If you’ve ever found a year‑old link still working for a sensitive file, you’ve seen the risk of “set it and forget it.” Temporary file sharing—especially 24‑hour links—keeps access tight, handoffs tidy, and your data off the internet when it’s no longer needed.

This guide explains why 24‑hour links often strike the best balance between convenience and security, when to pick a longer window, and how to roll this into a simple, professional workflow.

What is temporary file sharing?

Temporary sharing means your download link automatically stops working after a set time or number of downloads. Instead of leaving files open‑ended in cloud folders, you give recipients just enough time to grab what they need—then the link expires and the file is removed.

With Comfyfile, you can share up to 4GB per upload, set a passcode, add a download limit, and pick an expiry (e.g., 24 hours). No account required for recipients.

Why 24 hours is a sweet spot

24 hours is long enough for people in different time zones to download, but short enough to:

Minimize the attack window if a link leaks
Prevent links from being reused months later
Encourage clean versioning—new revision, new link
Reduce storage clutter and accidental long‑term exposure
Improve compliance posture (least‑privilege, data minimization)

24‑hour vs 7‑day vs “forever”

24 hours: best for approvals, final deliveries, invoices, one‑off handoffs
7 days: good for bigger teams or when a recipient may be traveling
Permanent links/shared drives: only for ongoing collaboration or shared workspaces

Rule of thumb: if a file isn’t meant to live online, use a short window by default.

Add lightweight security without friction

Pair expiry with two simple controls:

Passcode (shared in a separate channel) to block forwarded links
Download limit (e.g., 1–3 total) to prevent oversharing

These two guardrails stop most accidental exposure while keeping the recipient experience simple.

Step‑by‑step: share a 24‑hour link with Comfyfile

Upload your file (or a zipped folder) — up to 4GB per upload
Set expiry to 24 hours
Add a passcode and share it via a different channel (e.g., text/DM)
Limit downloads (start with 2 or 3)
Add a short note (what it is, version, any instructions)
Copy the link and send it in your email or chat thread

Why this works:

Expiry reduces long‑term risk automatically
Passcode protects against forwarded links
Download limits keep distribution under control
A short note eliminates “what is this?” replies

When not to use 24‑hour links

Ongoing collaboration (use your shared drive/workspace)
Long review cycles (pick 3–7 days and send a fresh link for new versions)
Legal/regulated retention scenarios (store in your system of record, not a share link)

Team policy you can copy

Adopt a simple default and exceptions:

Default: 24‑hour expiry, passcode required, 2–3 downloads
Exceptions: 7‑day expiry for travel/time‑zone issues, fresh link for each revision
Never: permanent links for sensitive files

Post this in your team handbook or project README so everyone follows the same playbook.

FAQ

Do recipients need an account? No—anyone with the link (and passcode) can download.

What happens after expiry or max downloads? The link stops working and files are removed.

Can I resend? Yes—upload again and share a new link. Don’t reuse old links for new versions.

How big can my file be? Up to 4GB per upload with Comfyfile.

Short‑lived links keep you safer by default. Use 24 hours for most handoffs, bump to 3–7 days when needed, and send a new link for each revision. When you’re ready to share, use Comfyfile to generate a clean, password‑protected link with expiry and download limits in seconds.

Temporary File Sharing: Why 24‑Hour Links Are Better