capabilities are included with Premium plans only.

Is the desktop app worth installing?

If you want a straightforward way to keep files available across devices and share content quickly, the Windows client makes uploading, streaming and linking quite simple. The interface is designed for ease of use, and features like drag-and-drop uploads and automatic sharing to social accounts speed common tasks. For those who prefer alternatives, mainstream options include Google Drive and Dropbox.