How to Restore Deleted Files in OneDrive Step by Step
You can restore deleted files in OneDrive by checking your Recycle Bin first. Most files end up there, even if you did not delete them on purpose. Some common reasons for file loss include changes in OneDrive settings, running out of storage, or using the Files On Demand feature. Time matters, so act fast. Here’s a quick look at how long you have:
If you wait too long, files may disappear for good. Try to restore deleted files as soon as you notice they are missing.
Key Takeaways
Look in the OneDrive Recycle Bin first to get back deleted files fast before they are gone.
Work or school accounts have another Recycle Bin. This gives you more time to recover files, up to 93 days.
You can use your computer’s Recycle Bin or Trash to get back files deleted from synced OneDrive folders on your computer.
The 'Restore your OneDrive' feature helps Microsoft 365 users fix big mistakes. It lets you undo changes for up to 30 days.
Always save copies of important files. Use version history to keep files safe from being lost or damaged by accident.
Restore Deleted Files from Recycle Bin
Web and Mobile Steps
You can restore deleted files in OneDrive using the Recycle Bin. This is the first place you should check when you notice something missing. Here’s how you do it on the web:
Go to the OneDrive website and sign in with your account.
Open the App Launcher and pick "OneDrive."
Look at the left menu and click "Recycle Bin."
If you do not see your file, scroll down and check the "Second stage recycle bin" link.
Find the files you want to get back. Click the circle next to each file.
Hit the "Restore" button at the top.
💡 Tip: On the OneDrive mobile app, tap the "Me" icon, then choose "Recycle Bin." Select the files you want and tap "Restore." The steps are simple and quick, so you can recover your files even when you are not at your computer.
You can use these steps to restore deleted files whether you are on a computer or a phone. Always check the Recycle Bin first before trying other recovery options.
Retention Periods
The Recycle Bin does not keep files forever. For personal OneDrive accounts, deleted files stay in the Recycle Bin for 30 days. Even if you empty your computer’s Recycle Bin, the OneDrive cloud Recycle Bin keeps your files for this time. After 30 days, OneDrive removes the files for good.
If you use a work or school account, the Recycle Bin holds deleted files for up to 93 days. Your IT admin might change this time, but 93 days is the default.
📝 Note: When the Recycle Bin gets full, OneDrive starts deleting the oldest files after three days for personal accounts. This makes room for new deleted files. For work or school accounts, deleted items are removed after 93 days unless your admin changes the setting. This way, the Recycle Bin never stays full and always has space for new files.
Act fast if you want to restore deleted files. The sooner you check, the better your chances of getting your files back.
Second-stage Bin
Work/School Accounts
If you use OneDrive with a work or school account, you get an extra safety net for your deleted files. This is called the second-stage Recycle Bin, or sometimes the Site Collection Recycle Bin. When you delete a file, it first goes to your regular Recycle Bin. If you delete it again from there, it moves to the second-stage bin. This extra step helps you recover files that you thought were gone for good.
Here’s how the process works:
You delete a file from your OneDrive. It moves to your Recycle Bin.
You or your admin can restore or delete it from this first bin.
If you delete it from the first bin, it moves to the second-stage Recycle Bin.
Only your site collection admin can restore or permanently delete files from the second-stage bin.
The second-stage bin keeps your files for a set time (usually up to 93 days). After that, files are gone forever.
🛡️ Tip: The second-stage Recycle Bin acts as a backup before files are lost for good. Always check here if you can’t find your files in the main Recycle Bin.
Recovery Steps
You can Restore Deleted Files from the second-stage Recycle Bin if you act quickly. Here’s what you need to do:
Open OneDrive in your web browser and sign in.
Go to the Recycle Bin on the left menu.
Scroll down and look for the link that says "Second-stage recycle bin."
Click the link to open the second-stage bin.
Find the files or folders you want to recover.
Select the items by clicking the circles next to them.
Right-click and choose "Restore," or use the "Restore" button at the top.
Once you finish these steps, your files will return to their original locations. If you wait too long, the files may disappear from both bins, so don’t delay. The second-stage bin gives you one last chance to restore deleted files before they are gone forever.
Local Device Recovery
Sometimes, you might delete a file from your OneDrive folder on your computer instead of online. When this happens, your computer’s own Recycle Bin or Trash can help you get it back. Let’s look at how you can check both Windows and Mac for your missing files.
Windows Recycle Bin
If you use a Windows PC, files you delete from your OneDrive-synced folders usually go straight to the Windows Recycle Bin. This only happens on the computer where you deleted the file. The file will not show up in the Recycle Bin on your other devices. If you delete a file from the OneDrive website, it goes to the online Recycle Bin, not your computer’s.
Here’s what you need to do:
Open the Recycle Bin on your Windows desktop.
Look for the file or folder you want to restore.
Right-click the item and choose Restore.
Your file will pop back into its original OneDrive folder on your PC. This is a quick way to get back something you deleted by mistake. Remember, the Windows Recycle Bin only holds files deleted locally. If you use more than one computer, check the Recycle Bin on the device where you deleted the file.
💡 Tip: If you can’t find your file in the Windows Recycle Bin, try checking the OneDrive online Recycle Bin as well.
Mac Trash
On a Mac, the process is just as simple. When you delete a file from your OneDrive folder, it moves to the Trash. You can get it back in just a few clicks:
Open the Trash folder from your Dock.
Find the file or folder you want to recover.
Right-click and select Put Back.
The file will return to its original spot in your OneDrive folder. This works for any file you deleted from a synced OneDrive folder on your Mac.
Checking your local Recycle Bin or Trash gives you another chance to recover files before they are gone for good. Always look here if you can’t find your files online.
Restore your OneDrive
Restore Point Selection
Sometimes, you make a big mistake and want to fix it. The Restore your OneDrive feature lets you go back in time. If you have a work or school account, you can set your whole OneDrive back to an earlier day. This tool helps you undo changes you did not want, fix mass deletions, or recover from malware.
First, open OneDrive on the web and log in. Click the gear icon at the top and pick "Restore your OneDrive." You will see a chart and a list of recent actions. These help you find when the problem started. Choose a date from the last 30 days. You can also pick a certain activity from the list as your restore point. After you decide, confirm your choice. OneDrive will put your files and folders back to how they were then.
📝 Note: Files or folders made after your chosen restore point will move to the Recycle Bin. You can still get them back from there if you need to.
When to Use
You might wonder when to use this feature. Here are some times it helps:
You delete many files or folders by accident.
Someone overwrites or damages important documents.
Malware changes or deletes your files in OneDrive.
You see strange activity and want to undo changes.
This feature is best for Microsoft 365 subscribers. It lets you restore deleted files and undo changes from the last 30 days. If you lose files because of a mistake or virus, this tool can save you time and worry. Remember, files already gone from the Recycle Bin cannot be brought back with this tool.
💡 Tip: Always look at the activity chart before you restore. It helps you choose the best time to roll back your OneDrive.
Permanently Deleted Files
If you do not see your files in the Recycle Bin or second-stage bin, you might think they are lost forever. Do not worry yet. There are still some things you can try before giving up.
Microsoft Support
If you cannot Restore Deleted Files the normal way, Microsoft Support might help. Here is what you should do:
Check both the Recycle Bin and the second-stage Recycle Bin in OneDrive again.
Try using the "Restore your OneDrive" feature if you have a work or school account.
If you still cannot find your files, contact Microsoft Support. They have special tools and might find files you cannot see.
Tell them your problem clearly. Give details like file names, dates, and what you already tried.
🛎️ Note: Microsoft Support cannot always get back files that are permanently deleted. The faster you ask for help, the better your chances.
Third-party Tools
If Microsoft Support cannot help, you can try third-party recovery tools. These programs look for files that were synced with OneDrive and then deleted. Some popular choices are:
Recoverit Data Recovery: You choose the OneDrive folder, scan for lost files, look at them, and save them somewhere safe.
EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard: This tool scans your computer for files deleted from OneDrive, even if the Recycle Bin is empty.
SysCloud: This service backs up your OneDrive data and lets you get back files even after the time limit ends.
NAKIVO Backup & Replication: This tool gives backup and recovery for OneDrive, and helps protect against ransomware.
⚠️ Tip: Third-party tools work best if your files were synced to your computer before they were deleted. If you never synced the files, it is much harder to get them back.
Limitations and Prevention Tips
There are some limits when you try to Restore Deleted Files after they are gone for good:
You need to act quickly. OneDrive only keeps deleted files for a short time.
If files never synced to your device, recovery tools may not find them.
Some tools need special skills or cost money.
To keep your files safe in the future, use these tips:
Back up important files to an external drive or another cloud service.
Use third-party backup tools for extra safety.
Check your Recycle Bin often and restore files quickly if you see something missing.
📝 Remember: OneDrive is not a full backup solution. Always keep extra copies of your most important files.
You have several ways to get your files back in OneDrive.
Look in your local Recycle Bin or Trash if you use the desktop app.
Use the restore feature in Microsoft 365 to roll back your OneDrive.
Keep backups in another cloud service for extra safety.
Try third-party tools if files are gone for good.
Regular backups protect you from losing important data. OneDrive’s built-in tools help, but they have limits. Knowing how long files stay in the Recycle Bin helps you act fast and avoid extra costs. Turn on version history so you can recover older versions if you delete something by mistake.
Stay safe—make backups, check your retention settings, and use version history. If you found this guide helpful, bookmark it or share it with friends!
FAQ
How do I find files deleted a long time ago in OneDrive?
You should check the Recycle Bin first. If you use a work or school account, look in the second-stage Recycle Bin. If you still cannot find your files, try contacting Microsoft Support for help.
Can I recover files after emptying the Recycle Bin?
Once you empty the Recycle Bin, files move to the second-stage Recycle Bin (for work or school accounts). If you use a personal account, files are gone. You can try third-party recovery tools, but success is not guaranteed.
What happens if I delete files from my OneDrive folder on my computer?
Your files go to your computer’s Recycle Bin or Trash. You can open the Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (Mac), find your file, and restore it. The file will return to your OneDrive folder.
Does OneDrive keep older versions of my files?
Yes! OneDrive has version history. You can right-click a file and select "Version history" to see and restore older versions. This works best for Microsoft 365 subscribers.
How can I prevent losing important files in OneDrive?
Tip: Always back up your files. Turn on version history. Check your Recycle Bin often. Use another cloud service or an external drive for extra safety. This way, you keep your files safe from accidental deletion.